American Sign Language Instructor

After School Matters; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 37,195 - 50,971; Part time

Job summary

After School Matters in Chicago seeks committed part-time instructors to teach its American Sign Language program during summer, fall, and spring for up to 15 high school participants aged 14 to 20. Instructors will supervise and guide teens in ASL basics and Deaf Culture, combining vocabulary, basic grammar, and expressive communication.

The role involves preparing weekly lessons, coordinating with program staff, and supporting field trips and guest visits.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching teenagers is highly preferred.
• Culturally competent with diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Expose a diverse group of teen participants to ASL and Deaf Culture while maintaining a positive, safe atmosphere.
• Prepare, organize, and supervise weekly lessons on Deaf culture and ASL basics.
• Develop and implement field trips, master classes, events, and guest visits.
• Provide supervision during program field trips and youth engagement opportunities.
• Report problems or updates to the Program Specialist and maintain communication.
• Attend planning sessions, orientation, and professional development events.
• Participate in recruitment, interview, and selection of teen participants.
• Manage attendance, enrollment, surveys, and student records in CitySpan.
• Supervise teens at an average of 15:1 instructor:teen ratio.

Skills

ASL proficiency

Deaf Culture knowledge

Teaching skills

Communication skills

Patience and empathy

Customer service skills

Job description

Summary of Position

After School Matters is seeking committed, part-time instructors to teach its American Sign Language program during the summer, fall, and spring for 15 high school participants between the ages of 14 to 20.

American Sign Language is an advanced apprenticeship. Students learn the essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and facial expressions/body language used in ASL. Instructors will supervise and lead students in understanding and expose teens to the importance of Deaf Culture and ASL basics.

The typical schedule for program sessions are as follows:

• Summer: 6 to 7 weeks, daily Monday through Friday, four instructional hours per day. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
• Fall: 10 weeks, Monday through Friday (after school hours) and/or Saturday, 60-90 instructional hours (based upon the program model). Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
• Spring: 10 weeks, Monday through Friday (after school hours) and/or Saturday, 60-90 instructional hours (based upon the program model). Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
• Limited opportunities for Saturday only programs are available.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Expose a diverse group of teen participants to various facets of the education, linguistics, and communication industries while fostering a positive, safe, and collaborative atmosphere for all teen participants.
• Maintain knowledge of current education, linguistics, and communication, technology and concepts
• Prepare, organize, and supervise the weekly lessons on Deaf culture, ASL vocabulary/grammar, or ASL body language and facial expressions.
• Develop, plan, and implement high-quality related field trips, master classes, events, and guest visits to enhance instruction and training
• Provide supervision during program field trips and other youth engagement opportunities
• Report all problems or concerns and program updates to After School Matters Program Specialist to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the program session
• Attend all planning and program dates, including: Instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions
• Participate in the recruitment, interview, and selection process of teen program participants
• Manage and track program activities such as attendance, interview outcomes, enrollment, evaluation surveys, and pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (CitySpan).
• Supervise teens at an average of 15:1, instructor: teen ratio

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in ASL: Must have a deep understanding and fluency in American Sign Language. This includes mastery of ASL grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and fingerspelling. Must be able to sign clearly and effectively communicate complex ideas in ASL.
• Knowledge of Deaf Culture: Knowledge of cultural norms, values, history, and traditions within the Deaf community. Cultural sensitivity and respect are essential.
• Teaching Skills: Possess effective teaching skills, including lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional design. Must be able to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners and create an inclusive learning environment.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication skills are essential to effectively convey information to teens. This includes both signing fluently to explain concepts, provide feedback, and facilitate discussions.
• Patience and Empathy: An ideal instructor is supportive, encouraging, able to provide constructive feedback, and is understanding that learning a new language requires patience and practice.
• Customer Service Skills: Able to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders (teen participants, parents, ASM programs staff, vendors, etc.)

Qualifications

• Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.
• Culturally competent in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

Compensation

$32 / hour

EEO Statement

After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.