American Sign Language Teachers Association
Join the Board
Our mission is to perpetuate, preserve, and promote American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture through excellence in teaching. This includes teaching ASL as a heritage or first language, as a second language, and as part of Deaf Studies.
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.
Since our establishment in 1975, the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) has served as the only national professional organization dedicated solely to the improvement and expansion of ASL and Deaf Studies education. The Board of Directors serves as the strategic heart of this mission, tasked with upholding the integrity of our profession and ensuring that ASL is taught with the cultural and linguistic respect it deserves.
The Board is responsible for governing the organization’s operations as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, but its mandate goes far beyond administrative oversight. Board members are the guardians of our national certification standards, ensuring that ASL educators across the country meet rigorous criteria for proficiency and pedagogy. They also spearhead our professional development initiatives, including our national conferences and educational resources, which provide vital support to teachers from elementary schools to universities.
A Legacy of Advocacy Our leadership stands on a foundation of hard-won progress. For decades, ASLTA has been at the forefront of the movement to recognize American Sign Language as a distinct, fully-fledged language. From the early battles to have ASL accepted for foreign language credit in high schools and colleges, to current efforts ensuring that ASL is taught by qualified, fluent professionals, the Board has consistently championed the rights of Deaf learners and the value of ASL in academia.
By guiding the organization’s future, the Board honors this history of advocacy while actively shaping the next era of ASL education.
Is American Sign Language Teachers Association for you?
Joining the ASLTA Board of Directors is a powerful way to transition from a participant to a changemaker within the field of American Sign Language education. Service on the board offers a unique vantage point to directly influence national standards, certification processes, and advocacy efforts, ensuring the profession continues to evolve and thrive. Beyond the impact on the community, it is a tremendous opportunity for professional growth, allowing you to refine your leadership skills, expand your network with top educators across the country, and gain visibility that can enrich your own career trajectory. Ultimately, it is the most direct way to give back to the organization that supports your passion, helping to build a stronger foundation for the next generation of ASL teachers.
President
Next Term Begins: 2029
Eligibility:
Member in good standing for at least 2 years
Must have ASLTA Teaching Certification Level II
Position Description:
Article VI, Section 1 of ASLTA’s Bylaws: The President shall be the primary elected officer. They shall preside at all Board meetings and be responsible for overseeing all Board duties. They shall also be responsible for coordinating all Board activities, including, but not limited to, preparing Board meeting agendas, appointing committee chairs, and overseeing the implementation of committee work.
Vice-President
Next Term Begins: 2027
Eligibility:
Member in good standing for at least 2 years
Must have ASLTA Teaching Certification Level II
Position Description:
Article VI, Section 2 of ASLTA’s Bylaws: The Vice President shall serve in the absence of the President. They shall succeed to the office of President should that office become vacant prior to the expiration of the term of office of the President. The Vice President will oversee bylaws compliance and maintenance of Association policies and procedures. In addition, the Vice President shall perform all duties as assigned by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.
Secretary
Next Term Begins: 2029
Eligibility:
Member in good standing for at least 2 years
Must have ASLTA Teaching Certification Level I
Position Description:
Article VI, Section 3 of ASLTA’s Bylaws: The Secretary shall keep accurate and complete minutes of all meetings of the organization and the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall maintain a roster of all members of the Association, and shall keep on file all documents, disks, communications, and other papers related to the business of ASLTA.
Treasurer
Next Term Begins: 2027
Eligibility:
Member in good standing for at least 2 years
Must have ASLTA Teaching Certification Level I
Position Description:
Article VI, Section 4 of ASLTA’s Bylaws: The Treasurer shall ensure that accurate financial records are kept and maintained, and reports are made at each Board meeting, and an audit is performed annually. The Treasurer shall obtain their ASLTA certification within one year of being elected to the position.
Evaluation & Certification Director
Next Term Begins: VACANT
Eligibility:
Member in good standing for at least 2 years
Must have ASLTA Teaching Certification Level II
Position Description:
Article VI, Section 5 of ASLTA’s Bylaws: The Evaluation and Certification Director will manage the Evaluation, Revision and Appeals Committee and serve as liaison between the Evaluation Committee and Board of Directors. Any Board items related to Evaluation and Certification will require the Evaluation and Certification Director’s presence at the ASLTA Board meeting.
Communications Director
Next Term Begins: VACANT
Eligibility:
Member in good standing for at least 2 years
Must have ASLTA Teaching Certification Level I
Position Description:
Article VI, Section 8 of ASLTA’s Bylaws: The Communications Director will be responsible for all publicity and outreach by the Board to the membership.
Outreach and Recruitment Director
Next Term Begins: VACANT
Eligibility:
Member in good standing for at least 2 years
Must have ASLTA Teaching Certification Level I
Position Description:
Article VI, Section 4 of ASLTA’s Bylaws: The Treasurer shall ensure that accurate financial records are kept and maintained, and reports are made at each Board meeting, and an audit is performed annually. The Treasurer shall obtain their ASLTA certification within one year of being elected to the position.
ASL Honor Society Director
Next Term Begins: VACANT
Eligibility:
Member in good standing for at least 2 years
Must have ASLTA Teaching Certification Level I
Must have at least 1 year of prior service on the ASLHS Board or ASLHS Advisory Board
Position Description:
Article VI, Section 9 of ASLTA’s Bylaws: The National Coordinator, as a program representative to the ASLTA Board, will ensure program goals, projects, and initiatives are completed that focus on providing additional value to ASL teachers and students to enhance ASL education in heritage language and world language contexts. On an annual basis, the National Coordinator will present ASLHS plans, projects, and budget for the next following year’s activities to the Board.