Memphis Shelby County Schools·Memphis, Tennessee
The position serves as a liaison between district staff, students, and parents to facilitate communication and provide academic assistance to ESL students. Responsibilities include interpreting, tutoring, translating documents, and monitoring student behavior on school grounds.
The essential function of the position within the organization is to serve as liaison between District staff and students and parents whose primary spoken language is one other than English. The position is responsible for providing academic assistance to students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program; interpreting for students, parents and teachers, and performing other duties as assigned. The position works under general supervision according to some procedures; decides how and when to complete tasks. Essential Job Functions This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements. Provides oral and written interpretation between the school, teachers, parents and students. Provides academic tutoring and other academic assistance for non-English-speaking students; assists them in understanding and speaking fluent English. Teaches customs of American society to those from other countries and cultures. Translates District/school documents to other languages as qualified. Serves as chaperone on field trips as needed to facilitate clear communication with ESL students. Assists in enforcing school rules and regulations by monitoring students on school grounds. Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding issues, programs, policies and procedures in areas of responsibility. Participates in meetings with teachers, principals and administrators to discuss issues in areas of responsibility. Documents all contact with and services provided to students as assigned. Attends training, conferences, meetings and workshops as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills. Performs routine clerical tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending and receiving faxes and e-mails, entering and retrieving computer data. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree, or two (2) years of college (minimum of 48 semester hours), a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment Test, or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience may be acceptable. Relevant training and experience is defined as one (1) year or more of experience in translating and/or mentoring; experience and training in working with students in an instructional environment, preferably within a bilingual setting. (PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED) Degree Equivalency Formula: Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience. Master’s Degree=6 years plus required years of experience.
Candidates must possess at least an Associate’s degree or two years of college credit, or pass the ParaPro Assessment Test. One year of experience in translating or mentoring within an instructional environment is required.
Market context
In Tennessee, multilingual cultural mentor roles are often tied to schools serving students and families who need language and cultural support, so demand can be steady where multilingual enrollment is growing. These positions are competitive because they combine communication skills, instructional support experience, and a credential threshold such as an associate’s degree, two years of college credit, or a passed ParaPro Assessment Test. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then highlight your translating or mentoring experience in an instructional setting when you apply.