Career Center

Position Description:

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 August 29, 2022. This is a 9 month, Professional Academic (P&A) appointment, 100% time, annually renewable, non-tenured position that involves full-time 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 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

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.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
• 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.
• ASLTA Certification
• 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.

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online: https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button, search for Job Opening ID 344358, 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 should be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.  

Complete applications will consist of the following:

1. Cover letter (include your YouTube Unlisted video, see #5 below)
2. Curriculum vita
3. A copy of your transcripts that substantiate degree
4. Names and contact information of three references familiar with the applicant’s teaching experience and qualifications for this position
5. A 5-minute YouTube Unlisted video introduction using the following criteria:
   1. Self-Introduction: Succinctly introduce yourself by describing your interests, goals, and skills. Describe the most relevant pieces of information about yourself (e.g. degree/certification).
   2. 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 development and technology integration in your ASL teaching.

Include your YouTube Unlisted link in your cover letter.

This position will remain open until filled, however the search committee will begin reviewing complete applications on January 1, 2022.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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.

All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to submit proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 or request a medical or religious exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax.