Assistant Instructional Professor of American Sign Language

The Department of Linguistics and the Humanities Collegiate Division at the University of Chicago is accepting applications for the full-time, benefits-eligible, position of Assistant Instructional Professor of American Sign Language, for a two-year renewable term starting on September 1, 2024. Responsibilities will include teaching 7 language courses per academic year, and additional duties which include organizing community-based cultural activities to enhance the experience of students studying ASL and to help them learn about Deaf culture; conducting independent studies for students interested in advanced topics in ASL as directed; and participating in collaborative efforts to develop new curricula and courses beyond introductory language instruction (e.g. advanced language courses organized around topics like Deaf storytelling and literature, cultural studies, history, and diversity in American sign language traditions.)  The Assistant Instructional Professor of ASL will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the group of scholars working on sign languages in several departments at the university. 

Required qualifications:

·       Native or near-native proficiency in ASL (ASLPI proficiency level of 4 or better is preferred);

·       A minimum of a Master’s degree in Sign Language Teaching, Deaf Studies, Linguistics, or a closely related field;

·       A minimum of one year of teaching experience at the college or post-secondary level; ASLTA Certification preferred;

·       Demonstrated experience developing all aspects of an ASL curriculum;

·       Demonstrated experience with using instructional technology.

Preferred qualifications:

·       Experience working with students with diverse backgrounds;

·       Ability to collaborate with colleagues and coordinators to develop expanded curriculum and offerings in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies;

·       Knowledge of research and best practices in Deaf Culture

To apply for this position candidates must submit their application through the University of Chicago’s Interfolio jobs board at  http://apply.interfolio.com/145486 .

Applicants must upload a current curriculum vitae; a cover letter that addresses professional formation, teaching experience, and the candidate’s approach to ASL language pedagogy; and three letters of recommendation. Optionally, course evaluations (if available) may be uploaded. Applicants may be asked to provide a teaching video and examples of teaching materials.

Application deadline is May 15, 2024. Only completed applications will be considered. For further questions about this position, please contact Tracy Davis, Department of Linguistics,  [email protected] .

This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.

The position will be part of the Service Employees International Union.

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity .

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination .

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email [email protected] with their request.