Assistant/Associate Professor of American Sign Language Studies, Monmouth, OR

Assistant/Associate Professor
of American Sign Language Studies

Recruitment #:    F2409
Review Date:    Review begins 1/15/25 | Open until filled
Department:    Division of Deaf Studies and Professional Studies
Salary Rate:    $60,095 - $67,967 commensurate with experience and qualifications [CBA]

About Western Oregon University:
Western Oregon University is a regional public, mid-sized university – committed to changing lives, strengthening communities and transforming our world. Located in Monmouth, the heart of Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, WOU is about 20 minutes from Salem,the state’s capital and about 75 minutes from Portland, the state’s cultural hub.

Western is one of Oregon’s oldest public institutions of higher education and was incorporated into the state system as a teacher training institution in 1882. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts and sciences, education and professional areas. It’s known for small class sizes, a focus on sustainability and a diverse liberal arts education in a student-centered environment. Western is an emerging Hispanic Serving institution, with 41% of undergraduates being students of color.

Position Summary:
The American Sign Language Studies (ASL Studies) program in the Division of Deaf Studies and Professional Studies at Western Oregon University seeks qualified applicants for two full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, Assistant/Associate Professor positions. In addition, this applicant must have expertise in teaching ASL to second language and heritage users. Western Oregon University has a strong commitment to the diversity of its workforce. We encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds. A supplementary summer appointment is possible, and an excellent benefits package is included.

The ASL Studies program was first established in 2007 and WOU is the only University offering a 3rd year of formal ASL acquisition coursework on the West coast. The foundation of this program is the acquisition of ASL, and additional classes focus on Deaf culture and history, which helps students develop strong background knowledge skills suitable for pursuing careers in various fields using ASL. This program also is a feeder program for graduate programs in Interpreting Studies and other related graduate programs. Additionally, graduates use our program as a gateway to enhance their education at a higher level using the ASL foundational skills & knowledge received during their degree program.

We offer a mix of in-person and online courses as well as asynchronous and synchronous course formats. The majority of ASL course offerings would be in-person and on campus.

Attending campus meetings and in-person teaching are required; however, we also encourage flexible course delivery modalities and faculty may be assigned online and/or hybrid courses.

Start Date: Fall 2025

Required Qualifications:
●    An earned doctorate in Linguistics or a related field such as Curriculum and Instruction or Language and Teaching;
●    Scholarship (e.g., publication, dissertation research, grants, presentation…etc) in areas relevant to teaching ASL, linguistics of ASL, and/or related areas appropriate to the rank;
●    Evidence of teaching in ASL and related courses;
●    Evidence of commitment to multicultural education, social justice, and working collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    ASLTA Certified;
•    Evidence of program & curriculum development, coordination, and leadership experience;
•    Experience of advising students
•    Evidence of online program development and teaching effectiveness

Responsibilities:
•    Teaching load is typically 36 quarter credits per year (courses are 3 or 4 credits each)
•    Work collaboratively in establishing future directions for the program;
•    Be forward thinking and engage in development of program innovations;
•    Teach ASL Studies (language acquisition, linguistics, and/or cultural) courses as well as advise students;
•    Participate in service and committee work at the division and university levels as well as professional organizations and conferences; and
•    Engage in scholarly activity (e.g., research, publications, grants).

Required Application materials: You may submit all materials online at www.wou.edu/prostaffapp
1.    WOU Employment Application form available here - unclassified/faculty
2.    Letter of application that addresses each qualification of the position. Please include how your experience, education, and/or training might help us build a more inclusive, collaborative, and diverse community.
3.    Current Curriculum Vitae
4.    Teaching philosophy statement
5.    Unofficial copy of transcripts showing the highest degree earned
6.    Diversity Statement: Review the Board Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and respond to the following Diversity questions
7.    Prior to the interview, applicants must provide:

• •    Contact information for a minimum of three professional references
  •    Three current letters of recommendation (All letters must address teaching and leadership qualifications.)
  •    Evidence of scholarly activities (e.g., publications, presentation materials…etc)
  •    Evidence of teaching (e.g., syllabi, lesson plans, evaluation data…etc)

Background/Education Check:
A criminal background check will be completed as a condition of employment. Education checks are processed for positions requiring a formal degree as a minimum requirement.

Benefits:
Western Oregon University offers an excellent benefits package for eligible employees which includes 95% premium paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities. http://www.wou.edu/hr/benefits/

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Western Oregon University is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage people of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.

Accommodation Requests:
Western Oregon University is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you would like to request disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in a WOU activity or event, please complete the online request form at least three (3) business days in advance. If you have questions, contact Disability Services (ODS) at 503-838-8250 or ods@wou.edu.

Veterans Preference
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans' Preference when applying with Western Oregon University in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230 and 408.235; and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be given only if the applicant meets the minimum criteria of the position and electronically attach the required documentation at the time of application. For information regarding Veterans' Preference qualifications, visit http://www.oregonjobs.org/DAS/STJOBS/vetpoints.shtmlq

To stay informed about the progress of this search, we invite and encourage you to explore our career page at wou.edu/hr/employment/jobs/. Unfortunately, due to the volume, it is challenging for us to offer individual updates on the status of each application, and for that, we sincerely regret any inconvenience. We thank you for your patience and interest in employment at Western Oregon University.