FACULTY MSD - American Sign Language Specialist

Introduction 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 This position will be primarily located at the Frederick Campus, but applicants must be willing to work at both the Frederick and Columbia Campuses. MSD, Frederick Campus, 101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD 21705 MSD, Columbia Campus, 8169 Old Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043 Main Purpose of Job Conduct ASL assessments and evaluations, provide direct and indirect ASL interventions and services, and support language planning. Collaborate with educational teams to foster receptive and expressive ASL development for students (Early Childhood Education through High School) with diverse language profiles. Report to the Director of Language and Literacy Planning and Professional Development while partnering with specialists, Department Principals, IEP teams, and Chief Educational Programs Officers. Position Duties Support the implementation of the language planning frameworks. Conduct informal and formal assessments of students’ receptive and expressive ASL skills and evaluate ASL language development. Complete initial assessments to determine if students are eligible for services and write reports with specific recommendations. Interpret and communicate assessment results to multidisciplinary teams, families, and educational staff. Monitor ASL assessments throughout the school. Maintain accurate documentation, assessment records, service logs, and progress reports. Coordinate, implement, and provide individualized and small-group ASL interventions targeting students (ages 2 and up) with development needs in early language acquisition, receptive/expressive ASL, narrative and discourse, and pragmatic and conversational skills, specifically for those not yet meeting benchmarks, with the goal of improving students’ ASL competencies. Serve as an IEP team member, determine present levels of performance and establish goals/objectives specifically addressed to student needs. Prepare and maintain necessary reports. Collaborate with the educational teams. Provide support to classroom teachers in implementing language development strategies, including utilizing current programs including but not limited to modeling lessons/sessions, coaching and providing professional development sessions. Ensure equity and unbiased practices are implemented in the classroom and throughout the system of curriculum and instruction. Provide consultation to teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families regarding ASL language development and acquisition, communication strategies, and classroom language supports. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support student language and literacy goals within the school’s language planning framework. Share strategies and resources that assist staff in promoting language-rich learning environments and equitable communication access. Partner with families to support ASL development and language access across home and school environments. Coordinate and implement school-wide events relevant to ASL/Deaf Culture and Deaf History; participate in team and community meetings. Improve professional competence throughout participation in staff development activities and other professional growth opportunities. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree required. Maryland State Department of Education professional licensure required or the ability to obtain such certification in the approved amount of time. Experience: 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 General Education, Deaf Education or equivalent; experience as a classroom teacher or ASL teacher for heritage language learners. Experience with ASL assessment tools. Licenses, Registrations and Certifications Must possess or be eligible for licensure as a teacher by the Maryland State Department of Education. Special Requirements New hires are subject to a criminal background investigation at their own expense. Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation. Benefits State of Maryland benefits. Equal Opportunity Statement As an equal opportunity employer, MSD is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. #J-18808-Ljbffr MD