American Sign Language Interpreter - 1:1 Educational Interpreter

Reports to: Building Principal

About the Role

Provide real-time ASL/spoken English interpretation for a 1:1 student across classroom instruction, lectures, and group discussions.

Qualifications

Must hold a valid approval by the Illinois State Board of Education with an endorsement in Educational Sign Language Interpreter.

• Must meet one of the following credential requirements:
  • Attained a rating of Level 3.5 or higher on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA); or
  • Hold a current, valid certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID); or
  • Hold a current, valid Illinois Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (IL BEI) Basic Certification or higher issued by the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC).
• Individuals who serve as educational sign language interpreters in preK-12 public school settings in Illinois are required to have an ISBE approval pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Section 25.550.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, real-time interpretation between ASL and spoken English during all classroom instruction, lectures, small-group work, and independent assignments, ensuring the student has full access to curriculum content in every subject area.
• Tailor communication modes, sign choices, and vocabulary to match the student's age, developmental level, language preferences, and specific goals outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Review lesson plans, textbooks, presentation materials, and subject-specific or technical terminology in advance of instruction to prepare accurate sign vocabulary for complex or unfamiliar content.
• Interpret consistently across non-academic school settings, including lunch, recess, assemblies, field trips, fire and safety drills, and other school-sponsored events, to ensure the student has equal access to the full school experience.
• Facilitate direct communication between the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing student, hearing peers, and school staff, encouraging the student's independence and self-advocacy rather than acting as an intermediary for social interactions.
• Collaborate regularly with general education and special education teachers, related service providers, the student's IEP team, and building administration to align interpreting support with instructional goals and classroom expectations.
• Maintain strict student confidentiality and adhere to professional and ethical boundaries in accordance with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.
• Monitor classroom conditions to ensure an unobstructed view of the interpreter at all times.
• Participate in required district staff meetings, professional development days, IEP meetings, and specialized interpreter training sessions to maintain and strengthen interpreting skills and stay current on best practices.
• Document and communicate any concerns related to student access, comprehension, or classroom accommodations to the appropriate staff or IEP team members in a timely manner.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with staff, administrators, students, and families, including both hearing and non-hearing individuals.
• Strong social perceptiveness and interpersonal awareness, with the ability to read classroom dynamics, student needs, and social cues to interpret not just language but tone, intent, and context accurately.
• High level of fluency and accuracy in American Sign Language, including the ability to adapt interpreting style to different academic subjects, age groups, and communication needs.
• Strong organizational and preparation skills, including the ability to review and internalize academic content, vocabulary, and materials in advance of lessons.
• Solid technology skills, particularly with assistive and classroom technology, to support communication access and troubleshoot basic technical issues as they arise.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to move between varied settings throughout the school day, including classrooms, common areas, and off-site activities.

Pay

$32.00 - $35.00 / hr commensurate with experience.