Assistant Educator, American Sign Language Program

Department: American Sign Language Program

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: $50,000-$55,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, times variable dependent on class schedule; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Department of Modern & Classical Languages & Literatures (MCLL) at Wichita State University seeks a passionate and student-centered educator to join its American Sign Language program as an Assistant Educator of American Sign Language with a focus on Interpreter Education. This is a 9-month, non-tenure track faculty appointment beginning August 2, 2027.

This position offers the opportunity to foster a new generation of ASL interpreters while contributing to a growing and collaborative language department that values applied learning, community engagement, and service. The successful candidate will help strengthen connections between the university, the Deaf community, and professional interpreting environments while fostering student success through innovative teaching and mentorship.

Success in this role means that students graduate with stronger ASL fluency, basic/foundational interpreting skills,  and meaningful connections to the Deaf community. Through collaborative teaching, mentorship, and service, you will help advance interpreter education while contributing to a vibrant academic environment and the greater Wichita community.

The Department of Modern & Classical Languages & Literatures offers majors in French, Spanish, and American Sign Language, along with minors in French, Spanish, American Sign Language, Japanese, and German. Faculty engage in diverse areas of scholarship and practice, and Wichita State is recognized for its commitment to applied learning and meaningful partnerships with industry and community organizations.

This position provides the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students, contribute to the advancement of interpreter education, and engage in service both on campus and throughout the Wichita community.

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for teaching and service, as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

• Teach undergraduate American Sign Language and interpreter education courses through a variety of instructional modalities.
• Create engaging learning experiences that integrate applied learning, experiential projects, and industry-relevant practices.
• Collaborate with ASL faculty on curriculum development, program assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and advise students as they pursue academic, professional, and career goals in interpreting and Deaf community engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with local Deaf community organizations and stakeholders to support student learning and language access initiatives.
• Participate in outreach activities that enhance community engagement and promote the ASL program.
• Contribute service to the department, college, university, and the broader ASL and interpreting professions.
• Support Wichita State University's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and community-connected learning.

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduate level degree or Equivalent Experience in the Field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

• MA degree in American Sign Language, Interpreting, or related field by start date.
• Fluency in American Sign Language as demonstrated by test scores or credentials such as but not limited to: ASLPI score of 4 or higher, SLPI rating of Advanced Plus or higher, BEI Advanced Certification, RID certification (NIC or CDI).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effective written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and collaborate in a robust teaching program.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse academic and non-academic groups.
• Effective mentoring skills.
• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness

Preferred Qualifications:

• ASL Interpreting degree
• Interdisciplinary/industry collaboration experience as demonstrated by professional credentials in the ASL Interpreting profession (either state or national level).
• Demonstrated instructional effectiveness in teaching interpreting and ASL related content at the college level.

Additional Information:

Please complete the Faculty Profile including the names and contact information of three (3) references and upload the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Teaching Statement, including any (including examples of teaching experience i.e. workshops, courses taught, etc., and teaching evaluations if possible)

Review of applications will start on December 15th and will continue until the position has been filled.  Letters of recommendation will be requested to semifinalists. Feel free to contact Dr. Edward Bart Edward.bart@wichita.edu or Dr. Rocio del Aguila rocio.delaguila@wichita.edu for any questions.

WSU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%