Sign Language Teacher: Requirements & Certification
If you want to work with students who are deaf or have hearing challenges, you may want to become a sign language teacher. Read this article to get information about education, training, and certification.
Career Information at a Glance
In the United States, sign language teachers use American Sign Language (ASL), a natural language that has similar linguistic properties as spoken English, to teach students who are deaf or have hearing challenges. Sign language instructors must plan lessons according to curriculum guidelines, work with other educational professionals, meet with parents, and help deaf students learn subjects that might otherwise be available only in spoken language. Find out more details in the table below.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's Degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education field of study</b></td><td> K-12 Education, Deaf Studies, American Sign Language</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Training required</b></td><td> Completion of a teacher preparation program and supervised experience in teaching may be required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure/Certification</b></td><td> State licensure and certification may be required for public school positions</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 24%* (<i>Interpreters and translators</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median salary (2020)</b></td><td> $52,330 per year * (<i>Interpreters and translators</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoesAnASLTeacherNeed">What Degree Does an ASL Teacher Need?</h3><p>At a minimum, you will need a bachelor's degree. Your undergraduate studies should include courses in special education or a related field such as child psychology, as well as courses in deaf studies and ASL. In a four-year program, you will learn methods of teaching and examine early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary education. You will also need a thorough understanding of ASL and deaf culture, so you may consider declaring a dual major. According to ASL experts, it usually takes at least five years of intensive language study and immersion to develop the level of proficiency necessary to teach ASL.
</p><p>A master's degree in education will give you further teaching preparation and may help you to earn more. Most programs include licensing for the state in which you receive your degree, but some states offer reciprocity; you should check with the program and the specific state board of education.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreCertificationOptionsForASLTeachers">What are Certification Options for ASL Teachers?</h3><p>The American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) offers national certification in ASL teaching at two levels: Certified and Master. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) offers national interpreter certification, which includes a multiple-choice knowledge exam, an interview, and a performance exam.
</p><h3 id="section---IsTeachingCertificationRequiredForASLInstructors">Is Teaching Certification Required for ASL Instructors?</h3><p>As with other types of teaching, you need a valid teacher's license for your state. Many states also require specific certification as a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. You may also be asked to take the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI), a set of standardized tests that measure your fluency in ASL.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEligibilityRequirementsForASLTeachingCertification">What are the Eligibility Requirements for ASL Teaching Certification?</h3><p>For ASLTA's certification, you must have a bachelor's degree or higher, teaching experience, deaf community service, and an ASL skill rating of Advanced or higher. For the RID certification, you must demonstrate professional knowledge and skills in performing a broad range of interpretation and transliteration tasks.
</p><h3 id="section---IsContinuingEducationRequiredForASLCertification">Is Continuing Education Required for ASL Certification?</h3><p>While continuing education is not required for ASL certification, you need a very high level of ASL proficiency and great teaching skills. Consider certification as a way to improve your knowledge and teaching skills.</p>