5th-8th American Sign Language Teacher

Salem Lutheran School Orange; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Salem Lutheran School Orange is seeking a part-time American Sign Language teacher for grades 5–8 for the 2026–2027 school year. The teacher will build students' ASL proficiency, culture understanding, and confidence as visual communicators within Salem's Christ-centered learning community.

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, about 12–15 hours per week, including instruction, planning, assessment, and related duties. Starting compensation is $29 per hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in ASL, Deaf Studies, Education, World Languages, or related field preferred.
• Strong expressive and receptive proficiency in ASL including fingerspelling, grammar, syntax, and non-manual markers.
• Teaching credential or relevant ASL professional certification preferred, or active progress toward one.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Deaf culture, history, perspectives, and communities.
• Experience teaching ASL to upper elementary or middle school students preferred.
• Strong classroom management, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with a commitment to Christian education.

Responsibilities

• Plans and delivers ASL instruction aligned with California World Languages Standards and best practices in visual language acquisition.
• Develops expressive and receptive proficiency in ASL, including fingerspelling, numbers, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and non-manual markers.
• Incorporates age-appropriate learning about Deaf culture, history, perspectives, and communities.
• Establishes an engaging, visually accessible classroom environment that supports meaningful use of ASL.
• Designs student-centered lessons that promote communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
• Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Assesses student learning regularly and maintains accurate grade records.
• Prepares students for continued success in secondary ASL coursework.

Skills

ASL proficiency

Classroom management

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Christian education

Education

Bachelor's degree

Teaching credential or ASL certification preferred

ASL/Deaf Studies education background

Job description

Company Description: Salem Lutheran Church and School, part of the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, has served the Orange, CA community since 1965. Guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, Salem is committed to nurturing individuals in their Christian life journey through meaningful growth and vocational calling. The ministry places a strong emphasis on missional outreach to families, including a long-established preschool and a growing K–8 school. Today, Salem offers traditional and contemporary worship services, a variety of Bible study opportunities, and a vibrant school community with double classes in most grades and over 200 church members.

Part Time American Sign Language Teacher - Grades 5-8 | 2026-2027 School Year

Salem Lutheran School is seeking an experienced and passionate educator to lead a part-time American Sign Language program for students in grades 5-8. The teacher will build students' foundational ASL proficiency, cultural understanding, and confidence as visual communicators within Salem's Christ-centered learning community.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday; approximately 12-15 hours per week, including instruction, planning, assessment, and related responsibilities

Start Date: As soon as possible

Compensation: Starting at $29 per hour; commensurate with education and experience

Reports To: Principal

Clearances: Successful completion of background check and all required employment clearances

Teaching Schedule:

• C2 - 5th Grade: 11:05–11:40 a.m.
• C3 - 5th Grade: 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
• C8 - 8th Grade: 12:25–1:10 p.m.
• C5 - 7th Grade: 1:15–2:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday

• C6 - 6th Grade: 10:55–11:25 a.m.
• C7 - 6th Grade: 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• C8 - 8th Grade: 12:25–1:10 p.m.
• C5 - 7th Grade: 1:15–2:00 p.m.

Position Purpose

The ASL Teacher educates and ministers to students in grades 5-8 by facilitating their spiritual, academic, and social-emotional growth through American Sign Language instruction from a Christian worldview. The program establishes a strong foundation in visual language acquisition, deepens students' understanding of Deaf culture and communities, and prepares them for secondary ASL coursework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in American Sign Language, Deaf Studies, Education, World Languages, or a related field preferred
• Strong expressive and receptive proficiency in ASL required, including accurate fingerspelling, grammar, syntax, and non-manual markers
• Teaching credential or relevant ASL professional certification preferred, or active progress toward one
• Demonstrated knowledge of and respect for Deaf culture, history, perspectives, and communities
• Experience teaching ASL to upper elementary or middle school students preferred
• Strong classroom management, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with a commitment to professional growth and Christian education

Commitment to Salem's Lutheran Identity

As a servant-leader called by God into ministry at Salem Lutheran, the ASL Teacher promotes in personal life and public service the established values of Salem Lutheran. These values are rooted in the beliefs and practices of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In leading and teaching students and serving families, the teacher will uphold and not disgrace, demean, mock, or teach contrary to those beliefs and practices as outlined in LCMS Belief and Practice.

Principal Accountabilities

The ASL Teacher is accountable to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession: engaging and supporting students; creating effective learning environments; organizing subject matter; planning instruction; assessing learning; and developing as a professional educator.

Faith Integration Responsibilities

The teacher intentionally integrates the Christian faith, consistent with the beliefs and practices of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, throughout instruction, the classroom environment, and communication with students, families, and colleagues. Specifically, the ASL Teacher:

• Connects students' learning to their identity as children of God
• Promotes critical thinking from a Christian worldview
• Creates a classroom environment that reflects Christ-centered love, respect, and collaboration
• Integrates biblical principles and faith connections where appropriate within language and cultural instruction
• Encourages students and families to engage in the faith life of Salem Lutheran Church and School
• Approaches classroom management and discipline through a Law and Gospel framework

Instructional Responsibilities

• Plans and delivers ASL instruction aligned with California World Languages Standards and best practices in visual language acquisition
• Develops students' expressive and receptive proficiency in ASL, including fingerspelling, numbers, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and non-manual markers
• Incorporates age-appropriate learning about Deaf culture, history, perspectives, and communities
• Establishes an engaging, visually accessible classroom environment that supports meaningful use of ASL
• Designs student-centered lessons that promote communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking
• Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Assesses student learning regularly and maintains accurate grade records
• Prepares students for continued success in secondary ASL coursework

Professional Responsibilities

• Implements curriculum and instructional practices that meet established standards
• Reflects on professional strengths and areas for growth and pursues appropriate goals
• Collaborates with colleagues to strengthen instructional programs and student outcomes
• Communicates regularly and effectively with parents and guardians
• Participates in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events appropriate to the role
• Maintains professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct at all times
• Contributes positively to the Salem Lutheran ministry and school community
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal

Salem Lutheran School is prayerfully seeking a teacher who will be a meaningful part of its mission to nurture students' academic growth and spiritual development.