American Sign Language Instructor

After School Matters•Chicago, IL

About The 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.

Requirements

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.)
Culturally competent in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.

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