FACULTY MSD - American Sign Language Specialist

Introduction

The Maryland School for the Deaf provides an inclusive, language-rich environment for deaf and hard of hearing students from birth through age 21. Rooted in a bilingual education approach, we ensure full access to American Sign Language and English across comprehensive academic, extracurricular, and student life programs. In partnership with families and communities, we empower students to think critically and develop a sense of self and belonging.

LOCATION OF POSITION

This position will be primarily located at the Frederick Campus, but applicants must be willing to work at both the Frederick and Columbia Campuses.

MSD, Frederick Campus, 101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD 21705

MSD, Columbia Campus, 8169 Old Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043

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.

POSITION DUTIES

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor''s degree required. Maryland State Department of Education professional licensure required or the ability to obtain such certification in the approved amount of time.

Experience: Fluency in ASL and written English; knowledge of the Deaf Community and the ability to teach or work with students of different educational backgrounds and additional disabilities is required.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master''s Degree in General Education, Deaf Education or equivalent; experience as a classroom teacher or ASL teacher for heritage language learners.Â

Experience with ASL assessment tools.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess or be eligible for licensure as a teacher by the Maryland State Department of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

New hires are subject to a criminal background investigation at their own expense. (Maryland Code, Family Law Article 1, Sections 5-560-568.)

Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be prescreened before candidates are invited to an interview. Preference is given to applicants who already meet the Maryland State Department of Education''s designation of Highly Qualified teacher. As an equal opportunity employer, MSD is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State''s diversity.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online or if you encounter difficulty, you may submit via mail, e-mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time. Please include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. Additional or supplemental information must be submitted by the closing date and time.  A copy of your college transcripts must accompany your application. The preferred method to receive transcripts and additional information is for them to be uploaded. Application inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the following:

Mailing Address: Maryland School for the Deaf Recruitment Department, P. O. Box 894, Columbia, MD 21044

E-mail: emily.hicks@msd.edu

Phone: 410-696-3031, TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Fax: 410-696-3084

Individuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State''s diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.