Sign Language Interpreter

Schedule

Hourly. Hours may vary based on program needs.

Director of Special Education Programs, Special Education Supervisors, Building Principals.

None.

$29.67/hr for non‑certified; $34.25/hr for certified.

• Successful completion of an Interpreter/Transl iterator Training Program affiliated with an accredited educational institution.
• Current, national interpreter and transl iterator certification or a two‑year provisional certificate with certification attained prior to expiration.

The Education Interpreter provides interpreting and transliterating services for students, staff, and parents who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing in various environments. The primary function is to act as a facilitator of communication between the Deaf/Hard of Hearing student and his/her educational community, so that the student may actively participate in the educational program. The Educational Interpreter serves as a related service provider on a student's educational team.

• Provide meaningful classroom communication for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing student in an integrated setting and/or any other setting as deemed necessary.
• Change simultaneously the spoken language into finger spelling and sign language and conversely the sign language into the spoken language.
• Use ASL and/or Signed English based on the student's mode of communication.
• Prepare for the interpreting assignment by reading and researching materials pertaining to the particular class.
• Be prepared to interpret for other classes (day and evening) and various other interpreting situations in which the student needs interpreting assistance (e.g., extracurricular).
• Prepare vocabulary booklets by transferring written language into signs (e.g., reading, science, health, etc.) to reinforce signing skills of the teachers, parents and the students.
• Develop a rapport with the classroom teacher; establish and maintain open communication with the mainstream and Deaf/Hard of Hearing staff.
• Provide information to the classroom teacher as to the role of the interpreter in the classroom.
• Assist in meeting the student's educational needs; evaluate the physical setting in the classroom so as to position yourself in the appropriate place to ensure maximum communication for the student.
• Use the student's preferred mode of communication (ASL/Signed English/Pidgin English/Combination).
• Become aware of the student's language and skill level to assure appropriate communication techniques.
• Check for the understanding of signs, new vocabulary and concepts.
• Assist in securing a note taker in class if a note taker is not available.
• Encourage the student to participate in the class; develop a good rapport without infringing on the student's rights.
• Understand and assist in the implementation and follow‑through of the student's IEP, including providing academic support, behavior management, activities of daily living and/or transition support as directed.
• Work in partnership with the Deaf/Hard of Hearing staff; serve as a collaborative member of the student's educational team, providing information that helps evaluate and plan the student's educational program.
• Make appropriate personnel aware of needs that occur in the classroom and that may affect the student's ability to succeed.
• Provide teachers with information from the mainstream class related to class discussions, assignments, behavior of the student and tests.
• Assist in developing new signs in the technical and academic areas to help the student learn new concepts.
• Assist in tutoring in a particular subject when needed.
• Provide materials/handouts to the teacher that has been distributed in the mainstream class.
• Teach sign classes; teach sign classes to hearing students, parents and staff as appropriate.
• Participate as a team member in the elective sign classes offered at this secondary level as needed.
• Attend workshops and in‑service training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills as an interpreter.
• Promote Deaf/Hard of Hearing awareness in the classroom and throughout the school.
• Accompany the Deaf/Hard of Hearing student for staffings, conferences and field trips as assigned.