Reports To: Building Principal

Position Purpose:

The American Sign Language Teacher models a learning environment that inspires high expectations and rigor ensuring all students realize high levels of academic and character development. The American Sign Language Teacher ensures that students communicate and understand the American Sign Language. They encourage students to practice vocabularies they have learned and assist them in accurately signing and reading American Sign Language. Techniques such as role-playing, dialogue, language games, literature, film, and other formal exercises are often used in teaching American Sign Language at the high school level.

Qualifications:

• The minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• A valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate (Secondary-level endorsements required)
• The knowledge and skills to teach American Sign Language
• A completed credential file that meets the Topeka Public School standards
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience
• Evidence of willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential
• Academic expertise and enthusiasm for American Sign Language for novice and experienced learners
• ASL endorsement preferred

Physical/Emotional Requirements: (The incumbent may be required to use the following skills and abilities during any part of the working day.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people. The employee is responsible for the work output of others. On occasion, the employee may be required to work extended hours.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Teaches knowledge and skills in American Sign Language to secondary students utilizing the course of study prescribed by the District-approved curriculum.
• Develops student understanding and appreciation of the universal need for individuals who communicate using American Sign Language.
• Adapts curriculum to the needs of the students with varying intellectual abilities, and accommodates a variety of instructional activities.
• Evaluates each student’s progress in visual comprehension, signing, and reading American Sign Language in relationship to the level being taught.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior required to provide an orderly and productive environment.
• Communicates with parents and building-level staff on student progress.

Terms of Employment:

9 months.

Evaluation:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board policy on evaluation of

Certified Personnel.

Significant associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.