I consider myself so lucky to have studied and entered my ASL teaching career alongside Azadeh. She readily shares her ideas and wishes for your success even more than her own.; I always felt bolstered by her earnest support and encouragement. “Sincere” is a word I’d use to describe her. Azadeh treats everyone she meets with kindness and benevolence; she establishes such strong connections with her friends, colleagues, and students. She’s a natural teacher, empowering her students to develop advanced skill levels, but it takes someone truly special like Az to not only teach well but also touch lives.
AZ is prepared, personable, and professional. AZ goes above and beyond for her students. She is what all educators should aspire to be. As a CODA, I was a bit hesitant about learning ASL from a non-native user. But her knowledge of ASL Lingustics and her involvement, awareness, and respect of the Deaf community, Deaf Culture, and ASL clearly shows. You ask AZ a question about additional ASL resources, and you can expect an email from her within 24-48 hours with a list of resources. Also she encourages her shy ASL Students to go to Deaf events, and 9/10 times she goes with her students. There’s not enough words that could describe AZ’s passion she has for teaching and the lengths she is willing to go for her students is quite inspiring.’
Domenick, ASL Level 2 student.
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I took ASL1 taught by Azadeh at LaGuardia Community College last fall. She is a highly skilled educator and so very patient with her class of students of varying levels of ability. She was always prepared, responded to individual needs, and made the class a lot of fun!
Leslie, ASL Level 1 student
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When I first met Az, I was impressed with her professionalism and grace. Beyond being a lovely human being, she is the best at what she does and for me, it was terrifying doing presentations because I’m so shy. Az made me at ease right away, and didn’t tell me to give up on my dream of signing like other professors had. She has a way of bringing out the best in people which you don’t always find in a community college. Also she is the first person to ever explain ASL grammar clearly to me in a way that I could grasp. I don’t have enough nice things to say about AZ and I think any of her students are lucky to know her.
Andrea, Level 3 student.
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It’s difficult for me to think about my ASL journeys without thinking about Azadeh Malekan. She taught me for ASL 2 and 4, but even beyond the classroom she is still instructing me. “Az” reignited my passion for American Sign Language through her own love for this beautiful language and culture. With continual support, fun games, and a wealth of knowledge, Az created a learning environment free of judgment or criticism, where putting yourself out there doesn’t seem so nerve-racking because all she wants her students to do it try.
Devin, Level 2 and 4 student
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I was so fortunate to have Az for my first ASL teacher. She was patient, encouraging, warm, and fun! I don’t think I’m overstepping my bounds by saying that every student in our class felt valued and respected. Additionally, when my agency needed someone to come in and train staff to work with a deaf client with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities, I called Az immediately and she rose to the challenge beautifully. Staff were so grateful for her training and felt encouraged to register for formal classes as a result! This client previously could communicate with very few staff, and this training made a significant difference in his life. I would take class and/or work with her again in a heartbeat, and hope that I have an opportunity to do so!
Madeline, ASL 1 student and Psychologist
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Az is a wonderful teacher. She creates a supportive atmosphere in the classroom, where a student can feel comfortable taking the risks necessary to learn. She really got to know my daughter, Zoe, what her learning style is, and what areas of interest motivated her to learn. Learning sign language is not just about communication, it’s about culture as well. Az found opportunities for her students to experience deaf culture. For Az, learning does not just take place in the classroom. Among a variety of opportunities for field trips, highlights from Zoe’s ASL class were museum tours at both the Whitney and the Met given in ASL, and a rock climbing class also given in sign language. We were so happy that Az was Zoe’s ASL teacher. Not only did Zoe learn a great deal, she thoroughly enjoyed herself in Az’s classroom which motivates her to learn more. I highly recommend her!
Jill, Mother of ASL high school student
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