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PEACH SPRINGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #8

American Sign Language Teacher (Grades 7-12)

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, the American Sign Language Teacher develops students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in receptive and expressive American Sign Language (ASL), including visual communication, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, fingerspelling, and culturally appropriate communication. The teacher also supports students in developing understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture, history, communities, and traditions connected to ASL.

The teacher is responsible for planning and delivering standards-aligned instruction, assessing student progress, maintaining a safe and respectful classroom environment, communicating with families, and supporting the academic and cultural mission of Peach Springs Unified School District #8.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements American Sign Language (ASL) curriculum and instruction consistent with District goals, applicable Arizona standards, and school improvement priorities.
• Creates and maintains a safe, respectful, culturally responsive, and student-centered classroom environment that supports whole-group, small-group, and individualized instruction.
• Develops lesson plans, instructional materials, learning activities, and assessments that provide sequential learning experiences and maximize instructional time.
• Teaches receptive and expressive ASL skills, including visual comprehension, signing, fingerspelling, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, classifiers, sentence structure, conversational fluency, communication, interpretation concepts, and appropriate language usage.
• Develops student understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture, Deaf history, ASL communities, accessibility, and the traditions associated with American Sign Language (ASL).
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies, visual learning tools, technology resources, and culturally relevant materials to engage students and support ASL language acquisition.
• Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities, English learners, gifted students, and students requiring additional academic support.
• Conducts ongoing formative and summative assessment of student learning, analyzes data, and adjusts instruction to support student growth and achievement.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of grades, attendance, student progress, parent communication, and other required documentation in accordance with District procedures and applicable law.
• Communicates regularly and professionally with students, parents/guardians, staff, and administrators regarding student progress, classroom expectations, and instructional support.
• Establishes and reinforces classroom expectations so that student conduct aligns with school standards, District policies, and a productive learning environment.
• Collaborates with professional staff members, including grade-level, content-area, special education, intervention, and administrative teams, to support student learning and schoolwide goals.
• Participates in faculty meetings, professional learning communities, committees, professional development, and other school or District activities as assigned.
• Selects, requests, organizes, and maintains appropriate instructional materials, books, technology, supplies, and equipment; maintains inventory records as required.
• Supports student participation in ASL-related activities, cultural events, presentations, performances, community engagement opportunities, or other enrichment activities when appropriate.
• Maintains professional knowledge of current instructional practices, ASL language acquisition research, assessment practices, Deaf culture, accessibility, and developments in the educational field.
• Complies with District policies, school procedures, confidentiality requirements, mandatory reporting obligations, and all applicable federal and state laws.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not intended to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility. The District may revise or assign additional duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of current teaching methods, educational pedagogy, ASL language acquisition practices, visual learning strategies, and differentiated instruction based on student learning needs.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL), including receptive and expressive communication, grammar, syntax, vocabulary, fingerspelling, classifiers, visual communication patterns, Deaf culture, and appropriate language conventions.
• Knowledge of assessment practices, data information systems, data analysis, and the development of instructional action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, District policies, and school procedures related to education and student services.
• Ability to plan, organize, and deliver effective instruction aligned to curriculum expectations and student needs.
• Ability to use technology, instructional software, student information systems, visual media, and other digital tools to support ASL instruction and communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, administrators, and community partners.
• Ability to create a positive classroom culture and manage student behavior in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner.
• Ability to engage in reflective practice, self-evaluation, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

EQUIPMENT

Uses standard classroom and office equipment, including personal computer or laptop, interactive display or projector, printer, copier, telephone, instructional technology, online learning platforms, and other classroom materials or equipment as assigned.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travels to District buildings, professional meetings, trainings, student activities, and other work-related locations as required.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works primarily in standard classroom, school building, and office environments.
• Requires regular standing, walking, sitting, signing, viewing, reading, writing, and use of computers and classroom technology.
• May require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of instructional materials and classroom supplies.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and respond appropriately to student, parent, staff, and school needs.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position, if applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in education, American Sign Language, language instruction, or a related discipline applicable to the teaching assignment.
• Valid Arizona teaching certificate with the appropriate American Sign Language (ASL) or other applicable certification/endorsement required for the ASL assignment and grade level, or eligibility to obtain appropriate certification as permitted by the Arizona Department of Education.
• Valid Arizona Department of Public Safety IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license, or the ability to provide reliable transportation as required by the assignment.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in education, American Sign Language, language instruction, curriculum and instruction, or a related field.
• Successful prior teaching experience in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf education, language instruction, or a related instructional setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL), including receptive and expressive signing, fingerspelling, visual communication, and knowledge of Deaf culture.
• Experience working with rural school communities, Native American students, tribal communities, Deaf or hard-of-hearing communities, or culturally responsive instructional settings.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Peach Springs Unified School District #8 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by applicable law.