American Sign Language Interpreter - 1:1 Educational Interpreter

Cary School DIstrict 26; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cary School District 26 is seeking an experienced sign language interpreter to provide real-time ASL and spoken English interpretation for a 1:1 student across classroom instruction, lectures, and group discussions. The role requires ISBE approval with an appropriate endorsement or RID/IL BEI credential and adherence to ethical standards.

The interpreter will collaborate with teachers, IEP teams, and staff to ensure full curriculum access, adapt vocabulary for content, and prepare sign language

Qualifications

• Must hold valid approval by the Illinois State Board of Education with an endorsement in Educational Sign Language Interpreter.
• Must meet one of the credential requirements: Level 3.5+ on EIPA; RID certification; or IDHHC IL BEI Basic Certification or higher.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, real-time interpretation between ASL and spoken English during classroom instruction, lectures, small-group work, and independent assignments.
• Tailor communication modes and vocabulary to match the student’s age, language preferences, and IEP goals.
• Review lesson plans and materials in advance to prepare sign vocabulary for complex content.
• Interpret across non-academic settings (lunch, field trips, drills) to ensure equal access to the full school experience.
• Collaborate with general and special education staff, related service providers, and the IEP team to align interpreting support with instructional goals.
• Maintain student confidentiality and adhere to RID Code of Professional Conduct.
• Monitor interpreter visibility in classrooms and participate in district meetings and professional development.
• Document concerns related to student access or accommodations to relevant staff.

Job description

Position Summary

Provide real-time ASL/spoken English interpretation for a 1:1 student across classroom instruction, lectures, and group discussions.

Reports To: Building Principal

Position Summary

Provide real-time ASL/spoken English interpretation for a 1:1 student across classroom instruction, lectures, and group discussions.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid approval by the Illinois State Board of Education with an endorsement in Educational Sign Language Interpreter.
• Must meet one of the following credential requirements:
  • Attained a rating of Level 3.5 or higher on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA); or
  • Hold a current, valid certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID); or
  • Hold a current, valid Illinois Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (IL BEI) Basic Certification or higher issued by the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC).
• Individuals who serve as educational sign language interpreters in preK-12 public school settings in Illinois are required to have an ISBE approval pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Section 25.550.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, real-time interpretation between ASL and spoken English during all classroom instruction, lectures, small-group work, and independent assignments, ensuring the student has full access to curriculum content in every subject area.
• Tailor communication modes, sign choices, and vocabulary to match the student's age, developmental level, language preferences, and specific goals outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Review lesson plans, textbooks, presentation materials, and subject-specific or technical terminology in advance of instruction to prepare accurate sign vocabulary for complex or unfamiliar content.
• Interpret consistently across non-academic school settings, including lunch, recess, assemblies, field trips, fire and safety drills, and other school-sponsored events, to ensure the student has equal access to the full school experience.
• Facilitate direct communication between the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing student, hearing peers, and school staff, encouraging the student's independence and self-advocacy rather than acting as an intermediary for social interactions.
• Collaborate regularly with general education and special education teachers, related service providers, the student's IEP team, and building administration to align interpreting support with instructional goals and classroom expectations.
• Maintain strict student confidentiality and adhere to professional and ethical boundaries in accordance with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.
• Monitor classroom conditions to ensure an unobstructed view of the interpreter at all times.
• Participate in required district staff meetings, professional development days, IEP meetings, and specialized interpreter training sessions to maintain and strengthen interpreting skills and stay current on best practices.
• Document and communicate any concerns related to student access, comprehension, or classroom accommodations to the appropriate staff or IEP team members in a timely manner.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with staff, administrators, students, and families, including both hearing and non-hearing individuals.
• Strong social perceptiveness and interpersonal awareness, with the ability to read classroom dynamics, student needs, and social cues to interpret not just language but tone, intent, and context accurately.
• High level of fluency and accuracy in American Sign Language, including the ability to adapt interpreting style to different academic subjects, age groups, and communication needs.
• Strong organizational and preparation skills, including the ability to review and internalize academic content, vocabulary, and materials in advance of lessons.
• Solid technology skills, particularly with assistive and classroom technology, to support communication access and troubleshoot basic technical issues as they arise.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to move between varied settings throughout the school day, including classrooms, common areas, and off-site activities.

Terms Of Employment

This is a 2026-2027 position.

Salary

$32.00 - $35.00 / hr commensurate with experience.