Community Education Instructor - American Sign Language (ASL)

General Description of Work Whatcom Community College's Community & Continuing Education Department invites applications for a non-permanent, non-represented stipend instructor position to lead American Sign Language (ASL) courses for adult learners. Courses are scheduled for weekday evenings on a quarterly basis, with specific dates and times determined during the planning process.

Responsibilities 

Serve as lead instructor for beginning to intermediate non-credit American Sign Language courses for adult learners. 

Review and adapt curriculum and instructional materials as needed to suit student needs, interests, and learning levels. 

Provide dynamic, engaging, and culturally relevant instruction focused on practical communication skills and conversational signing. 

Foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment for adults with diverse backgrounds and language experience. 

Assess student progress and adjust instruction accordingly. 

Develop and maintain effective working relationships. 

Support the College's mission in service to the community. 

Qualifications 

Bachelor's degree. 

Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and strong understanding of ASL grammar, vocabulary, and conversational nuance. 

Prior experience teaching adults in a classroom or community education setting. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

Ability to create a welcoming, interactive, and student-centered learning experience. 

Teaching certificate or ASLTA certification a plus, but not required. 

The ability to actively contribute to a work and learning environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity, while engaging diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to enhance the College's mission, vision, and promise. 

The ability to take action to learn and grow. 

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. 

OR

Equivalent combination education and experience sufficient for the person to perform the duties of the position.

Salary:

This is a Non-permanent, non-represented position. Community & Continuing Education personal enrichment instructors are paid on a stipend basis based on the class hours and enrollment. The stipend starts at a $35 an hour equivalent. For example, if the instructor teaches 90 minutes per week for a period of 4 weeks and has up to 12 students, the stipend would be $210 (6 hours x $35). If the instructor teaches for 120 minutes per week for a period of 4 weeks and has 13-17 students, the stipend would be $320 (8 hours x $40, higher enrollment rate), and so on. We will work with selected candidates to determine the length of classes and appropriate enrollment. 

Start Date:

Quarterly, beginning Spring 2027 or Fall 2027. 

Application Due Date:

For guaranteed consideration, applications should be received as soon as possible. Position open until filled.

How To Apply 

A completed application consists of:

Cover letter detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position. 

Current resume. 

Values statement that responds to the following prompt: 

Short Reflection (1 page max): One of the core values of this institution is building an inclusive and supportive campus. This core value is reflected in our strategic plan, goals and in the work that we do every day. Please describe your experience in building an inclusive environment that supports a sense of belonging.

Mission, Vision & Promise

Mission: Whatcom Community College contributes to the vitality of its communities by providing quality education in academic transfer, professional-technical, and lifelong learning, preparing students for active citizenship in a global society.

Vision: Whatcom is a supportive community, empowering lives through education.

Promise: We transform lives through education. We accomplish this by supporting student growth, respecting student investment, embracing diversity, promoting excellence and creating opportunities.