For the last four years, John Kuhlman has been teaching English as a second language to immigrants. He has 17 students, and each gets a weekly one-on-one 90 minute session. Consider that Kuhlman is 84 and deaf, and you’ll realize how amazing he is.

A former professor of economics at the University of Missouri, Kuhlman began to lose his hearing to an unknown cause 40 years ago. After a cochlear implant and lots of practice reading lips, he feels he’s particularly suited to teaching English.

Deafness as a Unique Perspective
His deafness puts him in a unique position to understand his students. Like them, when he’s in a roomful of people speaking English he can’t make out what anyone is saying.

Kuhlman, a volunteer teacher, says that if he were religious, he’d feel like he’d been called to the job. He moved to Asheville, NC, in 2001 to help care for a grandchild who has cerebral palsy. Now he helps those who moved to America to give their children more opportunity. At the Literacy Council of Buncombe County, N.C., Kuhlman struggles along with his students for the words that are elusive to both.

After three degrees, “Dr.” and “Professor” no longer precede his name. In the single room where he teaches, housed in a non-descript brick building, everyone calls him “John.” The adult-literacy program caters to students from Mexico, China, El Salvador, Ukraine and Thailand--all learning English as a second language. Most work in factories or fields, many for long hours before they come to him.

What’s it like to learn how to speak from someone who is functionally deaf? Many of his students appreciate has patience, and they recommend him to their friends and family. Kuhlman uses standard workbooks, but he brings an element of caring that transcends culture. He sits close to his students so he doesn’t miss the words he gathers from their lips, and they can’t get away with slurring or slang.

One of his students, Jose Cordova, is typical of many immigrants. He put his daughter through nursing school before starting English classes for himself. Cordova describes his teacher as “nice people” and “very friendly.” He also alludes to Kuhlman’s patience and calm attitude.

Kuhlman’s passion for his calling is fueled by the way he feels. When he has a day that has gone particularly well, he says he leaves the school walking on air.

And with 90 students on the waiting list, Kuhlman won’t be coming off that cloud anytime soon.

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