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Sign Language Instructor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Tutor Me Education

Virtual ASL Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$40/hr

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable American Sign Language (ASL) Instructor to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for teaching ASL to students at varying levels of ...

Tutor Me Education

Virtual ASL Instructor

Chicago, IL · Remote

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable American Sign Language (ASL) Instructor to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for teaching ASL to students at varying levels of ...

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All JobsSign Language Instructor JobsSign Language Instructor Jobs in Illinois

Sign Language Instructor information

See Illinois salary details

$16

$38

$51

How much do sign language instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for sign language instructor in Illinois is $38.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.75 and $51.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sign Language Instructor vs Sign Language Interpreter?

AspectSign Language InstructorSign Language Interpreter
CredentialsTypically requires certification in sign language teaching or educationRequires certification or licensing in sign language interpretation (e.g., RID certification)
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, educational settings, community programsConferences, medical appointments, legal settings, live events
Employer & IndustrySchools, community centers, educational organizationsHealthcare, legal, government, private agencies
Search & Comparison IntentLearning sign language, teaching sign languageFacilitating communication between deaf and hearing individuals

While both roles involve sign language skills, a Sign Language Instructor primarily teaches and educates students in sign language, often in classroom settings. In contrast, a Sign Language Interpreter facilitates real-time communication between deaf and hearing individuals in various professional environments. Both require certification, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sign Language Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sign Language Instructor, you need proficiency in sign language (such as ASL), strong instructional skills, and typically a relevant certification or degree in deaf education or interpretation. Familiarity with video conferencing tools, digital learning platforms, and curriculum development software is often necessary. Patience, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills help instructors effectively engage students and foster an inclusive learning environment. These skills ensure students gain language proficiency and that diverse learners feel supported and understood.

What does a Sign Language Instructor do?

A Sign Language Instructor teaches students how to communicate using sign language, such as American Sign Language (ASL) or other regional sign languages. They design lesson plans, demonstrate signs, and help students develop receptive and expressive signing skills. Instructors may work with individuals, small groups, or larger classes, both in-person and online. Their students can include deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, family members, educators, or anyone interested in learning sign language.

What are some common challenges Sign Language Instructors face when teaching students at different proficiency levels?

Sign Language Instructors often work with students who have varying degrees of familiarity and comfort with sign language, which can pose challenges in lesson pacing and engagement. Beginners may require more visual aids and repetition, while advanced learners might seek more nuanced communication practice. Balancing these needs within a single class or across multiple classes requires flexibility and creativity in instructional methods. Instructors also need to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment, encouraging active participation and cultural understanding among all students.
What are popular job titles related to Sign Language Instructor jobs in IL? For Sign Language Instructor jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Sign Language Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sign Language Instructor job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,752 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
American Sign Language Instructor

American Sign Language Instructor

After School Matters

Chicago, IL • On-site

$32/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

After School Matters rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 196 rated education and training

Job description

Summary of Position: After School Matters is seeking committed, part-time instructors to teach its American Sign Language program during the summer, fall, and spring for 15 high school participants between the ages of 14 to 20.
American Sign Language is an advanced apprenticeship. Students learn the essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and facial expressions/body language used in ASL. Instructors will supervise and lead students in understanding and expose teens to the importance of Deaf Culture and ASL basics.
The typical schedule for program sessions are as follows:
  • Summer: 6 to 7 weeks, daily Monday through Friday, four instructional hours per day. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
  • Fall: 10 weeks, Monday through Friday (after school hours) and/or Saturday, 60-90 instructional hours (based upon the program model). Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
  • Spring: 10 weeks, Monday through Friday (after school hours) and/or Saturday, 60-90 instructional hours (based upon the program model). Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
  • Limited opportunities for Saturday only programs are available.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Expose a diverse group of teen participants to various facets of the education, linguistics, and communication industries while fostering a positive, safe, and collaborative atmosphere for all teen participants.
  • Maintain knowledge of current education, linguistics, and communication, technology and concepts
  • Prepare, organize, and supervise the weekly lessons on Deaf culture, ASL vocabulary/grammar, or ASL body language and facial expressions.
  • Develop, plan, and implement high-quality related field trips, master classes, events, and guest visits to enhance instruction and training
  • Provide supervision during program field trips and other youth engagement opportunities
  • Report all problems or concerns and program updates to After School Matters Program Specialist to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the program session
  • Attend all planning and program dates, including: Instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions
  • Participate in the recruitment, interview, and selection process of teen program participants
  • Manage and track program activities such as attendance, interview outcomes, enrollment, evaluation surveys, and pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (CitySpan).
  • Supervise teens at an average of 15:1, instructor: teen ratio

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Proficiency in ASL: Must have a deep understanding and fluency in American Sign Language. This includes mastery of ASL grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and fingerspelling. Must be able to sign clearly and effectively communicate complex ideas in ASL.
  • Knowledge of Deaf Culture: Knowledge of cultural norms, values, history, and traditions within the Deaf community. Cultural sensitivity and respect are essential.
  • Teaching Skills: Possess effective teaching skills, including lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional design. Must be able to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners and create an inclusive learning environment.
  • Communication Skills: Strong communication skills are essential to effectively convey information to teens. This includes both signing fluently to explain concepts, provide feedback, and facilitate discussions.
  • Patience and Empathy: An ideal instructor is supportive, encouraging, able to provide constructive feedback, and is understanding that learning a new language requires patience and practice.
  • Customer Service Skills: Able to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders (teen participants, parents, ASM programs staff, vendors, etc.)

Qualifications:
  • Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.
  • Culturally competent in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

Compensation: $32 / hour
About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
ASM has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation's largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens.
ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

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