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.

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

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.

• 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.
• 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 educational teams to provide support to classroom teachers in implementing language development strategies, including coaching and professional development sessions.
• Ensure equity and unbiased practices 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 through participation in staff development activities and other professional growth opportunities.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

Must possess or be eligible for licensure as a teacher by the Maryland State Department of Education.

New hires are subject to a criminal background investigation at their own expense.

Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.