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

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