Educational Interpreter

Responsible for providing American Sign Language (ASL) to English and English to ASL interpreting for students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind in local education agencies (LEAs) with whom the program contacts. Interpreting services provide access to communication and learning in the school-based environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Interprets all communication in the school environment, focusing on matters such as instruction, discussions, lab work, print materials, assessments, media, assemblies, athletic events, clubs, and field trips, for assigned students. Provides information on considerations for interpreted education at the beginning of the school year with subsequent ongoing consultation to others engaging with the interpreter (e.g. administrators, students, teachers, coaches, counselors), clarifying the role and responsibilities of the Educational Interpreter, in support of effective communication between the students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing or Deaf-Blind and others. Assists with setting up physical learning spaces, in collaborating with the Educational Audiologist, Teacher of the Deaf and classroom teachers, to create instructional environments that ensure visual access to the materials and the interpreter’s signing. Plans for interpretation by securing and reviewing instructional materials, media, textbooks, and lesson plans, in order to prepare appropriately for effective interpretation within specific content areas or for school-related events. Interacts directly with the student or supports other educational professionals to share content through repeating, clarifying or restructuring information to facilitate emerging and developing language. Informally teaches conversational sign language to peers, teachers and staff through clubs, or as needed in real-time, to support opportunities for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deaf-Blind student to interact directly with others. Provides information to the IEP team regarding the student’s strengths or needs related to language development and use of interpretation across settings by contributing in writing to the student’s Communication Plan and IEP and by attending the IEP meeting to add to the data on the student’s language and communication needs. Consults with educational professionals, such as a Teacher of the Deaf or Speech and Language Pathologist, to support their instruction on language development and social emotional learning. Advances knowledge of evidence-based and best practices of educational interpreting and continuously adds to their American Sign Language vocabulary through participation in at least 20 hours of professional development, annually, in order to sustain the ability to provide effective interpretation. Adheres to the Professional Guidelines for Interpreting in Educational Settings and the Educational Interpreter Code of Ethics as outlined by the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE). Prepares and maintains a detailed daily/weekly schedule, yearly calendar and ongoing sub plans so that continuity of services can be provided in the event of an absence. Maintains student confidentiality by protecting client data in accordance with HIPAA/FERPA regulations and AIU policy, safeguarding students, the intermediate unit, and the local education agencies (LEAs) with whom the program contracts.