Position Overview

The American Sign Language Program, Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota invites applications for a full-time Teaching Specialist position in the area of American Sign Language to begin no later than January 9, 2025. This is a 9-month, Professional Academic (P&A) appointment, 100% time, annually renewable, non-tenured position with a primary focus on teaching, but includes time for course content preparation, student performance evaluation, professional development projects and meeting with individual students as needed.  

This position focuses on teaching American Sign Language at the undergraduate level with students from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and identities. This position actively supports and advances the Universityâ™s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ideal candidate must be a self-starter, detail oriented, highly motivated, ability to execute and develop quality work as necessary with the highest standards and attention to detail. Collaboration, organization and time management skills are key to success in this position.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager.  All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. 

Job Responsibilities

Teaching (90%)

• Teach 6 sections of American Sign Language at the undergraduate level per academic year.
• Prepare, revise and develop course content and curriculum using technology
• Evaluate student performance
• Meet with individual students as needed

Other Duties (10%)

• Complete professional development assignments
• Participate in department and program meetings
• Provide external support services and outreach
• Other duties as assigned
   

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in ASL Education, Deaf Studies, Linguistics or related fields (candidates with BA/BS in other fields will be considered only if that individual can provide evidence of two years full-time teaching ASL using the Signing Naturally and/or MasterASL Curriculum)
• American Sign Language Teacher Association (ASLTA) Certification or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire. 
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of professionals and colleagues in a variety of environments in an open, honest and professional manner to promote an effective instructional team.
• Extensive knowledge of the linguistic structure of ASL and English.
• Extensive knowledge of Deaf culture.
• Ability to develop and deliver courses in ways that effectively account for a variety of diverse backgrounds, communities, identities, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masterâ™s degree in ASL Education, Deaf Studies, Linguistics or related fields.
• A minimum of three years of teaching ASL with a variety of curriculum materials including, but not limited to: Signing Naturally, MasterASL, TWA (True+Way ASL).
• Evidence of participation in ASL/Deaf Community organizations on local, state and/or national levels.
• Experience in curriculum development and digital pedagogy.
• Knowledge of and ability to use various software programs for teaching and research.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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