Dr. John S. Pirone is a Deaf academic, educator, researcher, and advocate serving as an Assistant Professor of American Sign Language (ASL) at the University of Vermont (UVM) in the Department of Education. His work focuses on ASL education, equity for signing Deaf students, and inclusion, informed both by his lived experience and scholarly approach.
Early Career and Doctoral Work
John S. Pirone earned his Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts[1]. His doctoral dissertation explores the experiences of ASL-using Deaf students in mainstream higher-education environments[2].
Teaching and Professional Involvement
Before joining UVM, Pirone accrued over two decades of teaching experience in ASL, Deaf Culture, and Deaf Studies at various colleges and universities across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts[1]. He also served as Director of Deaf Studies at the College of the Holy Cross[1]. At UVM, he now teaches a comprehensive range of ASL and Deaf Culture courses—from ASL 1100 (ASL 1) through ASL 3300 (ASL Literature)—within the American Sign Language Program[1].
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Drawing on his expertise and lived experiences, Pirone is active in local, state, and national advocacy. He has served on the boards of organizations such as the Learning Center for the Deaf, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities[1].
He has delivered invited talks and workshop presentations on topics including Deaf culture, equity versus equality in education, ASL linguistics, and access issues—across venues such as universities (Middlebury College, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, University of Vermont), disability rights panels, and public policy gatherings, spanning from 2012 through 2023[3].
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Dr. Pirone has been recognized for his leadership and advocacy in the Deaf community:
- Deaf Leader of the Year, State of Arizona (2000)
- Successful Deaf Leader Award, Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (2009)
- Dr. Richard Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award, Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf (2011)
- Community Leader of the Year, D.E.A.F., Inc., Boston (2013)
- The George Veditz Award, Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf (2017)[1]
Impact
John S. Pirone’s career reflects a deep integration of scholarship, teaching, and advocacy. His contributions enrich the emergent field of ASL education, foregrounding issues of access and equity for Deaf students. His lived experiences inform his work, and his scholarly and community engagement consistently contribute to shaping inclusive and just educational spaces in higher education and beyond.
- University of Vermont, College of Education and Social Services. (n.d.). John S. Pirone [Profile page]. UVM.
- Pirone, J. S. (2016). Deaf students who use American Sign Language and their academic and social experiences in mainstream college settings. Northeastern University.
- University of Vermont CV (Pirone, J.). (2023, November). John Pirone CV.
