John Paul Jebian

JOHNPAUL JEBIAN’S BIOGRAPHY

                My name is JohnPaul Jebian, Ed. S, also known as JP, I’m an American Sign Language (ASL) teacher at G Holmes Braddock Senior High School for over 28 years, Miami Dade College-North and Wolfson campuses for over 29 years, and at Florida International University for 6 years. I also tutor Deaf children through the Deaf Family Literacy Academy, Shared Reading Project and lastly, I’ve offered free Parent Academy Classes for 19 years, in which those who want to learn ASL or those with Deaf family members can learn some form of ASL and apply it to their everyday life. I’ve been awarded many awards for my teaching such as teacher of the year (2007-2008) and made Region IV Teacher in which I was the first Deaf teacher in the Region (Florida) to receive this title all thanks to my student’s success.

I am the Founder and President of Waving Hands, a non-profit for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in South Florida for over 10 years. Waving hands spreads awareness to the community by hosting workshops for Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals, discussing matters like health care, interpreting services, employment and their legal rights. Our goal is to reach out to those in South Florida that embrace the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community/culture and to include them in different events and activities, as part of a world with full access to all and friendship.

When I was young, many of my teachers and administrators suggested to me that I should consider becoming a teacher as my future career. They told me that I possessed many of the qualities of a successful teacher: enthusiastic, motivating, inspiring, sociable as well as a positive role model. As the first Deaf teacher in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, I am a living example that you do not need to “hear” the pride here and you can “feel” it! Through my instruction, encouragement and example; my students are embarking in careers like becoming sign language interpreters and teachers for the deaf and hard of hearing. They are affecting society in a positive way by bringing creating equality between the hearing and deaf.

Apart from teaching, I was an actor through the National Theatre of the Deaf (Professional Acting for summer) in Connecticut. I acted in various productions, commercials, and TV. I was the co-shadow director for a Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Love of Three Oranges, Hamlet Redux and Property Line. Also, I performed the ASL National Anthem at the NHL Stanley Cup Final two times, in 2023 and 2024 for our local team the Florida Panthers. I am currently studying to be a Certified Deaf Interpreter this year to support the Deaf community. My favorite quote from all the productions I’ve worked on is: “Silence for us is Never Silent.”

Thank you to the Sign Language Center (SLC) staff for accepting me to teach ASL and to provide ASL tutoring for our students. I’m looking forward to working with you all. ASL Rocks!