2026-2027 SY ASL Interpreter (American Sign Language)

Gallup-McKinley County Schools; Gallup (NM); On-site; USD 59,984 - 60,031; Full time

Job summary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools in New Mexico seeks an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter to support deaf and hard-of-hearing students across general and special education settings. The role involves translating spoken English into ASL and vice versa to ensure access to curriculum and activities.

Responsibilities include collaborating with teachers, attending IEP meetings, and maintaining confidentiality under FERPA.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Must hold NM sign language interpreter licenses as issued by the NM board.
• Proficiency in ASL and English with educational terminology.
• Knowledge of Deaf culture and FERPA confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate interpretation in classroom settings and at school activities.
• Assist students in understanding curriculum content in various instructional settings.
• Interpret during assemblies, meetings, field trips, assessments, and activities.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to support access for deaf/hard-of-hearing students.
• Participate in IEP meetings and ongoing professional development.

Skills

ASL proficiency

Interpreting

Educational terminology

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Educational Licenses NM

Job description

TITLE: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

CLASSIFICATION: PreK-12 Education Support Staff

DEPARTMENT: Educational Dev. Center (SSC)

REPORTS TO: Site Principal and Special Education Director

WORK HOURS: 7.5

CONTRACT LENGTH: 194 Days

Teacher Salary Schedule

• Level I - $59,984 - $60,031

Position Summary

The ASL Interpreter facilitates communication between students who are deaf or hard of hearing and their peers, teachers, and other school personnel by interpreting spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL) and vice versa. The interpreter supports equitable access to academic content and social interactions within the general education and/or special education settings, helping ensure compliance with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, effective, and impartial interpretation of spoken and signed communication in classroom settings and school activities.
• Assist students in understanding curriculum content delivered in various instructional settings (general education, resource, and inclusive classrooms).
• Interpret during school-related functions such as assemblies, meetings, field trips, assessments, and extracurricular activities as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers, service providers, and staff to support instructional goals and ensure access for deaf/hard-of-hearing students.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and ethical interpreting standards.
• Serve as a language model and communication facilitator when appropriate.
• Support classroom instruction without altering the intended message or acting as a participant in the instruction.
• Participate in IEP meetings when requested, to support service planning and reporting.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain certification and stay current with best practices in educational interpreting.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the educational and communicative needs of students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• AND one of the following valid licenses issued by the New Mexico Signed Language Interpreting Practices Board:
• Community Signed Language Interpreter License
• Educational Signed Language Interpreter License
• Provisional Signed Language Interpreter License

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Proficiency in American Sign Language and English, including educational terminology.
• Knowledge of Deaf culture and communication needs of deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals.
• Ability to interpret in a variety of academic and non-academic settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work in a fast-paced educational environment.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and providing accessible education for all students.

Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the job and access the environment for which you are hired. The following may be required: Sitting, standing, lifting, moving about the room or school, carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, kneeling, prolonged typing, physical ability to type on a keyboard terminal, and moving light furniture.

Equipment/Technology Handled: Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.

Work Environment: On-Site attendance is mandatory for this position. Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment without direct supervision. After hour work may be required.

Terms of Employment: Salary and work calendar established yearly by the district.

All GMCS schools are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

GMCS employees: Transfer Request Form needs to be signed by supervisor and uploaded to your application.