Michael O’Donnell

Alt Text

Michael O’Donnell

Assistant Professor

Full-time


Contact:

2115 G Street NW Washington DC 20052

Michael O’Donnell, M.S. is a Teaching Assistant Professor of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf studies. Prior to joining GW Speech, Language and Hearing Science Department in 2007, Professor O’Donnell taught at Gallaudet University and held various positions in the private sector as an executive and entrepreneur in the industry of communication accessibility services that included sign language interpreting, interpreter education, real-time captioning, and sign language education at the workplace.  He also was a licensed secondary school teacher of ASL and a manager responsible for communication accessibility services in U.S. Congress.


  • Member, Faculty Consultative Committee, GW Presidential Search 2016-2017
  • Member, GW Academy of Distinguished Teachers, Office of the Provost
  • Faculty Advisor, GW ASL Club
  • Member, American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA)
  • Advisory board member and external reviewer of ASL programs, local colleges and universities

Professor of the Year, 2013 by GW Athletics

GW Bender Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2012

Nominated for 2012 Service Excellence Award by the George Washington University

Guest speaker/Panelist at Gallaudet University

  • American Sign Language Instruction & Curriculum Design/Development
  • Interpreter Education in the Linguistics of ASL Perspective
  • Deaf Studies (Culture, History, Politics, Education and Communication Accessibility)

SPHR 1081: American Sign Language I

SPHR 1082: American Sign Language II

SPHR 2083: American Sign Language III

SPHR 1084: Perspectives in Deaf Culture

M.S., Educational Administration and Supervision, Gallaudet University

B.A., Sociology and American Studies, Gallaudet University