American Sign Language Teachers Association
Learn About ASLTA
Welcome! We are a national association dedicated to improving and expanding the teaching of ASL and Deaf Studies at all levels of instruction. ASLTA is an individual membership organization of more than 1,000 ASL and Deaf Studies educators, from elementary school through graduate education, and all ASL instructors are welcome to join.
ASLTA supports the growth of the profession of ASL and Deaf Studies education through the exchange of ideas among instructors on best teaching and learning practices at the local, state, and national levels. ASLTA advocates for improved recognition of ASL as a viable language option for Deaf individuals learning ASL as a heritage language and for non-Deaf students learning ASL as a world language. As the third-most studied language in the United States, ASL has grown in popularity in no small part due to ASLTA’s pioneering advocacy efforts over the past 40+ years.
Mission
The mission of ASLTA is to lead the fields of ASL education and Deaf Studies through supporting innovative pedagogy, modeling professional standards, and promoting the language and cultural heritage of American Deaf communities.
ASLTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by the generosity of its individual and organizational members and donors. Membership in ASLTA is open to all educators of American Sign Language, Deaf Studies, and related professions, as well as those individuals who support the goals of the organization.
Vision
ASLTA aims to be the preeminent leader in ASL education and Deaf Studies by being the exemplar of standards, resources, teacher qualifications, and student achievement.
Core Values
We believe in the INTRINSIC VALUE OF ASL and stand steadfast to perpetuate, preserve, and promote the language and cultural heritage of diverse American Deaf communities.
We prioritize the PEDAGOGY AND SCHOLARSHIP of ASL and Deaf Studies by fostering innovation, research, and effective teaching practices.
We encourage COLLABORATION by establishing spaces for networking, resource sharing, guidance/mentorship, and authentic community engagement.
We strive for EQUITY AND INCLUSION by cultivating a culture of respect, belonging, and opportunity.
Is American Sign Language Teachers Association for you?
Do you teach ASL at a public or private high school? Do you teach ASL at a community college, college, or university? Do you teach ASL in small-group settings at a library, adult education center, or a place of worship? Do you teach ASL at a school for the Deaf? Do you conduct research on ASL linguistics? Do you teach ASL to elementary school students? Do you teach Deaf culture classes? Do you teach Deaf Studies? Do you teach future ASL instructors? Do you consider yourself a professional? Do you value ASL as a language? Do you support ASLTA’s work? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then ASLTA is for you. Join today!