INTRODUCTION

The American Sign Language (ASL) Program within the Department of Linguistics at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for a non-tenure-track Instructor in Residence or Assistant Professor in Residence position in ASL/Deaf Culture. Successful candidates will use a learner-centered approach to teaching that incorporates active learning strategies and technology to enhance student learning. Primary duties include teaching 8 ASL language, ASL linguistics, or Deaf culture-related courses per academic year beginning Fall 2023. Courses will be taught in person. Additional duties may include supervising independent study projects with students, participating in collaborative efforts to develop new curricula, and participating in academic or program opportunities that further promote a positive learning experience for students. Faculty members report to the ASL Program Liaison and Linguistics Department Head. Special consideration is given to Deaf applicants or individuals with disabilities and members of racial or ethnic groups historically underrepresented in faculty positions in higher education.

The ASL Studies major was introduced in the Fall of 2020, the first and only in Connecticut; it includes two concentrations: Deaf Studies and Interpreting ASL and English. The program consists of six levels of ASL, Deaf studies, linguistics, and interpreting-related courses. The program also offers two minors, Deaf Studies and Interpreting between ASL and English. As a testament to the University's commitment to equity and inclusion, the University of Connecticut Interpreting Services (UCIS) provides staff interpreters to ensure access and accessibility for all campus-wide events, activities, academic, and programming needs for UConn staff, students, and visitors to campus.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• For appointment at the rank of Instructor in Residence: An earned Master's degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
• For appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in Residence: a terminal degree (Ph.D.).
• High level of proficiency in ASL.
• A minimum of one year (two semesters) experience teaching ASL at the college/university level.
• Documentation of excellence in teaching and commitment to engagement with diverse populations (e.g., from course evaluations or other evidence).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Documentation of either of the following:
  • ASLTA Certification
  • 4.0 or higher on the ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). ASLPI Certification is preferred. Renewal after the first year will be pending the successful completion of either evaluation.
• Six academic semesters of teaching ASL at the college/university level.
• Experience teaching ASL linguistics or Deaf culture-related courses.
• Experience successfully using instructional technology, particularly Blackboard.
• Demonstrated experience with the development of ASL Deaf culture-related curriculum.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track, benefits-eligible position as an ASL Instructor In-Residence or Assistant Professor In-Residence, for a one-year term, renewable annually, based on performance and funding, starting August 23, 2023. Responsibilities will include teaching 8 courses per academic year. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24658 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter, (can be submitted in either ASL* or written English);
• Curriculum vitae or resume,
• Teaching statement: Create a video summary in ASL* of your teaching statement or philosophy;
• Commitment to diversity statement: Share how you will broaden participation, integrate multicultural experiences in instruction and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles (can be submitted in either ASL* or written English);
• Teaching evaluations: Submit your most recent teaching evaluation(s);
• Sample syllabi;
• Three letters of reference.

*YouTube preferred, set to private, with the link embedded in your curriculum vitae or resume.

Evaluation of applicants will begin in April and continue until the position is filled. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview conducted remotely followed by a second round of interviews conducted in person at the Storrs campus and will include a teaching demonstration.

For more information about the ASL Studies program, please visit UConn ASL. If you have questions or need additional information you may contact Linda Pelletier at linda.pelletier@uconn.edu or michael.schlang@uconn.edu .

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.