Position Title: ASL Class Teacher; Children’s Program Teacher & Aide 

Reports to: ASL Program Coordinator, Statewide Educational Outreach 

Primary Service Area: Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and/or Virtual 

Employment Term: 10 Weeks (Fall or Spring Semester) 

Salary/Wage Range:  

• ASL Teacher/Children’s Program Teacher: $1,000–$1,300 per semester 

• Children’s Program Aide: $20–$28 per hour 

Deadline for Application: Open until filled  

 
Summary: Please review the available ASL program positions carefully, as each role has distinct responsibilities. 

 

It is anticipated and expected that all functions of the following positions will be performed in a positive and respectful manner, with a strong focus on advancing the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf. The duties and competencies listed are comprehensive yet not all inclusive of the position. 

 

 

ASL Class Teacher 

 

Plans and teaches 10-week American Sign Language (ASL) courses for community participants during the spring and fall semesters and/or ASL classes for NMSD staff using the provided ASL Curriculum. Delivers engaging, curriculum-based instruction for adult learners with varying levels of ASL proficiency, monitors participant progress, and fosters a supportive, interactive learning environment that promotes language development and Deaf cultural awareness.  

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned) 

• Use the NMSD-approved ASL curriculum, supplemental resources, and a variety of instructional methods to meet the diverse learning needs of adult learners. 

• Develop interactive activities and materials to enhance adult learners’ expressive and receptive sign language skills. 

• Provide ongoing feedback to adult learners regarding their ASL skill development and classroom participation. 

• Prepare and provide lesson plans for classes in the event of an absence. 

• Assign appropriate materials, references, and resources to support the development of students’ signing skills. 

• Prepare lesson plans for each class based on the objectives outlined in the NMSD-approved ASL curriculum. 

 

Position-Specific Qualifications/Requirements: 

 

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree or?Master’s?degree in ASL, Deaf Education, Linguistics, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 

 

Other Required Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledge of Deaf culture. 

• Experience teaching ASL to adults’ learners (levels 1–6 preferred).? 

• Ability to create engaging, interactive lesson plans and adapt?instruction?for varying skill levels.? 

• Strong communication?and interpersonal skills.? 

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, ASL-rich learning environment.? 

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Children’s Program Teacher 

Plans and provide engaging activities and instruction for Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children participating in NMSD children’s programs while their family members participate in adult ASL classes. Creates an ASL-rich environment that supports children’s language development, social interaction, cultural awareness, and connection with peers and the Deaf community. Implements developmentally appropriate activities that encourage communication, learning, and positive experiences with ASL and Deaf culture. 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned) 

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children participating in NMSD children’s programs.  

• Create interactive activities that promote ASL development, social interaction, creativity, and exploration.  

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and ASL-rich environment that promotes awareness and appreciation of Deaf culture.  

• Support children with varying language backgrounds and developmental needs. 

• Prepare activity plans, materials, and resources aligned with program goals and children’s needs.  

• Collaborate with ASL Program Coordinator and other program staff to provide a coordinated family learning experience. 

Position-Specific Qualifications/Requirements: 

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in Deaf Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, ASL, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience working with children considered. 

Other Required Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledge of Deaf culture preferred.  

• Experience working with Deaf, hard of hearing, and/or hearing children in educational, childcare, camp, or community-based settings.  

• Ability to create engaging, age-appropriate activities that support language development and social-emotional growth.  

• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.  

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, ASL-rich environment that supports children and families.  

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Children’s Program Aide 

Provides support and assistance with activities for Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children participating in NMSD children’s programs while their family members attend adult ASL classes. Assists in creating a safe, welcoming, and ASL-rich environment that encourages communication, social interaction, and positive experiences with ASL and Deaf culture. Supports Children’s Program Teacher with activity preparation, child supervision, and program implementation. 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned) 

• Assist with the implementation of activities and experiences for Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children participating in NMSD children’s programs.  

• Support communication and engagement by using ASL during interactions with children and staff.  

• Assist with supervision, safety, and positive engagement of children during activities.  

• Prepare materials, supplies, and resources for children’s activities.  

• Encourage positive peer interactions, communication, and participation among children.  

• Provide support to children with varying communication and developmental needs.  

• Collaborate with the Children Program Teacher and ASL Program Coordinator to support a positive family learning experience. 

 

Position-Specific Qualifications/Requirements: 

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. Coursework or experience in child development, education, Deaf education, ASL, childcare, or related fields preferred. 

Other Required Qualifications: 

• Basic proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) preferred or willingness to develop ASL skills.  

• Experience working with children in educational, childcare, camp, or community settings preferred.  

• Ability to support children’s communication, learning, and social development.  

• Strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.  

• Commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all children and families. 

 

Qualifications and Expectations Applicable to All NMSD Employees 

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.??  

• Commitment to Vision- Must be committed to NMSD’s Vision, Mission, and Beliefs 

• Language Skills- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, and the general public.  

• American Sign Language: Proficiency in or willingness to learn American Sign Language required. 

• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs.? 

• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented.? 

• Analytical- collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement.? 

• Continuous Learning- Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.? 

• Job Knowledge- Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.? 

• Use of Technology- Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity.?Possesses a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook. 

• Mathematical Skills- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.? Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.? 

• Reasoning Ability- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.? Ability to think independently, solve problems and work with the whole team.  

• Problem Solving- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations.? 

• Cooperation- Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.? 

• Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.? 

• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce.? 

• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles. 

• Organizational Support- Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values.? 

• Adaptability- Manages competing demands.? 

• Personal Appearance-?Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed.? 

• Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.? 

• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.? 

• Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.? 

• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.? 

• Safety and Security- Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.?? 

• Physical Demands- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to drive for long periods of time; stand; walk and sit. Unless otherwise stated in this job description, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.? 

 

 

NMSD is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We adhere to all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.? As an equal opportunity employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, family and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.