Deaf Ed Sign Language Interpreter (BEI Basic)

Denton Independent School District•Denton, TX

20h

About The Position

Facilitates communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing by providing sign language interpreting and transliterating services in educational settings. Supports student learning and engagement by adapting to individual communication needs and assisting with classroom activities as directed. The position is assigned to a campus and reports to the Campus Administrator and Supervisor of Denton Regional Day School Program for the Deaf. It is nonexempt, scheduled for 187 duty days per school year, and pays $40.00 per hour. Funding comes from tuition and state allotment revenue, and continued employment is contingent upon the availability of those funds. There are no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current certification awarded by the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters, or evidence that certification is in process, according to Texas Education Code (TEC) 21.002, 21.003, and 29.304.
Thirty hours of educational interpreting observation experience, preferably in a public K–12 setting.
Comprehensive knowledge of professional guidelines for sign language interpreters in education.
Comprehensive knowledge of the code of ethics for sign language interpreters in education.
Comprehensive knowledge of language deprivation and its effect on K–12 interpreting.
Ability to interpret from spoken English into ASL and from ASL into spoken English.
Ability to transliterate from spoken English into signed English.
Ability to read written English documents and translate them into ASL.
Ability to speak effectively in front of classrooms or crowds when needed.
Ability to read and write routine reports and electronic correspondence.
Proficient keyboarding and Google Workspace skills.
Ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with frequent interruptions.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university, preferably in a related field.
One year of interpreting experience.

Responsibilities

Provide sign language interpretation and transliteration for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in classrooms, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, school-related programs and meetings, and other situations.
Assess student needs and interpreting situations before and during assignments, adjusting services as needed.
Prepare for classroom subject matter by communicating proactively with teachers or content-area and grade-level teams and by researching or studying in advance.
Interpret or transliterate in the mode that reflects the student’s language use as outlined in the student’s IEP.
Work with classroom teachers to adapt classroom and school activities to promote meaningful participation by students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Model social strategies that encourage interaction between deaf and hard-of-hearing students and others.
Interpret incidental information, including peer interactions, announcements, and unfamiliar concepts.
Assist instructional staff in implementing a student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
Use discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive and confidential information.
Collect and record data on student progress toward academic and functional IEP goals using criteria developed by the Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee.
Attend district-required professional development as determined by the RDSPD Supervisor.
Maintain state licensure annually and submit proof to the Lead Interpreter.
Complete 100 hours of professional development to acquire 10.0 CEUs every five years and submit proof of certification renewal to the Lead Interpreter.
Follow district policies, procedures, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
Participate in professional development, faculty or department meetings, and special events as assigned.
Perform additional duties assigned to support the mission and goals of the district and campus.