The Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf(CCSD) is pleased to announce this successful project titled: Unlocking Culture; Connecting Communities funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program(SDPP) – Disability Component’ It is an 18-month project.
This project, spearheaded by CCSD seeks 40 Sign Language instructors to participate in Unlocking Culture: Linking Communities (“Unlocking Culture”). Unlocking Culture aims to increase ASL and LSQ literacy levels and quality of instruction by applying the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard to the ASL and LSQ teaching process in Canada.
For ASL and LSQ instructors, Unlocking Culture will include two main steps:
- 40 qualified ASL or LSQ instructors will be trained in CEFR techniques in Toronto at the CCSD’s DEAF CULTURE CENTRE, Wednesday, February 21 to Sunday, February 25, 2018. Transportation, accommodations and training costs will be covered.
- 40 ASL and LSQ instructors successfully trained in CEFR will then teach hearing parents of Deaf children or ASL or LSQ interpreters. Your classes will be limited to 10 students per instructor. Classes will either be conducted over our online classroom platform or in person at a location of the instructor’s choice. Follow up instructor training will be done “virtually” with one final face-to-face instructors session in the fall 2018 for all instructors together.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Successfully complete the CEFR training program
- Use the guidelines and techniques of CEFR to develop and teach new courses, curriculum, instructional materials and evaluation tools; review and update course outlines, use CEFR resources for both in person and on-line American Sign Language(ASL) or langue des signes quebecoisé(LSQ) courses; assist with the preparation of course proposals, curriculum updates and the construction of certificate programs
- Apply and maintain standards of quality, operating methods, processes, systems and procedures; implement changes as necessary to maintain a successful ASL or LSQ program; integrate knowledge of industry trends and professional training to continuously improve the project’s quality
Participate in ASL or LSQ on and/or off-line course scheduling, post and maintain office hours; participate in the assessment of student learning outcomes; establish, maintain and submit accurate student and instructional records in a timely manner Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf Collaborate with the Unlocking Culture team, complete reports and class evaluations
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must have the following:
- Have experience teaching ASL or LSQ as a second language to adults
- Possess the cultural competence and understanding of Deaf culture, literature and community
- Possess instructional and interpersonal communication skills
- Have the ability to use computer-based training software
- Have sensitivity to successfully interact with diverse populations
- Have ability to design instructional plans for in-class and self-directed learning
Have knowledge of how to develop objectives for an ASL or LSQ curriculum and instructional objectives of lessons.
Candidates are asked to submit:
- A 5-min video by December 14, 2017. In this video:
a. discuss your professional experience
b. share your version of the story: “Deaf Timber”
c. state what you think are the 3 top qualities of a good ASL instructor - Undertake the ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) during the project if you have not had one for the past 3 years. The minimum ASLPI rate expected is 4+ or better.
REPORTING:
ASL and LSQ instructors will report to Joanne Cripps, CCSD Executive Director. In addition, instructors will work and collaborate with the project’s team members and other stakeholders.
ABOUT CCSD: Founded in 1970, CCSD is dedicated to the advancement of Canada’s Deaf communities through promotion and preservation of its’ language, culture and heritage. The CCSD works closely with Deaf cultural communities across Canada to improve educational and cultural opportunities of all ages, and has received national and international recognition for its work on improving educational opportunities, and improving access for the Deaf population in Canadian society.
Please submit your application marked ASL/LSQ Instructors on the subject line by December 14, 2017 to:
SharonGrace Magallon, Assistant
15 Mill Street
Toronto, ON M5A 3R6
E: assistant@deafculturecentre.ca
