Michigan School for the Deaf Job Posting

ASL Support Staff – 2026-2027 School Year

Internal and External Posting Only

Posting Date: July 1, 2026 until filled

Position: ASL Support Staff

Job Type: 2026-2027 School Year

Employer: Michigan School for the Deaf contract employee: this is not a State of Michigan Civil Service position

Location: Michigan School for the Deaf – Flint, Michigan Rate of Pay: $41,865 salary

Bargaining Union: Non-Union

Job Description

Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) is a program that serves Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their families throughout the State of Michigan. The ASL Support Staff role will serve Deaf children from 0–5 and MSD staff. This position will report to the Principal.

The ASL Facilitator supports the development of early communication skills for children ages 0–5 by providing high-quality American Sign Language instruction, modeling, and language-rich experiences. This role also supports MSD program staff and families by building their ASL knowledge, promoting inclusive communication practices, and ensuring accessible learning environments for children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or who benefit from visual language support.

Programming will include a blend of group, individual, and appointment-based approaches and this role will be responsible for coordinating all scheduling and tracking the number of individuals served. Additionally, this role helps ensure smooth program operations by collaborating with staff to plan ASL-rich activities, preparing materials in advance, and communicating regularly with teams and families to support consistent and effective language service delivery.

Additionally, this role supports high-quality ASL and early language development by creating accessible visual materials, recommending communication accommodations, using assessment data to document and guide interventions, and staying current on best practices in ASL instruction and Deaf cultural competence.

Michigan Public Schools will not employ individuals who have been convicted of a “listed offense” pursuant to the School Safety Legislation Acts (Public Acts 129, 130, 131, and 138 of 2005). The “listed offenses” are defined in the Sex Offenders Registration Act (Section 2 of Public Act 295 of 1994).

Responsibilities:

• Offer training, coaching, and resource support to staff to increase comfort and consistency using ASL and visual communication strategies.

• Provide ASL modeling and language facilitation in classrooms, small groups, and one on-one with children ages 0–5.

• Support early communication development through play-based, developmentally appropriate ASL strategies.

• Collaborate with teachers, paraprofessionals, and early intervention providers to integrate ASL and visual language supports into daily routines.

• Partner with families to model ASL use, share vocabulary, and reinforce communication goals in the home environment.

• Create and share visual supports, ASL vocabulary lists, simple curriculum materials, and child-friendly ASL activities.

• Promote inclusive, accessible environments by identifying communication needs and recommending accommodations or strategies.

• Stay current on best practices in early childhood language development, Deaf culture, and ASL instruction.

• Provide age-appropriate assessments (such as the VCSL) and be able to use data to develop actionable language interventions.

• Maintain documentation of sessions, progress records, and communication with staff and families.

State of Michigan Employees/MSD Contracted Employees: Position duties should not conflict with work schedule, if so, annual leave must be requested. If absent, you will not be paid for that day.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following:

• Previous experience working as an ASL facilitator or specialist within a school setting. • Ability to communicate effectively both in American Sign Language and in English in writing. • Knowledge of ASL developmental milestones and supporting language learning. • Experience working with Deaf children (0-5) in early childhood or early intervention settings. • Understanding of child development, early language acquisition, and play-based instruction. • ASL proficiency at an ASLPI level of 4 or above to ensure readiness for training and

administering ASL assessments such as the Visual Communication Checklist. • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and Deaf community.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance and strong organizational skills.

Michigan Public Schools will not employ individuals who have been convicted of a “listed offense” pursuant to the School Safety Legislation Acts (Public Acts 129, 130, 131, and 138 of 2005). The “listed offenses” are defined in the Sex Offenders Registration Act (Section 2 of Public Act 295 of 1994).

Work Hours & Total Compensation:

• ASL Support Staff will work during the academic year. Time off in one-week blocks per the MSD calendar noted as others will be during Christmas Break, Spring Break, and in the Summer {without pay or available paid time off may be used during breaks}.

• Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm

• Payments are made on a bi-weekly basis through GECS submitted to Business Office.

• Salary is $41,865 per year.

• MSD is an equal opportunity employer and will entertain any candidate with the qualifications listed in the summary of this job listed above.

• Educational environment with extensive interaction with students. May be exposed to infectious diseases. Driving may also be a requirement.

This is a one-year contracted position and pay will be determined based upon experience. The position will be renewed annually with the mutual agreement of both parties.

Certification/Training Required

• Drug Testing

• Fingerprint/criminal background

Additional Requirements and Information

The Michigan Department of Education/Michigan School for the Deaf will not hire and employ individuals who have been convicted of a “listed offense” pursuant to the School Safety Legislation Acts (Public Acts 129, 130, 131 and 138 of 2005). The “listed offense” are defined in the Sex Offenders Registration Act (Section 2 of Public Act 295 of 1994).

Fingerprint records are required prior to being hired.

How to Apply:

To apply send resume to:

Amanda Sutherland-Human Resources Liaison

SutherlandA2@michigan.gov

Michigan School for the Deaf

1235 W. Court Street

Flint, Michigan 48503

Michigan Public Schools will not employ individuals who have been convicted of a “listed offense” pursuant to the School Safety Legislation Acts (Public Acts 129, 130, 131, and 138 of 2005). The “listed offenses” are defined in the Sex Offenders Registration Act (Section 2 of Public Act 295 of 1994).