CISLT
CISLT

Welcome to the Council of Irish Sign Language Teachers (CISLT).

CISLT is a professional organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in the teaching of Irish Sign Language (ISL) and supporting the Deaf Community throughout Ireland.

We are committed to providing high-quality resources and fostering professional growth through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Our members engage in a range of professional learning opportunities, including workshops, training events, meetings and collaborative discussions.

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In keeping with Deaf culture, CISLT has its own sign name, which combines the signs for “teach” and “together”. This reflects our commitment to collaboration, professional support and shared learning among ISL teachers.

CISLT brings together ISL educators from a variety of professional backgrounds and settings. Members work collaboratively to share expertise, discuss best practice and contribute to the ongoing development of the profession.

Membership is open to qualified ISL teachers, including

  1. Graduates of the Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin,
  2. Graduates of the University of Bristol, and those holding equivalent qualifications and relevant professional experience.
  3. Tutors who have taught ISL for many years
  4. ISL communication support services
  5. Home tuition programmes
  6. Primary and post-primary education
  7. Community and adult education, including further and higher education settings

Who We Are

The Council of Irish Sign Language Teachers (CISLT) is an independent voluntary professional organisation established in 2018.

What we do?

CISLT works to achieve and maintain high standards in Irish Sign Language teaching while promoting awareness and appreciation of Deaf culture.

We support our members through professional development opportunities, educational resources and collaborative learning experiences.

Members regularly participate in:

  • Workshops and training programmes
  • Professional meetings
  • Peer discussions and knowledge sharing
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities

Our collective expertise enables us to share knowledge and best practice in areas such as:

  • Curriculum planning
  • Assessment methods and learner progression
  • Teaching methodologies and approaches
  • Educational resources and materials
  • ISL teaching across beginner, intermediate and advanced levels
  • Professional practice across diverse educational settings

Mission Statement

The mission of the Council of Irish Sign Language Teachers is to promote and uphold high standards in Irish Sign Language teaching while fostering understanding, respect and equality.

We are committed to advancing excellence in ISL teaching and supporting the Deaf Community by:

  • Supporting and celebrating Deaf culture
  • Promoting excellence in ISL teaching and learning
  • Providing access to high-quality teaching resources
  • Supporting Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for ISL teachers throughout Ireland

Our Committee

Patrick A. Matthews

Chairperson

John Patrick Doherty

Vice-chairperson

Jenny Healy

Hon. Secretary

Brendan Carron

Hon. Treasurer

Emma Finucane

Committee

Valerie Mahon

Committee

CISLT Brief History

The Council of Irish Sign Language Teachers (CISLT) was formally set up following a workshop on the 13th January 2018 in the Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin.  The setting up of the Council was initiated by Teresa Lynch, Christopher Jones and Kevin Mulqueen. The workshop was attended by eighteen Active members and two Students members. 

CISLT Brief History

The original Committee that were nominated at the workshop were, Patrick A Matthews, Edward Power, Christopher Jones, Karol McGuirk and CDS Student representative Eimear Mowlds.  

We are now starting to see The Council of Irish Sign Language Teachers growing from strength to strength. CISLT are delighted that, as an organisation, it works together with its members, to secure the use of qualified teachers and improve access to quality teaching around the island of Ireland.