Teaching Specialist – American Sign Language

About the Job

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 University’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

Qualifications

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

• Master’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 the Department

Department Overview

The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including: the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The department’s scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: The budgeted salary range for this position is $55,000 – $65,000 ($73,333 – $86,666 12-month equivalent). Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate’s experience, skills, and internal equity within the department. Additionally, this position is eligible for a signing bonus of $2,500. Signing bonuses are paid out in two installments. $1,250 will be paid out on the first paycheck after hire and the second installment of $1,250 will be paid out to eligible employees after their one-year anniversary.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 9-month

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. 

This position requires that you attach all of the folowing:

1. Cover letter (include your YouTube Unisted video, see #5 below)
2. Curriculum vita
3. Copy of your transcripts showing highest degree and relevant coursework/licensure
4. Names and contact information of three references familiar with the applicant’s teaching expereince and qualifications for this position
5. A 5-minute YouTube Unlisted video introduction using the folowing criteria (include link in your cover letter): 

a. Self-Introduction: Succintly introduce yourself by describing your interests, goals, and skills. Describe the most relevant pieces of inforamtion about yourself (e.g. degree/certification).

b. Teaching Experience: Describe your experience teaching ASL and levels you’ve taught. Describe your experience with the Signing Naturally and/or MasterASL curriculum. Describe your experience with curriculum developemnt and technology integration in your ASL teaching. 

This position will remain open until filled, however the search committee will begin reviewing complete appliactions on November 18, 2024.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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