26-49 Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies at West Chester University, PA

About the Department

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of Languages and Cultures invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track, Assistant Professor of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies position. The position begins in January 2026 or August 2026.

West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The Department of Languages and Cultures, home to the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies programs, is dedicated to the teaching of languages and the preparation of language-teaching professionals to be knowledgeable in the facts and issues that inform second language education. As part of this dedication, we promote student and community understanding of the languages that we teach and the cultures that these languages represent. We are a community of teacher-scholars dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service to local and global communities. Learn more about West Chester University’s American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies Program.

The faculty member will teach undergraduate courses in the ASL and Deaf Studies programs. Courses are offered in-person during the day and evening. The ideal candidate will use innovative and up-to-date teaching skills and demonstrate attention to the learning and teaching needs of the department’s students. The candidate’s experience, expertise, and specialized training will strengthen departmental and campus-wide efforts. The successful candidate will join the growing ASL & Deaf Studies programs in a diverse department committed to student success. The successful candidate will be expected to complete a distance education training program within the first two years of employment.

Responsibilities include:

• Teach undergraduate courses in American Sign Language (most ASL courses will be ASL as an L2) and Deaf Studies programs. Additional courses within area(s) of specialization may be assigned based on department needs
• Engage in scholarly activities such as research, presentations, and publications
• Serve the Department, College, University, and the community through participation in various committees
• Mentor and advise students
• Perform other duties as assigned

Position Duties

• A doctorate in American Sign Language, Deaf Studies, Modern Languages, Linguistics, Educational Leadership, Education, Literature, Theater/Performing Arts, or closely related field. ABDs will be considered – must be completed within a year of appointment.
• Specialized training in Deaf Studies or a similar Deaf-specific field
• Native or near native proficiency in American Sign Language
• Active participation in research and/or scholarly activity
• Active participation in the Deaf community
• Experience teaching American Sign Language as a second language, and Deaf Studies courses

Minimum Qualifications

• Specialization in American Sign Language pedagogy; and/or
• Experience teaching courses at a college level; and/or
• Participation in curricular development in American Sign Language and Deaf studies

Other Qualifications

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process to be considered a finalist.

Required Documents for Consideration

• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy (Include connection to the Deaf community)
• Sample publication, a written piece prepared for publication, or a sample of your dissertation
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness, as proven by student evaluations (if available) and/or other documentation
• List of three references with contact information (Name, email, and telephone number). References will be electronically contacted for letter of reference
• Unofficial transcript (official transcripts will be required prior to hire)
• Service Statement (See below) – will be requested a later date:

West Chester University is a community of educators that develops graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU GRADUATES WILL:

• Apply scientific reasoning and demonstrate quantitative and qualitative literacy
• Collaborate with others to solve problems and address societal needs
• Communicate effectively and participate in civic discourse
• Engage inclusively in a diverse society
• Understand the ethical implications of decisions and the world in which they live

INSTITUTIONAL GOALS:

To fulfill its mission as a public institution serving the Commonwealth, West Chester University will focus on student success and institutional improvement as measured by the degree to which WCU demonstrates:

• Access to learning
• Community and cultural engagement
• Continuous improvement
• Critical thinking
• Inclusion
• Scholarly and creative activities
• Sustainability

Given this, please select from one of the prompts below to create a service statement (no more than 1 page)

Engagement with the Campus Community

• Describe your efforts to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. How have you contributed to fostering a sense of belonging in your department or institution?

Mentorship and Student Support

• How have you worked to support and mentor students with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives? Share specific examples of how you have helped students navigate challenges in their academic or professional journeys.

Outreach and Community Involvement

• Discuss your experiences working with community organizations, schools, or educational programs that aim to expand access to higher education. How have you helped ensure broader participation in your field?

Pedagogical and Curricular Contributions

• How have you contributed to developing curricula, programs, or initiatives that are accessible and relevant to a broad range of students? Provide examples of how you have designed or implemented courses that engage with multiple perspectives.

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Reflect on your participation in initiatives, committees, or professional development activities that aim to create a welcoming academic environment. How have you collaborated with colleagues to enhance student success and engagement?

Research and Scholarship Impact

• In what ways has your research or scholarly work contributed to increasing opportunities, perspectives, and voices in your field? Describe any projects or initiatives aimed at broadening participation, access or engagement.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission.   West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.