American Sign Language Instructor - Lutz Center

After School Matters; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 41,328 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

After School Matters in Chicago is seeking part-time instructors to teach American Sign Language (ASL) to high school students aged 14-20. Instructors will foster understanding of Deaf Culture while supervising and leading students. The role includes preparing lessons and managing various program activities.

Compensation is $32 per hour, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusive education in an engaging environment. Candidates with experience teaching teens are highly preferred.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Expose teens to education and communication industries.
• Prepare and supervise weekly lessons on Deaf culture and ASL.
• Develop high-quality related field trips and events.
• Provide supervision during program activities.
• Manage and track program activities in an online system.

Skills

Proficiency in ASL

Knowledge of Deaf Culture

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

The typical schedule for program sessions is 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: deep understanding and fluency in American Sign Language, including mastery of ASL grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and fingerspelling. Ability to sign clearly and effectively communicate complex ideas in ASL.
• Knowledge of Deaf Culture: understanding of cultural norms, values, history, and traditions within the Deaf community. Cultural sensitivity and respect are essential.
• Teaching Skills: effective lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional design. Ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners and create an inclusive learning environment.
• Communication Skills: strong skills to effectively convey information to teens, including signing fluently to explain concepts, provide feedback, and facilitate discussions.
• Patience and Empathy: supportive, encouraging and understanding that learning a new language requires patience and practice.
• Customer Service Skills: communicate effectively 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 per hour.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.