ASL Specialist
Texas School for the Deaf Sign Language Services - Austin, Texas Open in Google Maps
This job is also posted in Texas School for the Deaf
Job Details
Job ID: 5989361
Application Deadline: Nov 21, 2026 5:00 PM (Central Standard Time)
Posted: Nov 11, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately
Job Description
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Length of position:199 Contract days
Hours:40 hours per week
SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Supervisor of Sign Language Services, the ASL Specialist provides specialized expertise in American Sign Language (ASL) to support the language development of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, TSD staff, and families. This position assesses students' ASL proficiency and language development, contributes to Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, and provides targeted interventions to strengthen expressive and receptive language skills. The ASL Specialist collaborates with educational teams, supports staff in implementing effective language practices and communication accommodations, and develops and delivers ASL instruction, training, and resources for staff and families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Student Language Assessment, Intervention, and Team Collaboration
- Assess the expressive and receptive ASL skills of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, including evaluating social and academic language proficiency and identifying individual strengths and areas of need.
- Conduct language assessments for newly enrolled students and use assessment results to identify priorities for language development and targeted intervention.
- Collaborate with teachers, speech-language pathologists, case managers, and other educational team members to evaluate student communication skills and support educational planning.
- Contribute to the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by summarizing students' communication abilities, sharing assessment results, and developing or assisting with communication- and language-related goals.
- Consult with IEP teams regarding the language and communication needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students and participate in IEP meetings as requested.
- Provide targeted ASL intervention services to students with identified language development needs to promote communication competence and access to academic instruction.
- Serve as a member of the ASL evaluation team by assessing student ASL proficiency using various assessment instruments, including the ASL Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) and ASL Receptive Skills Test (ASL-RST).
ASL Instruction and Curriculum
- Develop, adapt, and deliver ASL instruction for TSD staff and families through in-person and virtual learning opportunities, ensuring instruction is responsive to varying proficiency levels and communication needs.
- Design, develop, and maintain ASL curricula, instructional materials, and learning resources that support language acquisition and effective communication across educational and home environments.
- Facilitate communication access through language modeling and communication adaptations for students with unique language profiles, including students with emerging language skills, language deprivation, or additional disabilities.
- Collaborate with teachers and staff to promote the use of conceptually accurate ASL across academic content areas and school settings.
- Provide consultation and support to educators in developing and implementing language accommodations and communication strategies that enhance students' access to instruction.
- Participate in and support family-centered programs and initiatives that promote ASL acquisition and family engagement, including Ranger Signs and Family Weekend Retreat.
- Serve as a member of the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) team by conducting staff ASL proficiency assessments, assisting with interviews, ratings, and reports, and supporting organizational language proficiency development initiatives.
Program Coordination and Administrative Responsibilities
- Provide coordinated educational programming and ASL resources for students, staff, and families.
- Develop and adapt lesson plans and instructional activities to meet the communication and learning goals of various stakeholder groups.
- Select and implement instructional curricula and materials that reflect the diverse educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the individuals served.
- Provide ASL mentoring and technical assistance to interpreters and other professionals through community engagement and statewide projects.
- Assist with the coordination and delivery of programs and services within the Student Support Services Division, including Family Weekend Retreat and On The Road.
- Compile, analyze, and maintain assessment data, attendance records, reports, and other required documentation.
- Document attendance and participation for ASL classes, workshops, and training sessions, as appropriate.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education, American Sign Language, or related field.
- Valid Texas teaching certification
- Sign Language: The ultimate required proficiency level for the position using the levels designated in the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) is SUPERIOR.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in a related subject
- Three or more years of classroom teaching experienceTwo or more years of experience coordinating and/or administering ASL assessments
- ASL-EST/ASL-RST Evaluator Certification.
- Visual Communication and Sign Language (VCSL) Evaluator Certification.
- Experience using eSped
- Experience with distance learning
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Attributes
- Instructional Knowledge— knowledge of content; instructional methodologies, classroom management
- Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
- Effective Communication—the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public.
- Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
- Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Dependability—the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
- Safety and security—the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.
- Interpersonal Skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.
SUPERVISOR
Supervisor of Sign Language Services
MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY (MOS) CODE: None
It is the Texas School for the Deaf’s (TSD) policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. TSD expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Retaliation against individuals who oppose unlawful discrimination or participate in an employment discrimination proceeding is also prohibited. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, wages, and benefits. In addition to federal law requirements, TSD complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $329.21 Per Day
Job Requirements
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required