JOB TITLE: MIDDLE SCHOOL 6-8 SIGN LANGUAGE JOB SUMMARY: An American Sign Language (ASL) teacher instructs students on the fundamentals of sign language, including vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and expressive/receptive signing. They also foster a deep understanding of Deaf culture and community norms. Aiming to develop student fluency, the ASL teacher is also dedicated to fostering inclusion and bridging communication gaps between the deaf and hearing communities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Meets the standards of Competent and Ethical Performance as outlined in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 584-020-000 to 584-020-045). Instruction & Language Acquisition: Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with Oregon World Language Intermediate Proficiency Levels. Teach speaking, listening, reading, and writing through immersive and communicative strategies that support authentic language use and real-world application with differentiation and . interactive learning experiences to support diverse learners. Cultural Competence & Global Learning: Foster intercultural competence, create opportunities to explore cultural diversity through authentic resources and culturally responsive instruction. Promote empathy, respect, and global awareness within an inclusive and culturally sustaining classroom environment. Assessment & Reporting: Design and implement standards-aligned assessments that support language proficiency and cultural understanding. Use formative and summative assessment practices to monitor student progress, provide meaningful feedback, and adjust instruction to meet student needs. Maintain accurate records and collaborate with colleagues to support instructional alignment and continuous improvement. Student Engagement: Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages active participation and positive risk-taking in language learning. Build positive relationships with students while implementing school-wide classroom expectations. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of student grades, attendance, and progress using school management systems. Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with parents/guardians regarding student progress and behavior. Collaboration & Extra Duties: Collaborating with colleagues for curriculum planning and supporting school-wide extra-curricular activities. Participating in staff meetings, professional learning communities, in-service and professional development activities, as required or assigned, and attending special education meetings or data meetings as requested. Completing assigned supervision duties before or after school. Communication and Record Keeping: Communicate effectively with families regarding student progress, classroom learning, and behavior reports. PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION, LEADERSHIP, and CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Builds and sustains positive, culturally responsive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners to support student success. Demonstrates professional judgment and adaptability; adjusts communication and approach to effectively engage diverse stakeholders and achieve positive outcomes. Collaborates with colleagues, specialists, and support staff to design, implement, and sustain effective instructional programs and student services. Actively participates in team meetings, professional learning communities (PLCs), and school initiatives to support continuous improvement and shared goals. Communicates relevant information regarding programs, services, and student needs to staff and stakeholders in a clear and timely manner. Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness by adjusting priorities to meet evolving student needs, school goals, and emerging situations. Contributes to a positive school culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and open communication; supports collective responsibility for student outcomes. Applies current, research-based instructional and professional practices; reflects on outcomes, analyzes data, and adjusts practice to improve student learning. Upholds professional ethics, MLA policies, and legal requirements; addresses concerns in a timely and appropriate manner. Uses effective interpersonal skills to build consensus, navigate differing perspectives, and support collaborative decision-making. Engages in ongoing professional growth by seeking and applying feedback, reflecting on practice, and participating in learning opportunities. Supports a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and contributes to a positive and effective school community. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A bachelor’s degree in ASL, Deaf education, or a related field Fluency: Experience teaching or working with individuals with hearing impairment is preferred. Valid Oregon teacher’s license with WORLD LANGUAGE endorsement: OR Charter Registry registered with Teachers Standard Practices Commission. Understanding of human growth and development patterns, learning theory and brain research. Content knowledge in ACTFL Proficiency Levels for middle school. Familiarity with a variety of age appropriate instructional, assessment, and classroom management strategies that reflect current research on best practices. Become familiar with and implement Oregon World Language Intermediate Proficiency Levels as the basis for instruction and assessment for program, student, and teacher improvement. Effective oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of state and federal education laws and of student and staff rights. Ability to exhibit professionalism and effective human relations. Ability to effectively manage and supervise students and their work. Ability to work with other staff members. Standard First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within two months of hire, may be required. SALARY, HOURS, APPLICATION AND REPORTING Salaried/ one 0.3 FTE - 14 hrs/week Compensation based upon MLA salary schedule. Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Friday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Reports to the Principal. (may report to the Executive Director if Principal is not available) MLA Middle Campus, 3240 S. Troutdale, Oregon 97080 Work Year: August to June AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Multnomah Learning Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, parental or marital status, age, or genetic information. Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Disabled persons may contact Human Resources at (503) 405-7868 for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the MLA for assistance. |