American School for the Deaf·West Hartford, Connecticut
The teacher provides specially designed instruction to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students using an ASL/English bilingual approach. Responsibilities include developing lesson plans, implementing IEPs, and managing student behavior within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
Closing Date: Open Until filled
UPDATED: 06/01/2025
POSTED: 07/18/2026
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.
ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families.
West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools.
There is also much to do in West Hartford.
There is a wide array of parks and recreation.
There are pools and hiking trails.
There are historic sites to visit as well.
If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.
Position: Teacher
Department: Education
Supervisor: Director(s) of Education/Principal
Description: 10 months – Benefits eligible
Union Status: Collective Bargaining Unit (Union)
Under the supervision of the departmental principal, instructs Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
Why you should teach at ASD
ASD provides highly specialized instruction tailored to students' individual learning needs and full access to language, communication, learning, and community through a bilingual and multilingual approach where ASL, English, and the student’s primary language are embraced and supported. We offer low student-to-teacher ratios, enabling teachers to provide targeted interventions and individualized support within their instruction. Our learning environment integrates accessible communication, a school wide curriculum, PBIS interventions and supports, and meaningful community connections to help students develop confidence, independence, communication and/or language competence and a strong sense of belonging.
In addition, ASD offers low student-to-teacher ratios, enabling teachers to provide targeted interventions and individualized support within their instruction. Finally, teachers collaborate with on-site multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative environment to implement individualized educational programs (IEPs) using evidence-based instructional and therapeutic practices.
More about us
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest permanent school for the deaf in the United States and provides comprehensive educational, clinical, and residential services to students who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, Deaf with autism, and Deaf with additional disabilities from pre-kindergarten through age 22. ASD offers two specialized educational programs: the Core Program, which uses a literacy-based approach to promote language development and academic achievement, and the PACES Program, a therapeutic educational program that includes behavioral and Autism expansion programs for students requiring intensive behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and individualized educational intervention and supports. Instruction is delivered through American Sign Language (ASL), spoken English, or a bilingual approach based on each student's communication needs, with a focus on academic success, independence, and preparation for postsecondary education, employment, and community living.
American Sign Language (ASL) is the language of instruction and a bilingual approach in each classroom is tailored to each student's communication needs, not limited to ASL and English in print, but also include additional communication means such as Spoken English, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and/or the use of argumentative alternative communication (AAC).
ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.
The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).
All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.
Candidates should possess a Master's Degree in Education of the Deaf or Special Education and appropriate State of CT Teacher Certification. Proficiency or a willingness to learn American Sign Language (ASL) is required.
Market context
Special education teachers are consistently in demand in Connecticut, especially for roles serving students with behavioral and instructional support needs. This position is competitive because it asks for CT special education certification or DSAP/Long-Term Substitute eligibility, a valid driver’s license with 3 years of experience, and familiarity with ABA, Precision Teaching, and Direct Instruction. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification path and prepare examples of managing challenging behaviors.
