Instructional Faculty - American Sign Language / Interpreter Training

Job Description

SUMMARY

Provide the expertise and knowledge that support the college curriculum and programs. Establish courses following accepted higher education standards, teach students using a variety of effective methodologies and provide engagement and support activities that encourage student learning. The role of the Instructional Faculty encompasses teaching and learning, academic advising, professional development and institutional and community service.

The incumbent may teach a maximum load of contact hours each semester in area(s) of competency and participate as a part-time instructor in the activities of the department, division, and college (See Faculty Workload Guidelines).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Teaching:
   1. Demonstrate skill and/or knowledge in teaching discipline.
   2. Make continuous efforts to improve the quality of instruction by reviewing and utilizing innovative methodologies, techniques, and delivery methods.
   3. Develop and use a syllabus for each course or laboratory within college, discipline, and departmental guidelines and submit one copy to the department chair.
   4. Plan, develop, and use a variety of teaching methods and materials that assist students in meeting course objectives, and which are appropriate for students with differing educational and experiential backgrounds and learning styles.
   5. Evaluate students to measure their progress toward achievement of stated course objectives and inform them of their progress in the course in a timely manner.
   6. Keep accurate student records and submit related reports and forms within requested timelines.
   7. Review, evaluate, and recommend student textbooks and learning materials.
   8. Teach courses at a variety of times and locations in response to institutional needs.
   9. Use equipment and facilities responsibly and courteously. Where appropriate, assist the chair with the routine maintenance of instructional laboratories.
   10. Demonstrate competence and interest in the use of technology in the classroom and willingness to explore new instructional methodologies.
2. Academic Advising:
   1. Maintain professional relationships with students, colleagues, and the community.
   2. Provide access to students through posted office hours, electronic communication, and other appropriate methods. Provide advice and assistance to students regarding instructional or program-specific issues.
   3. Make presentations on a particular academic field or program - its subject matter, objectives, opportunities for further study (transfer opportunities), and opportunities for work (co-ops, part-time, work-study) and careers, special clubs and activities available, support services, scholarships, etc.
   4. Create and maintain a website dedicated to the types of information specified in bullet three.
   5. Work with Chair to take on appropriate academic advising activities as needed by the College and Department. (For examples, please refer to the HCC Faculty Workload Guidelines).
3. Professional Development:
   1. Establish annual objectives for professional growth in consultation with the department chair.
   2. Keep pace with developments in the discipline.
   3. Learn and apply technologies that support student learning.
   4. Participate in the evaluation process for self, department, and college.
4. Institutional and Community Service:
   1. Participate in scheduled institutional service activities including opening week events, conference days, and commencement exercises.
   2. Participate in discipline committee or program meetings and activities.
   3. Actively participate in department, college or system meetings and/ or committees.
   4. Be familiar with and adhere to all policies and procedures of HCC.
   5. Participate in college-related activities such as student activities, selection of faculty, community education, recruitment of students, and/or special programs.
   6. Participate in business and/or student activities and/or community activities that foster goodwill and promote the mission of HCC.
   7. Participate in activities required to maintain program and college accreditation standards.
   8. Participate in the HCCS planning process by assisting in the formulation of departmental objectives and goals and in establishing budget priorities.
   9. Review, evaluate, and revise program curricula and practices to assure compliance with professional standards, state-mandated guidelines and requirements of business/ industry, and higher education.
   10. Assist in the articulation of courses and programs with secondary and post-secondary institutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

EDUCATION

To teach American Sign Language courses: Masters degree with 18 graduate hours in Sign Language/Communication Disorders, Deaf Education or Deaf Culture or related.

To teach Interpreter Training courses: Masters degree in any of the aforementioned fields, or Curriculum & Instruction, Curriculum Design, and/or other related fields.

Board for Evaluators of Interpreters (BEI) Basic certification required.

BEI Level III or IV; Advanced or Masters Certification preferred.

For candidates who are Deaf:

• Must possess current certification from the Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI): Level III – Intermediary or Higher OR
• Must possess current Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

Copy of transcript conferring required degree and certification(s) must accompany application.

EXPERIENCE

3 years as a Level III Interpreter with field experience of community, educational, Video Relay Service (VRS), Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), medical, legal (with legal certification), mental health, drug and alcohol interpreting required.

3 years teaching experience or experience as a Level IV Interpreter preferred.

Fluency in American Sign Language and the ability to translate from sign to spoken word and from spoken word to sign in a variety of settings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Fluency in American Sign Language and the ability to translate from sign to spoken word and from spoken word to sign in a variety of settings.
2. Willing and able to teach day or evening classes at a number of sites around the city.
3. Knowledge and skill in a variety of computer usage and software are required.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
5. Possess good organizational and planning skills.
6. Demonstrate sensitivity to students with different academic and socio-economic backgrounds and students with disabilities.
7. Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate students in a learning-centered environment.
8. Self-disciplined and able to effectively manage others.