FACULTY MSD - American Sign Language Teacher

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick invites applications for an ASL teacher for 8th through high school students. The role focuses on using ASL as a primary language, with ASL assessments for K-12 students where needed.

The candidate should hold a Bachelor's in ASL or related field and be eligible for Maryland certification; fluency in ASL and strong English skills are required, along with knowledge of Deaf culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ASL or related field.
• Fluency in ASL and written English.
• MD certification eligibility or Maryland certification.

Responsibilities

• Teach ASL to 8th-12th grade students as a primary language.
• Provide ASL assessments for K-12 students as needed.
• Develop and align lesson plans with ASL and state standards.
• Create curriculum maps, progress reports, and track student growth.
• Collaborate with teachers to support IEP goals and assessment needs.
• Provide leadership in ASL instruction and use video/editing tools.
• Coordinate ASL/Deaf Culture events and school-wide activities.
• Support bilingual education concepts across programs.

Skills

ASL fluency

English proficiency

Deaf culture knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in ASL education

Maryland teaching certification eligible

Job description

Introduction

Anticipated opening for the 2026-2027 School Year. 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

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

Main Purpose of Job

To teach American Sign Language (ASL) class (as a primary language, not as a second language) to deaf and hard of hearing 8th - high school students. Provide ASL Assessment as needed to K-12 students.

POSITION DUTIES

• Teach ASL to students to include understanding of ASL linguistics such as handshape, grammar and other parameters, Deaf Culture, Deaf History, and ASL/Deaf Literature.
• Implement ASL Standards as a part of daily classroom instruction and school-wide programming and ensure that the ASL Standards are aligned with National ASL Standards.
• Develop and prepare lesson plans, create curriculum maps, reports, and keep records of student progress; ascertain learning needs of students and establish evaluation techniques for assessment of progress.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and ASL specialists in development of IEP goals and objectives, as well as providing some services and tracking goals. Provide ASL assessments upon request.
• Provide leadership and expertise in the area of ASL instruction; provide instruction in digital/media skills relevant to ASL instruction such as but not limited to digital cameras and tablets, including video-taping and video-editing software.
• Coordinate school-wide events relevant to ASL/Deaf Culture and Deaf History.
• Conduct school-wide training on use of ASL Standards and alignment of ASL Standards with state common core standards.
• Practice bilingual education and concepts with all students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education : Bachelor's degree required Maryland State Department of Education certification as ASL teacher or the ability to obtain such certification soon after hire is required.
• 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 ASL Education or equivalent; experience as a classroom teacher or ASL as a primary language teacher.

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 with their application.

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.

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.