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Teaching ASL

The Master's program in Teaching ASL (TASL) provides you with the approaches and methods needed to teach American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign / modern / world language to language learners.

TASL is for native or near-native ASL users. Developing your ASL proficiency is not the goal of TASL.

Overview of TASL 

UNC's Extended Campus offers two degree options in Teaching American Sign Language.

As a TASL student, you will select one of the two degree options. Both degrees take all of the same TASL courses.

" "If you select the MA: World Language Licensure degree, you will take four (4) additional courses. 

IOC, female TASL student in class

These additional courses meet the requirements by the Colorado Department of Education to teach in K-12 settings. You will obtain your Colorado teaching license at the end of this program which may be accepted by other states.

MA Degree

" "

Time to Complete

18 months / 5 consecutive semesters
(starts in summer)

Delivery Method

Online = Fall & Spring semesters
Hybrid = Summer semesters
Mandatory summer residential session

Total Credits

# of Courses Per Semester

2 courses per semester
6 credits

Practicum Experiences

Spring: Practicum I = 300 hours
Fall: Practicum II = 300 hours

Grade Requirement

B (85%) or better
3.0 cumulative GPA

Program Requirements for Graduation

Practicum I & II
Portfolio
Research Project

Application Due Date

November 1 (Priority)
January 31 (Standard)
Application Information

MA: World Language Licensure Degree

" "  " "" "

Time to Complete

18 months / 5 consecutive semesters
(starts in summer)

Delivery Method

Online = Fall & Spring semesters
Hybrid = Summer semesters
Mandatory summer residential session

Total Credits

# of Courses Per Semester

2-3 courses per semester
6-9 credits

Practicum Experiences

Spring: Practicum I = 400 hours
Fall: Practicum II = 400 hours

Grade Requirement

B (85%) or better
3.0 cumulative GPA

Program Requirements for Graduation

Practicum I & II
Portfolio
Research Project

Application Due Date

November 1 (Priority)
January 31 (Standard)
Application Information

Specifics of TASL

  • Course Delivery & Cost

    Summer Semesters

    Your courses will be hybrid.

    " " " "" "

    Half Online & Half In-Person

    Fall & Spring Semesters

    Your courses will be online.

    " "  

    All Online

    All of your courses will be structured with assignments and due dates. Canvas is UNC's learning management system and is the main way you will access course content. Visit Extended Campus to learn more about the technical requirements of an online program.  

    " "The in-person part of TASL is required. The summer residential session establishes a foundation of knowledge and skills that you will build upon in the following semesters.

    " "Visit Extended Campus for tuition costs. 

  • Course Sequencing

    " "As a TASL student, you will complete the required courses in the following sequence.

    Complete an Online Orientation
    " "
    3 weeks in May-June

    1st Semester - Summer
    Mandatory residential session

    TASL 501
    First and Second Language Acquisition in ASL (3 credits)

    TASL 505
    Teaching Deaf Community, Culture, and ASL Literature (3)

    If you select TASL with Licensure, you will also take

    " "

    EDF 500
    Conceptions of Schooling (3)

    2nd Semester - Fall

    TASL 502
    ASL Teaching Methods (3 credits)

    TASL 503
    ASL Assessment and Testing (3)

    " "

    EDSE 511 Learning Environments and Cultural Considerations (3)

    3rd Semester - Spring

    TASL 511
    ASL Linguistics (3 credits)

    TASL 593
    Practicum for ASL Teaching I (3)

    " "

    ECLD 523
    Academic Language / Literacy Development for Diverse Learners in School Settings (3)

    4th Semester - Summer
    Mandatory residential session

    TASL 504
    ASL Curriculum Development and Design (3 credits)

    TASL 506
    Contemporary Professional Issues in Teaching ASL (3)

    " "

    PSY 500
    Educational Psychology for Teachers (3)

    5th Semester - Fall

    TASL 600
    ASL Graduate Research (3 credits)

    TASL 594
    Practicum for ASL Teaching II (3)

    " "Any changes to the typical course study will come from the TASL advisor.  

  • Summer Residential Session

    As a TASL student, you will take a six week hybrid semester each summer.

    " "

    Begin courses online

    " "

    Continue courses on UNC campus

    3 week residential session
    Typically in July
    Classes on weekdays (8:00-5:00)
    Daily & weekend assignments

    " "

    Finish courses online

    " " You will be provided information (i.e., dates, room, dining, etc.) to plan your residential session each summer. 

    " " The Summer Residential Session housing costs approximately $1,300 for students who stay in UNC's residence halls. Meals are an additional cost. Meal plans can be purchased.

    The summer session creates a community of Deaf and hearing students from the ASL-English Interpretation and TASL programs. 

  • Practicum Experience

    During your TASL program, you will be required to complete two practicum experiences to receive your degree.

    Practicum I - Observing

    During TASL 593
    3rd Semester (Spring)

    MA Degree " " = 300 hours

    MA: World Language Licensure Degree " " = 400 hours
    (200+ hours in K-12 settings)

    Practicum II - Teaching

    During TASL 594
    5th Semester (Fall)

    MA Degree " " = 300 hours

    MA: World Language Licensure Degree " " = 400 hours
    (200+ hours in K-12 settings)

    " " You should anticipate your practicum site might require you to submit a criminal background check.  

    " " You are responsible for locating and securing the two practicum experience in your local area.

    If a local practicum experience is unavailable, the TASL program will support and assist you in finding local practicum experiences. 

    " " When you and the TASL program cannot locate a practicum experience in your local area, you may need to travel or relocate.

    You are responsible for expenses you may incur, including but not limited to travel, room and board, meals, personal expenses, and so on.  

    " " The ASLIS Department does offer practicum experiences at the Greeley campus only for face-to-face courses (if available). 

  • Language of Instruction

    TASL uses a bilingual approach. Course content uses different modes of communication (ASL, PSE, and written English) by Deaf and hearing instructors through different forms of media.

    " " " " " "

    Therefore, you must be proficient in ASL (native or near-native user) prior to applying.

  • Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)

    Two paid graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) positions are available to TASL students: Language Assistant and Summer Student Ambassador.

    " " Language Assistant

    Application period is summer with the Language Assistant position starting in the fall.

    Qualifications

    • Experience teaching or tutoring ASL and ability to effectively work with undergraduate ASL students.
    • Know or able to learn Google Drive/Docs, SharePoint, Microsoft Outlook Calendar, Teams, and Zoom.

    Duties

    • Tutor ASL I-IV students, take students attendance, and attend monthly staff meetings.
    • Communicate with Language Assistant Coordinator and Course Instructors, carry out lesson plans provided by the instructors.

    Hours Per Week
    Fall & Spring

    Stipend

    Tuition

    5 hours per week

    • 1 hour of prep
    • 4 hours of tutoring

    $3,587

    $3,905.16
    (up to 3 credits per year)

    10 hours per week

    $7,174

    $6,508.60
    (up to 5 credits per year)

    15 hours per week

    $10,761

    $6,508.60
    (up to 5 credits per year)

    20 hours per week

    $14,348

    $13,017.20
    (up to 10 credits per year)

    " " I'm ready to apply!

    " " Summer Student Ambassador

    Application period is spring with the Summer Student Ambassador position starting in the summer.

    Qualifications

    • Great communication and people skills, strong leadership, and a good planner.
    • Critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving.
    • Strong conflict-resolution skills.

    Duties

    • Attend summer planning meetings during spring and communicate with TASL coordinator.
    • Host summer orientation, assist incoordination of guest speakers, and lead activities.
    • Help with campus check-in on the Sunday prior to summer session.
    • Lead campus tour.

    Hours Per Week
    Spring & Summer

    Stipend

    Tuition

    Total of 28 hours

    • 8 hours total for all-day orientation and campus tour
    • Up to 10 hours summer planning and attend biweekly meetings
    • Up to 8 hours helping with checking and moving in the dorm

    $3,587

    $3,905.16
    (up to 3 credits per year)

    " " I'm ready to apply!

    GTA Process:

    Apply Online

    " "

    Coming Soon - Application for a GTA position.
    Let your personality shine in the essay portion.

    Application deadlines: Emailed by TASL Coordinator 

    Zoom Interview

    " "

    30-minute interview to show why
    you are a good fit for the position.

    Professional attire requested.

    If hired...

    GTA Training via Zoom

    " "

    45-minute mandatory training
    to help you learn about your duties, work schedule, payroll, and to ask questions

  • TASL Outcomes & ASLTA Certification

    " "Upon graduation, you will be prepared to teach ASL

    In a variety of roles

    ASL instructor
    Tutor
    Specialist

    To varying age groups

    Elementary
    Secondary
    Post-secondary

    In a variety of settings

    Deaf studies programs
    Interpreter education programs
    Standalone language courses

    American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) is a professional organization with a mission to perpetuate, preserve, and promote ASL and Deaf Culture through excellence in teaching. ASLTA has recognized TASL's defined exit competencies which ensure graduates have acquired the pedagogical framework to teach ASL as a foreign/modern language in numerous settings.

    A Memorandum of Agreement has been ratified between ASLTA, UNC, and the TASL program.

    " "As a TASL graduate, you will receive a 1-year free complimentary membership as a certified ASLTA member. There is an approximately $22 processing fee to issue your certificate. 

Apply to the TASL Program

Become a UNC Student

" "

Apply to the Grad School

For Academic Program of Interest, choose either...
MA Degree OR
MA: World Language Licensure Degree

GRE scores are not required.

Submit Supplemental Items

" "

In your Bear App Profile,

  1. Initiate requests for two (2) letters of recommendation from supervisors/teachers who can attest to your academic potential and abilities, 
  2. Add a 1-2 page describing your statement of goals, &
  3. Submit ASLPI score*

Show Language Proficiency

" "

Demonstrate native / near-native ASL & English proficiency.

TASL Program offers language proficiency screenings for a fee. Screenings must be completed by January.

Email the TASL Coordinator to request information. Check the Staff & Faculty page for contact email.

" "

*While the ASLPI is not a requirement for admission consideration to the program, submitting these scores is an opportunity for you to present additional evidence of readiness for TASL. TASL's Admission Review Committee is dedicated to the practice of conducting holistic evaluations of all admission materials submitted as part of your file.

" " UNC Graduate School will send a letter of acceptance in February-March.

After which, you will be contacted by a TASL team member about initial cohort advising, orientation, and details about beginning the program in the summer.