American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher (25-26 SY)

Job ID 1124– Apply through applitrack link found on MCUSD 19 Vacancies Page

Job Title: American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher

Department: World Language
Reports To:  Building Principal 
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Work Days:  182 
Salary: Determined by graduate degrees/hours and level of experience.
FY 26 Teacher Salary Schedule
Salary Schedule for 2025-2026 SY: Step 1 Salary Range: $44,500 – $53,250 (Bachelors – Masters+45) 
NOTE: District 19 recognizes all years of certified full time years of service when placing teachers on the salary schedule.
Board paid TRS
Benefits Package Available

JOB SUMMARY
Mascoutah High School is seeking a passionate and dedicated High School American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher to join our dynamic educational team. This position will instruct students in ASL as a communicative language. The goal of this program is to foster bilingualism (ASL and English) and cultivate an appreciation for Deaf culture while developing students’ ASL skills. The teacher will create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that promotes communication, cultural understanding, and language acquisition.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Certification/License:

• Illinois Professional Educator License (Grade 9-12)
• Degree or certification(s) from an accredited school of higher education in  American Sign Language (ASL)
• Valid Illinois endorsement in ASL or equivalent certification.
• Proficient in American Sign Language (ASL); proficiency assessment may be required.
• Strong knowledge of Deaf culture and community.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience teaching high school students is preferred, but not required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Curriculum Development and Instruction: Develop and implement engaging ASL curriculum aligned with national and state standards (if applicable) and designed to foster communicative competence in ASL. This includes creating lesson plans, activities, assessments, and supplementary materials.
• Language Acquisition: Teach ASL grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and cultural nuances, emphasizing practical communication skills in a variety of settings.
• Cultural Immersion: Integrate Deaf culture into the curriculum, fostering an appreciation for Deaf history, traditions, values, and community. This may include inviting Deaf guest speakers, exploring Deaf art and literature, and discussing Deaf issues.
• Communication Skills Development: Create a classroom environment that encourages active communication in ASL. This includes facilitating discussions, role-playing, storytelling, and other interactive activities.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Regularly assess student progress in ASL comprehension, expression, and cultural understanding through various methods, such as quizzes, tests, presentations, and performance-based tasks. Provide constructive feedback to students.
• Classroom Management: Maintain a positive and respectful classroom environment conducive to learning and communication. Establish clear expectations for student behavior and participation.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other teachers, counselors, and administrators to support student success. This may include participating in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school-wide events.
• Professional Development: Stay current with developments in ASL education, Deaf culture, and language acquisition pedagogy. Attend workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities.
• Advocacy: Promote ASL and Deaf culture within the school and community. This may involve organizing events, raising awareness, and advocating for accessibility and inclusion.
• Use of Technology: Integrate technology into the classroom to enhance learning, such as using online resources, videos, and interactive software.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress.
• Community Engagement: Foster relationships with the Deaf community and encourage student involvement in local events, organizations, and activities that promote Deaf awareness

Additional Duties 

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of instructional principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students.
• Knowledge of theories, techniques and planning for speech development and therapy.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires a reasonable duration of sitting, walking, and standing. The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment.

OTHER
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.