American Sign Language Specialist

American Sign Language Specialist

Professional Exempt

The Burnaby School District is on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish Nations of Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish.

The Burnaby School District is the fourth largest in BC. The District operates 41 elementary and 8 secondary schools, including a range of district and provincial resource programs. The Burnaby School District operates 41 elementary and 8 secondary schools, as well as a range of District programs and Provincial Resource Programs. Approximately 26,000 students (K-12) are enrolled with about 3% of the student population self-identifying as Indigenous. The District employs approximately 4,500 dedicated employees who are committed to providing all students with a wide variety of innovative, high-quality programs to ensure student achievement in areas that include academics, athletics, trades training, visual and performing arts, social responsibility, and leadership. The District also provides lifelong learning opportunities to more than 6,000 adult learners through the Burnaby Community & Continuing Education program.

We have exceptional talent in our District and pride ourselves on being an engaging, collaborative, and supportive employer, as well as a progressive leader in education. We offer and welcome employees to take the opportunity to develop their careers within our District. There are many opportunities for those employees that possess the qualifications and capability to access positions of advancement. Employees are supported throughout their careers to engage in professional development opportunities by encouraging learning on assigned professional development days, providing professional development workshops, and providing the opportunity for reimbursement of external professional development.

The POPDHH is seeking an experienced ASL Specialist, to work under the general direction of the Vice-Principal, the ASL Specialist provides leadership and work direction to the POPDHH, providing expertise and services. Represents the Vice-Principal and participates on committees or meetings as required and offers input in all matters concerning PODDHH. THE ASL Specialist will provide oversight to students with documented barriers to accessing curriculum through auditory channels alone and support their development of expressive and receptive language skills in ASL.

An ASL Specialist in Burnaby:

• Provides services to students in person and through video conferencing with an emphasis on language acquisition using a bilingual approach to language learning.
• Organizes professional development to build ASL skills and appreciation of bilingual educational approaches in educational teams.
• Provides support and instruction to Education Assistants, facilitating group immersion or conversation groups and provides resources to support their ongoing skill development.
• Communicates with educational teams and students in English and American Sign Language, and shares knowledge of ASL, Deaf culture and history.
• Conducts American Sign Language assessments (receptive and expressive), for students and staff.
• Collaborates with team to create resource videos in ASL for Educational Teams and student use.
• Coordinates the organization of Provincial events such as student initiatives, videoconferences, media and technology services.
• Collaborates with partner agencies to provide seamless services in the community.
• Develops and edits vlogs of provincial events and initiatives created for the distribution to all school districts and community stakeholders.
• Maintains the technology services (updating software, checking a variety of materials for accuracy and completeness).
• Performs related duties as required.

• Native ASL user (ASLPI 4+) with a bachelor's degree in American Sign Language (ASL), ASL Cultural Studies, Curriculum or equivalent courses.
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience working with children in a K-12 public education environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, in writing; experience in the preparation of formal reports, written presentations and statistical analysis.
• Thorough knowledge of computer skills and related software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, evaluate performance and determine and carry out corrective/disciplinary action.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent action in the performance of all duties.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the province of BC.

The starting annual salary range for this role is $56,542-$70,677. When determining salary, years of education and experience will be considered. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview. We also offer a competitive benefits package and pension.

Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Record Search prior to employment. Only those persons selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Burnaby School District values inclusion and embraces diversity as a strength. Our goal is for all individuals to feel a sense of belonging in a safe, supportive and welcoming community. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous, Black, people of colour, all genders, LGBTQ2+ and persons with disabilities.

Thank you for your interest in the Burnaby School District