FACULTY MSD - American Sign Language Specialist

Introduction

The Maryland School for the Deaf provides an inclusive,\r\nlanguage-rich environment for deaf and hard of hearing students from birth\r\nthrough age 21. Rooted in a bilingual education approach, we ensure full access\r\nto American Sign Language and English across comprehensive academic,\r\nextracurricular, and student life programs. In partnership with families and\r\ncommunities, we empower students to think critically and develop a sense of\r\nself and belonging.\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

\r\nThis position will be primarily located at the Frederick\r\nCampus, but applicants must be willing to work at both the Frederick and\r\nColumbia Campuses.\r\n\r\n\r\nMSD, Frederick Campus, 101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD\r\n21705\r\n\r\n\r\nMSD, Columbia Campus, 8169 Old Montgomery Road, Ellicott\r\nCity,�MD 21043\r\n\r\n\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

Conduct ASL assessments and evaluations, provide direct and indirect ASL interventions and services, and support language planning. Collaborate with educational teams to foster receptive and expressive ASL development for students (Early Childhood Education through High School) with diverse language profiles. Report to the Director of Language and Literacy Planning and Professional Development while partnering with specialists, Department Principals, IEP teams, and Chief Educational Programs Officers.\r\n

POSITION DUTIES

\r\n Support the implementation of the language planning\r\n frameworks.\r\n Conduct informal and formal assessments of students’\r\n receptive and expressive ASL skills and evaluate ASL language development.\r\n Complete initial assessments to determine if students are eligible for services\r\n and write reports with specific recommendations. Interpret and communicate\r\n assessment results to multidisciplinary teams, families, and educational staff.\r\n Monitor ASL assessments throughout the school. Maintain accurate documentation,\r\n assessment records, service logs, and progress reports. Coordinate, implement,\r\n and provide individualized and small-group ASL interventions targeting students\r\n (ages 2 and up) with development needs in early language acquisition, receptive/\r\n expressive ASL, narrative and discourse, and pragmatic and conversational\r\n skills, specifically for those not yet meeting benchmarks, with the goal of\r\n improving students’ ASL competencies.\r\n Serve as an IEP team member, determine present levels of\r\n performance and establish goals/objectives specifically addressed to student\r\n needs. Prepare and maintain necessary reports.\r\n Collaborate with the educational teams. Provide support to\r\n classroom teachers in implementing language development strategies, including utilizing\r\n current programs including but not limited to modeling lessons/sessions,\r\n coaching and providing professional development sessions. Ensure equity and\r\n unbiased practices are implemented in the classroom and throughout the system\r\n of curriculum and instruction.\r\n Provide\r\n consultation to teachers, related service providers, administrators, and\r\n families regarding ASL language development and acquisition, communication\r\n strategies, and classroom language supports.\r\n Collaborate\r\n with multidisciplinary teams to support student language and literacy goals\r\n within the school’s language planning framework.\r\n Share\r\n strategies and resources that assist staff in promoting language-rich learning\r\n environments and equitable communication access.\r\n Partner\r\n with families to support ASL development and language access across home and\r\n school environments.\r\n Coordinate and implement school-wide events relevant to\r\n ASL/Deaf Culture and Deaf History; Participate in team and community meetings.\r\n Improve professional competence throughout\r\n participation in staff development activities and other professional growth\r\n opportunities.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:\r\nBachelor's degree required. Maryland State Department of Education\r\nprofessional licensure required or the ability to obtain such certification in\r\nthe approved amount of time.\r\n\r\n\r\nExperience: Fluency in ASL and written English; knowledge\r\nof the Deaf Community and the ability to teach or work with students of\r\ndifferent educational backgrounds and additional disabilities is required.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's\r\nDegree in General Education, Deaf Education or equivalent; experience as a\r\nclassroom teacher or ASL teacher for heritage language learners.�\r\n\r\n\r\nExperience\r\nwith ASL assessment tools.\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess or be eligible for\r\nlicensure as a teacher by the Maryland State Department of Education. \r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

\r\nNew hires are subject to a criminal background\r\ninvestigation at their own expense.� (Maryland Code, Family Law Article 1,\r\nSections 5-560-568.)\r\n\r\n\r\nCandidates will need to provide three letters of\r\nrecommendation.\r\n\r\n\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be prescreened before candidates are\r\ninvited to an interview. Preference is given to applicants who already meet the\r\nMaryland State Department of Education's designation of Highly Qualified\r\nteacher.� As an equal opportunity employer, MSD is committed to\r\nrecruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the\r\nState's diversity.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If\r\nyou are unable to apply online or if you encounter difficulty, you may submit\r\nvia mail, e-mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time.\r\nPlease include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure\r\ntimely processing.� Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the\r\nonline or paper application.� Additional or supplemental information must\r\nbe submitted by the closing date and time.��A copy of your college\r\ntranscripts must accompany your application.� The preferred method to\r\nreceive transcripts and additional information is for them to be uploaded.\r\nApplication inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the\r\nfollowing:\r\n\r\n\r\nMailing Address: Maryland School for the Deaf\r\nRecruitment Department, P. O. Box 894, Columbia, MD 21044\r\n\r\n\r\nE-mail: emily.hicks@msd.edu\r\n\r\n\r\nPhone: 410-696-3031, TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay\r\n\r\n\r\nFax: 410-696-3084\r\n\r\n\r\nIndividuals from traditionally underserved and\r\nunderrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual applicants\r\nare encouraged to apply.� As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is\r\ncommitted to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are\r\nreflective of the State's diversity.� We thank our Veterans for their\r\nservice to our country, and encourage them to apply.\r\n