Embark on an enriching journey of growth and connection within the American Sign Language (ASL) community by joining the esteemed American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS). To become part of the American Sign Language Honor Society, ASL teachers or sponsors can join as Associate Members of the American Sign Language Teacher’s Association (ASLTA). Once a member of ASLTA, you can further elevate your involvement by adding the ASLHS program to your membership. This opens up exciting opportunities for educational institutions offering ASL instruction to establish their own ASLHS chapters on campus. By establishing an ASLHS chapter at your institution, passionate ASL students and enthusiasts can unlock a world of possibilities. Discover how to become a part of this esteemed community below!

As one of the coordiantors, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that the ASL Honor Society has on our students’ learning experience. It goes far beyond academics. The Society creates a vibrant community where students develop a deep appreciation for ASL and Deaf culture. They gain confidence in their signing skills, become active leaders, and build strong peer connections. The opportunities for cultural immersion the Society provides foster a profound sense of belonging and identity. It’s truly inspiring to see these young signers blossom into empowered individuals who embrace ASL and actively contribute to the Deaf community. The ASL Honor Society is invaluable in nurturing the next generation of ASL users and allies.

For more information, contact ASLHS’s Membership Coordinator, Steven Whitworth. Email: ASLHS.membership@ASLTA.org

To be eligible to participate in the ASL Honor Society, each school must establish a chapter. Here’s what you need to establish an ASLHS chapter at your school:

1. Who can join?
All educational institutions, including middle schools, high schools, and colleges/universities, that offer at least two years of ASL coursework.

2. Minimum Coursework:
• ASL-centric Deaf schools and Deaf programs automatically meet the minimum requirement.
• Middle schools must offer at least one year of ASL coursework.
• High schools must offer at least two years of ASL coursework.
• Colleges/universities (2-year or 4-year) must offer at least two years of ASL coursework.

3. Who runs the ASLHS Chapter?
We strongly encourage each chapter to have a school-appointed American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) teacher member as the chapter sponsor. This sponsor must be an ASLTA Associate member in good standing. While not required, we highly recommend that sponsors consider obtaining one of ASLTA’s teacher certifications to further enhance their qualifications.

4. What is the minimum requirement to remain active?
• An ASLTA teacher member with a current membership.
• Annual ASLHS chapter fees must be paid on time.
• Compliance with ASLHS’s standards and requirements.
• Continued student participation in ASLHS’s exciting events.

To be eligible to participate in the ASL Honor Society, each school must establish a chapter. Here’s what you need to establish an ASLHS chapter at your school:

1. Who can join?
All educational institutions, including middle schools, high schools, and colleges/universities, that offer at least two years of ASL coursework.

2. Minimum Coursework:
• ASL-centric Deaf schools and Deaf programs automatically meet the minimum requirement.
• Middle schools must offer at least one year of ASL coursework.
• High schools must offer at least two years of ASL coursework.
• Colleges/universities (2-year or 4-year) must offer at least two years of ASL coursework.

3. Who runs the ASLHS Chapter?
We strongly encourage each chapter to have a school-appointed American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) teacher member as the chapter sponsor. This sponsor must be an ASLTA member in good standing. While not required, we highly recommend that sponsors consider obtaining one of ASLTA’s teacher certifications to further enhance their qualifications.

4. What is the minimum requirement to remain active?
• An ASLTA teacher member with a current Associate membership.
• Annual ASLHS chapter fees must be paid on time.
• Compliance with ASLHS’s standards and requirements.
• Continued student participation in ASLHS’s exciting events.

To start a new ASLHS Chapter at your school, you must be an active American Sign Language Teachers Association member. You must have at least an Associate membership and may not sponsor a Chapter with a Supporting membership. Please follow the instructions below depding on your current membership level and status.