American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Framingham Public Schools; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Framingham Public Schools is seeking an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter to facilitate communication among students, parents, and staff. This role ensures that educational rights are protected through quality interpretation. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and previous experience in an educational environment.

Responsibilities include supporting lectures and social interactions, maintaining confidentiality, and promoting social-emotional learning for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication during lectures and discussions.
• Interpret non-spoken information during critical events.
• Collaborate with teachers for specialized vocabulary preparation.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Restorative Practices

Technical Literacy

Relationship Building & Collaboration

Cultural Proficiency

Reliability and Professionalism

Organization & Time Management

Technology Proficiency

Compliance & Confidentiality

Linguistic Adaptability

Curriculum Preparation

Environmental Awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree

Job description

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Framingham Public Schools – Framingham High School – 2026-2027 School Year

Position Summary

The American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter facilitates communication between Framingham Public Schools students, parents/guardians, and staff, ensuring protection of educational rights through high‑quality interpretation on an as‑needed basis.

Mission

Framingham Public Schools (FPS) is committed to excellence for all students and to building a workforce that reflects our community’s diversity. FPS values inclusion, equity, cultural responsiveness, antiracism, social justice, and civic engagement.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

• American Sign Language (ASL) Certification preferred.

Training and Experience

• Educational Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Professional Experience: Previous experience in an educational setting is preferred.
• Language Proficiency: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese preferred.

Skills and Ability

• Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and respond to district staff and community.
• Problem Solving: Reasoning and problem‑solving skills to evaluate communication needs and recommend accommodations.
• Social‑Emotional Learning (SEL): Integrate SEL frameworks to support the whole child and foster a safe, inclusive environment for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students.
• Restorative Practices: Utilize restorative justice techniques to manage conduct and resolve conflicts.
• Technical Literacy: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret IEPs, curriculum materials, and district regulations.
• Relationship Building & Collaboration: Establish positive working relationships with leaders, faculty, students, and partners.
• Cultural Proficiency: Demonstrated capacity to foster equitable and.>
• Reliability, Professionalism & Composure: Maintain punctual attendance and professionalism in high‑stakes situations.
• Organization & Time Management: Work independently, manage complex schedules, and maintain accurate logs.
• Technology Proficiency: Operate computer and assistive technologies, including Google Workspace.
• Compliance & Confidentiality: Follow state and federal laws, policies, and confidentiality requirements.
• Linguistic Adaptability: Code‑switch between Formal ASL, PSE, and CASE as appropriate.
• Curriculum Preparation: Research and develop signs for complex academic vocabulary.
• Environmental Awareness: Provide environmental shadowing to convey auditory social cues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

I. Instructional Interpreting & Classroom Support

• Facilitate communication during lectures, group work, and discussions.
• Interpret non‑spoken information (e.g., intercom announcements, fire drills).
• Collaborate with teachers to prepare specialized vocabulary.

II. Social Mediation & IEP Support

• Interpret peer interactions during recess, lunch, and transitions to support social‑emotional growth.
• Provide feedback on student communication progress during IEP and 504 meetings.

III. Administrative & Professional Conduct

• Maintain professional conduct in alignment with EIPA guidelines.
• Ensure clear communication between parents/guardians and staff during meetings or events.

Other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Physical Working Conditions

• Mobility, Navigation & Travel: Move throughout the school building and grounds, responding promptly to emergencies.
• Stationary Vigilance: Remain in position for prolonged periods while interpreting.
• Sensory Requirements: Maintain visual and auditory focus on students and speakers.
• Communication: Effectively convey information in person, via email, and in ASL.
• Manual Dexterity & Technology: Use hands and computers, input data into logs, and operate assistive technologies.
• General Physical Strength: Lift and move instructional materials up to 20‑30 lbs and support students in emergencies.
• Working Environment: Adapt to dynamic, higher‑noise school settings and outdoor weather conditions.
• Interaction & Focus: Interact with diverse stakeholders while maintaining focus on interpreting tasks.
• Behavioral De‑escalation & Resilience: Remain calm and model restorative de‑escalation techniques.

Reports To

• Building Principal (and/or designee)

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification

• Non‑Exempt (Hourly)

Terms of Employment

• Covered under Framingham School Committee Contract
• Work Year: 180 days (Ten Months)
• The District reserves the right to transfer personnel as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Framingham Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. The district complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. This policy covers all terms and conditions of employment. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at the Framingham Public Schools School Committee website. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Framingham Public Schools Nondiscrimination Notice. Revised 2026.