Job Description

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).


While this position welcomes applications from individuals external to the university, current Academic Teaching Staff are first notified of available positions and will receive first consideration in accordance with the terms of the Academic Teaching Staff Agreement before considering external candidates for positions with a term 8 months or longer. Please login to verify your internal candidate status.


Internal applications must be received by November 1, 2025, to be considered for this opportunity.


This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, and the salary will be commensurate with experience in accordance with the Academic Teaching Staff Agreement.

Location -

This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.


The Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies of the University of Alberta is seeking to hire a full-time Teaching Professor at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Lecturer, to teach all levels of American Sign Language. This is a continuing Career status position. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.


The Faculty of Arts is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.Teach eight class sections across different levels of ASL per academic year, in person on our Edmonton campus. Normally, these courses are taught in the Fall and Winter, with the possibility of offering them in Spring and Summer, as negotiated. Coordinate the ASL program. Take primary responsibility for language assessment and placement for new students entering the ASL program. Encourage and support all students, from a diverse array of backgrounds and identities. Establish connections to the ASL community. A Master's degree in Linguistics, Second Language Teaching, Education or related field, from an accredited Institution. Completion of Signing Naturally Instructor Training courses in Level 100, 200, and higher. Native or near-native fluency in American Sign Language and attainment of ASL Proficiency Level of 4 or Higher. ASL Instructor Certification, such as that offered by Sign Language Institute of Canada (SLIC) or American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA). A minimum of 3 years of ASL Instruction at the post-secondary level, including teaching experience at the intermediate/advanced level of ASL. Superior knowledge of second language teaching pedagogy. Demonstrated collegiality and excellence in working with undergraduate students as both an instructor and mentor. Experience with technology-based teaching tools; experience teaching in a remote environment is an asset.

In addition to the above requirements, the below are qualifications that are considered an asset:

Living with deafness or being hard of hearing is preferred. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their cover letter. Strong teamwork skills. Excellence in the design and development of instructional materials. Pedagogical innovation. Familiarity with recent developments in the field of language pedagogy and a record of applying these advances.

Application Instructions

To have your application considered, please submit the following:

Cover letter describing your fit for the above qualifications Curriculum vitae that includes the names of three referees Letters of reference, teaching dossier, portfolio, and other supplementary materials may be requested of candidates after the initial review of applications

Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025, and the posting will close January 5, 2026.


Inquiries regarding this position can be addressed to the Chair of the Advisory Selection Committee, Dr. Victoria Ruetalo, at vruetalo@ualberta.ca with the subject line, "Career Teaching Professor, American Sign Language."


The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.




The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.




Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.




At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.




The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.




L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.