Tomey McGowen

McGowen’s innovative teaching idea, “Ducks Educational Tools,” focuses on providing the students at Taylor High School the ability to communicate proficiently in American Sign Language (ASL). Students involved in the project will develop an understanding of the nature of language, including grammar and culture. They will engage in a variety of signed exchanges that provide information, expressing feelings and preferences while exchanging ideas and opinions. With the Voya grant, McGowen is able to purchase the necessary tools to help the students achieve their optimum potential. Through mastering ASL, McGowen hopes students will enhance their interpersonal communication skills, empathy, and appreciation of others who might be different from themselves.