Instructor, American Sign Language (FT)

Portland Community College • Portland, OR

5d • $73,911 - $78,408

About The Position

Portland Community College is hiring an American Sign Language instructor in its Arts, Humanities, Communication, and Design Pathway. The programs teach culture, language, and interpreting, with ASL used as the primary language of instruction from the first day of class and targeted for use at least 90% of class time. Classes are primarily in person, with a small number offered online with scheduled meetings.

The instructor will teach approximately 45 course credits annually on PCC’s quarter system; assess and advise students; communicate effectively through ASL and written English; support full- and part-time faculty; and participate in department, pathway, and college-wide committees. The instructor will contribute to professional development and continuous improvement, engage with community stakeholders, stay current with developments in ASL and ASL-English interpreting and equitable student success, and apply that knowledge to course improvement and development and alignment with college curricular standards.

The role requires culturally responsive teaching, advising, and assessment that support equitable and inclusive learning. The instructor should critically reflect on pedagogy and adapt teaching to diverse learners and changing community needs, assess ASL skills in both programs, and be willing to teach in the ASL-English Interpreting Program as a fluent ASL signer and Deaf consumer when opportunities arise. Applicants must reside in Oregon or Washington. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above from an accredited institution.
• At least three years of experience teaching American Sign Language.
• Native or near-native fluency in American Sign Language.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive instruction, advising, and assessment in an equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Awareness of structural inequities and changing community needs, with the ability to critically reflect on pedagogy, empower students to navigate institutional barriers, and adapt teaching practices for diverse learners.
• Ability to assess ASL skills of students in both the ASL and ASL-English Interpreting programs.
• Willingness to teach in the ASL-English Interpreting Program as a fluent ASL signer/Deaf consumer when the opportunity arises.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative environment, support part-time faculty, and engage with community stakeholders.
• Must reside in Oregon or Washington.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or above from an accredited institution in American Sign Language or a related field.
• American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) certification at the Certified Level.
• Native signer with lived experience as a Deaf consumer.
• Experience teaching ASL or interpretation, or experience working or volunteering as a Deaf Interpreter.

Responsibilities

• Teach approximately 45 course credits per year on PCC’s quarter system.
• Assess students and provide advising.
• Communicate effectively through ASL and written English.
• Support full-time and part-time faculty members.
• Participate in department, pathway, and college-wide committees.
• Contribute to professional development and continuous improvement of the programs and college community.
• Engage with community stakeholders and stay current with developments in ASL, ASL-English interpreting, and equitable student success.
• Improve existing courses, develop new courses, and ensure programs align with college curricular standards and practices.
• Provide culturally responsive instruction, advising, and assessment that foster equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning.
• Assess ASL skills of students in the ASL and ASL-English Interpreting programs.
• Teach in the ASL-English Interpreting Program as a fluent ASL signer/Deaf consumer when the opportunity arises.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision options; group life; long-term disability; long-term care; and auto and home insurance programs.
• PCC fully funds the Oregon PERS/OPSRP pension and contributes an additional 6% to the employee’s Individual Account Program under PERS/OPSRP.
• Tax-deferred annuity and deferred compensation programs.
• Tuition waiver for the employee, spouse/domestic partner, and dependent children under 24, plus partial tuition reimbursement for full-time employees at other accredited institutions.
• Free access to sport centers and campus gymnasiums, performing arts, and cultural events.
• Paid sick leave, four paid holidays during teaching terms, PCC Winter Break, and 21 hours of personal leave per year, as determined by the collective bargaining agreement.
• Opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Collaborative and inspiring campus community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level