Sign Language Interpreter

K-12 Classroom Interpreter Overview

The Education Interpreter is an integral member of the educational team serving participants who are hearing, Deaf, or hard of hearing. The interpreter provides interpreting services using a variety of manual and verbal communication systems in the educational environment, which includes classroom, laboratory, field trip, assembly, sports, and other educational sites.

Minimum qualifications as defined in NMAC 16.28.3.8:
The sign language interpreter must hold a license with the NM Regulations and Licensing Department (RLD).

• License may be a Community, Educational, or Provisional License.
• Hold a NM Public Education Department interpreting license.
• Hold a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree from an Interpreter Education/Training Program.
• Hold membership with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with an educational team.

• Hold a Community or Educational License with the NM RLD.
• Hold a minimum of a 4.0 on the Educational Interpreter Performance Evaluation.
• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree from an Interpreter Education Program or in a related educational field.
• Hold a membership with the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE).
• Experience in K-12 Classroom interpreting.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Responsibilities:

• Interpret information accurately, conveying the thought, intent and spirit of the speaker or signer in a manner appropriate to the communication needs of the participants.
• Interpret for students, parents, and other professionals at conferences, IFSP/IEP meetings, and other school-sponsored activities.
• Utilize planning time to meet with teachers and staff as deemed appropriate by the educational team and/or supervisor.
• Prepare, preview and study subjects to be interpreted to research vocabulary and appropriate terminology to provide an accurate, appropriate interpretation.

• Understand the student’s hearing loss and the effect of this loss on speech, language, and cognitive development and apply that knowledge when providing academic assistance.
• Provide appropriate input as requested for record keeping, program data, time sheets, etc.
• Keep confidential all private conversations between and with the school staff and the student(s) concerning family or personal issues (except as needed to be reported to the educational team or when required to share with the team).
• Be knowledgeable of the methods of behavior management being used in the school and understand their role in those positions.

• Participate as a member of the educational team.
• Have an awareness of, and help identify student goals and objectives for the IFSP/IEP.
• Attend IFSP/IEP and/or educational team meetings either as an interpreter or as a participant of the team, but not as both.
• Provide in‑services to classroom teachers, students and staff about the roles and responsibilities of educational interpreters.
• Explain the technical needs of interpreting, i.e., lighting, visual aids, positioning, and the challenges related to interpreting between languages.
• Share information about social, emotional and cultural aspects of deafness.
• Assist in educating students, staff and others regarding hearing loss.

• Function in a professional manner appropriate to the situation.
• Dress appropriately for the profession and for the interpreting task.
• Encourage independence in students.
• Remain current in the field by participating in activities, in‑services and skill‑building workshops to improve knowledge in interpreting, the educational process, and Deaf culture.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Comply with district performance standards, evaluations, policies and procedures.
• Encourage positive relationships among Deaf and hearing peers, staff, and faculty members.
• Perform other reasonable duties during the work day that the immediate supervisor may assign.