Melinda Kennedy

Assistant Lecturer of Special Education/American Sign Language

Phone:765-285-5700

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Room:TC 705

About Melinda Kennedy

Ms. Melinda Kennedy is a dedicated educator specializing in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Education, with over two decades of experience in teaching and educational leadership. Born deaf and having navigated both Deaf and hearing cultures from a young age, she brings a deeply personal and culturally grounded perspective to her work. This lived experience informs her teaching practice, strengthens her connection with students, and enriches her contributions to the education of Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) learners. Her professional interests include ASL pedagogy, teacher preparation, ASL linguistics and inclusive practices that support language-rich learning environments for DHH students.

Professional Experience

Ms. Kennedy currently serves as an Assistant Lecturer of American Sign Language at Ball State University, where she contributes to undergraduate instruction and the preparation of future educators. Her professional career includes fourteen years as a high school ASL teacher at Anderson High School, where she taught American Sign Language Levels II–IV as a world language. During this time, she demonstrated instructional versatility through the effective use of multiple curricula, including the Signing Naturally  series.

Previously, Ms. Kennedy served as a secondary educator at Liberty Christian School, where she developed and implemented a comprehensive three-year ASL program. Across K–12 and higher education settings, her work reflects a strong commitment to accessible instruction, curriculum development, and advocacy for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Education

• B.S. University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA 
• M.A. Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL
• Ed.D. Educational Studies (in progress)

Select Publications

2023 – Bridging the Gap: Supporting the Attitudes, Knowledge, and Preparedness of Teachers Working with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students in the Mainstream Setting. Concurrent presentation at the 50th Anniversary Conference of the Association of College Educators – Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACE-DHH).

2024 – Exploring High-Impact Practices in Teacher Preparation: Empowering Future Educators to Foster Language-Rich Environments for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students. Poster presentation, in collaboration with Dr. Kelsey Spurgin. (ACE-DHH)

2025 – The Beliefs, Attitudes, and Experiences of General and Special Education Teachers Working with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students. Conference presentation. (ACE-DHH)