Calvin Farley is a Senior Lecturer in Deaf Studies in the Department of Theory and Practice in Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Farley began his career in post-secondary education in 2012 as a mentor at Maryville College, serving college students who were majoring in interpreting as their future careers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media: Visualization from East Tennessee State University, which has greatly benefited his work as a mentor and instructor. During his two years as a mentor, he gained experience and skills in supporting students who sought to become stronger signers and translators between English and American Sign Language (ASL).

While mentoring, he rediscovered his passion for teaching and developed an additional passion for ASL education that supports students’ acquisition of ASL and the development of teaching skills. He returned to the University of Tennessee and earned a master’s degree in Teacher Education in Spring 2016. Farley has served as a full-time lecturer in the Deaf Studies program since Fall 2016.

Farley has served as an ASL placement operator since Fall 2018. He has served as advisor to the student organization ASL Club (ASLK) since 2020. He also serves as a speaker and has presented at various seminars and workshops across the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, through live videos, and online.

Farley is known for his unique and engaging teaching approach, which encourages students to communicate at their current level while actively chatting with peers and with him. This approach creates a fun and effective learning environment that helps students remember concepts more easily while developing stronger conversation skills and a deeper understanding of ASL structure. He believes that learning is a shared process and often says that he learns something new from his students every single day.

In class, he occasionally shares personal Deaf-related experiences, funny stories, moments of his wife and himself, and incorporates activities such as throwing a football or playing ASL games. These elements help keep the environment real, relatable, and engaging for students.

Teaching is his passion and form of engagement. While the lessons themselves are important, what he enjoys most is seeing students express themselves and develop strong back-and-forth conversations across a variety of topics. Watching their confidence grow, their personalities shine, and their communication skills strengthen is far more rewarding than simply completing a lesson.

When Calvin is not teaching, he enjoys teasing his wife, parenting five children, video gaming, chess, exercising, hiking, and chatting. He also enjoys collecting items such as Pokémon cards, Jeff Gordon collectibles, and Deaf-related items.

Professional Account on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aslbust/