Sign Language Interpreter Float - District-wide - .938 FTE - 26-27 SY

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for openings for the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

About the District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving a diverse population of more than 25,000 students. More than half are students of color, almost half come from low-income households, nearly one third are English Language Learners, and over 100 languages are represented in our schools. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision to ensure every school is a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career, and community.

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of the Student Services Director overseeing DHH Services, the District Sign Language Interpreter serves as a vital communication link, ensuring DHH students have full access to instruction, school activities, and school-based social relationships. This position requires frequent travel between District locations based on student needs and involves a high degree of integrity, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a focus on fostering an inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpretation and transliteration (70%)
  • Interpret or transliterate all information presented in the educational setting for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, including:
    • Classroom content and communication
    • Communication in other school environments and activities
    • Pertinent environmental sounds
    • Interpersonal communications
    • Additional needs as defined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Follow the Code of Ethics for Educational Interpreters.
• Collaboration with team members (10%)
  • Share information with team members about students’ progress and needs.
  • Participate in activities that enhance the educational experience and environment.
  • Attend Individualized Educational Program (IEP) team meetings as needed.
  • Engage in professional activities to enhance personal and team capacity to serve students and families.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and internal partners (10%)
  • Optimize communication interaction in the educational setting.
  • Adapt physical settings as needed.
  • Provide information and advocacy regarding the needs of DHH students.
  • Build classroom and school culture through reinforcement of social-emotional learning skills and behavioral expectations.
• Reinforce and support classroom instruction (5%)
  • Support certified educators in delivering effective classroom instruction for DHH students.
  • Assist with completion of student academic practices and coursework.
  • Clarify content, encourage engagement, and facilitate self-advocacy for DHH students.
• Other duties as assigned (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership or their representatives.
  • Attend District and school functions that support MMSD’s strategic framework, initiatives, and core values.
  • Complete all District-required training.

Requirements

• Completion of an Educational Interpreter Training Program from an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university.
• Hold a five-year renewable or five-year non-renewable DPI Educational Interpreter License and an interpreter training program certificate.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the developmental needs of DHH students across grade levels, especially related to communication.
• Cultural competence to work effectively with all students and families in MMSD.
• Excellent collaborative and engagement skills to work with teams, including school staff, students, families, and outside agency personnel.
• Flexibility and willingness to be reassigned to different locations based on evolving student needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Capability to perform tasks involving walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, sitting, stooping, or reaching.
• Ability to execute rapid, precise, and repetitive movements of the fingers, hands, wrists, and arms for extended periods to facilitate sign language interpretation.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while also moving quickly to where the teacher or student is located.
• Ability to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, including inclement weather, non-air-conditioned spaces, and areas with fluctuating temperatures.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel to different locations within the District and to off-site meetings.
• Position may require working evenings, nights, and some weekends.
• School-based and school-focused positions are required to be in-person unless otherwise directed by District leadership.

Pay

$28.36 hourly wage.

Benefits

MMSD offers a great compensation package. Visit the benefits page and compensation page for more information.