Instructional Professor (open-rank) of American Sign Language
The University of Chicago

Description

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Chicago invites applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible position of Instructional Professor (open-rank) of American Sign Language starting on September 1, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The selected candidate will be appointed as Assistant, Associate, or Full Instructional Professor depending on qualifications and experience. The initial appointment is for a minimum of two years, renewable upon successful review, with longer initial terms possible based on the rank offered to the selected candidate.

Responsibilities will include teaching 7 language courses per academic year on the quarter system, as well as: 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 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. Instructional Professors of all ranks are expected to engage in regular professional development.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must have at least a Master's degree or equivalent in Sign Language Teaching, Deaf Studies, Linguistics, or a closely related field; native or near-native proficiency in ASL; a minimum of one year experience teaching ASL at the college or post-secondary level; demonstrated experience developing an ASL curriculum; and demonstrated experience with using instructional technology.

Preferred qualifications include: ASL proficiency sufficient to teach the language at the College level, demonstrated by, e.g., ASLPI proficiency level of 4 or better, or by other means; experience working with students with diverse backgrounds and/or who have challenges to learning; ability to collaborate with colleagues and coordinators to develop expanded curriculum and offerings in ASL and Deaf Studies; knowledge of research and best practices in Deaf Culture; and desire to be part of the intellectual life of the University.

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago's recruitment website at https://apply.interfolio.com/157866. Review of applications will begin on December 2, 2024 and continue until the position is filled or the posting is closed.

• CV
• Cover Letter that addresses professional formation, teaching experience, and the candidate's approach to ASL language pedagogy
• Teaching Statement
• Sample Syllabus/Syllabi
• Contact information for three potential recommenders who may be asked to provide a letter on the candidate's behalf

Optional materials:

• Course evaluations (if available)

Only complete applications will be considered. Applicants will be asked to provide additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Tracy Davis at tracyd@uchicago.edu.

The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union. This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.

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