Northeastern University
About the opportunity: The American Sign Language (ASL) & Interpreting Education Program of Northeastern University invites applications for two (2) full-time open rank Academic Specialists or Teaching Professors to begin Fall 2021.The mission of the ASL & Interpreting Education Program at Northeastern is to instill awareness about Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind people’s rich contributions to our diverse, multi-cultural, multi-lingual society, and to prepare students for careers in sign language interpreting or in related professions, where their linguistic and cultural knowledge, and professional skills will advance social equity and resilience in the American Deaf Community. The program is nationally accredited by the Commission Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE).
Responsibilities: These are benefits-eligible, non-tenure track, 9-month, renewable positions. There is rich opportunity to contribute to our nationally recognized interpreting program through progressive pedagogy, ASL linguistic and cultural study, and community engagement through experiential learning. Each position involves teaching six classes per year in the areas of ASL-English interpretation or translation, ethical decision-making and practice, and/or ASL, Deaf studies, and sign language (ASL) linguistics. Faculty will contribute to Deaf community and stakeholder engagement, curriculum planning, student recruitment, and fieldwork practicum relationships, as well as serve on committees and pursue research and professional development. Interpretation & Translation faculty apply their knowledge of interpreting pedagogy and scholarly advancements in the discipline necessary to teach interpreting theory and skills-specific content across varied interpreting skills courses; they also maintain professional interpreting credentials and practice to make connections with teaching and research. ASL and Deaf studies faculty apply knowledge of sign language pedagogy and assessment, (multi-)cultural studies, sign linguistics, and theories of social and racial equity to teach second language ASL learners. There is an established promotion ladder from Assistant to Associate to Full Academic Specialist or Teaching Professor and opportunity for multi-year contracts.
Qualifications: A Masters degree at minimum in Interpretation/translation, American Sign Language, Linguistics, Deaf Studies or a related field is required at the appointment start date. A PhD in Interpretation/translation, American Sign Language, Linguistics, Deaf Studies or a related field is preferred. Applicants should have minimal ASL proficiency equivalent to level 4 on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview. Evidence of teaching excellence and contributions to the fields of sign language interpreting studies, ASL second language learning and assessment, sign language linguistics, or Deaf Studies are also required. Certification by the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and/or from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) are preferred. Proficiency with academic learning management systems such as Canvas or Blackboard and other sign language teaching technology is desired. The College is deeply committed to fostering excellence through diversity and welcomes nominations and applications from members of groups underrepresented in academia.
Candidates who have native or near-native fluency in ASL and/or who are Deaf are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Information: Applications should include a letter of interest; a curriculum vita; contact information for three letter of recommendation, and a brief (1-2 page) statement of teaching philosophy, including a description of training and experience in teaching interpreting, translation, ASL, and/or sign language linguistics. Please note any background in online teaching, community engagement and service learning, research, and familiarity with digital media used in teaching sign language and interpreting.
To apply, please go to http://www.northeastern.edu/cssh/faculty-positions and click on the link for full-time positions or full-time interdisciplinary positions or if viewing this description on the Northeastern University website, click “Apply to this job.” Nominations and inquiries about the position can be sent to Professor Lori Whynot (l.whynot@northeastern.edu). Questions regarding the application website and process can be sent to administrative assistant, Cayle O’Brien (c.obrien@northeastern.edu). Review of applications will begin March 15th, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.