Hands signing swiftly, kids hard at work, this is a typical day in Andrea Romano’s ASL classroom. Central Kitsap High school is very fortunate to have such a charismatic, hardworking, and understanding teacher.

Andrea Ann Romano, also more commonly known as Mrs. Romano around CKHS, was originally born in Bayshore, New York. A small town along the South Shore of Long Island. Her family moved around a bunch but always seemed to stay on Long Island. 

Romano said that ever since she was a kid, she has enjoyed spending time outside in nature.  

“Oh I love to be outdoors, anything outdoors. I like to hike, ski, camp, walk, just even being in the yard and picking blackberries.” 

Romano said she not only loves to be outdoors but she loves to travel. She’s been working hard saving up money so hopefully in the next five years or so, Romano and her family can travel to Japan. Romano wants to travel to Japan because she enjoys their cuisine and she loves their culture there. 

“I like short trips, long trips, anywhere new or different.” Said Romano

Romano grew up in a family that didn’t make a lot of money, so she was the first person in her family to go to college. She wasn’t able to tour the college beforehand because of financial reasons, but that didn’t dissuade her. Romano knew she wanted to get out of Long Island and see the world, so she decided to go to Purdue University in Indiana. She experimented with different majors throughout college. Romano started out as a prevet, then went to a French major, then she went to a geology major, but right when she found sign language, Romano instantly knew teaching ASL and understanding/being in the ASL community was for her. 

Romano has been teaching for about 20 years total. Romano has worked eight years of teaching at Olympic College, one year at Seattle Central University, and 11 years at Central Kitsap High school. Romano started working as a teacher because she really enjoys the process of taking somebody from not knowing any ASL and building their skills along the way while also seeing them work hard to develop something she enjoys.

Romano started working at CKHS because a friend recommended she should try working at a high school, and after her first time trying it, she “never looked back.” Said Romano. 

“I always thought my dream job would be an ice cream tester.” Said Romano. 

“But I think my dream job if I wasn’t teaching at CKHS would still be teaching, but probably would be in a different country, like teaching English as a second language.” Romano said. 

Romano said she works hard to try to keep her classroom environment relaxed and fun by playing games in class and also by having good conversation with her students. She also strives for students to sign as much as they can in the classroom with one another to better help students build their ASL skills.

“I like to work with young people.” Said Romano.

“I think it’s a really hopeful place to be. I think adults have a harder time learning, kids learn quicker than adults. I think kids just have this innocence. This hopeful outlook.“ 

Romano is also commonly known for being charismatic and understanding towards her students.

“I had her sophomore year before the shut down and I really enjoyed the class. Said Jasmine Hills, a senior at CKHS. 

“It’s one of my favorite ones. She’s just a very nice teacher and very understanding.”

Hills also talks about Romano’s radiating positivity.

“She always has a good attitude, and coming into this classroom, it just brightens my day because of her.”

Hills isn’t the only student to talk highly of Romano. Lucas Hickam, another CKHS senior, agrees that Romano is very nice and understanding.

“She’s super sweet, she’s always super nice. Like late work in case you miss something, she’s pretty understanding.” Said Hickam.

Even though Romano enjoys teaching, there are some aspects she says she finds more difficult.

“I think it’s gotten a little harder where maybe the public doesn’t always trust that we’re doing our best. Romano Said. 

“And that pressure can feel difficult because I really believe that so many teachers here work so hard.” 

Hickam said he highly recommends the class to anyone that hasn’t taken it. 

“I highly recommend ASL with Mrs. Romano. It’s a great class.” Said Hickam