EDUCATIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER 26-27 SY

Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization; Middleborough (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

A local educational organization is seeking an Educational Sign Language Interpreter to facilitate communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The role involves interpreting during classroom activities and other educational settings. Candidates must be proficient in American Sign Language and hold Illinois State Board of Education Interpreter Approval. This position supports the educational program and upholds confidentiality and team collaboration in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Have or obtain the Illinois State Board of Education Educational Interpreter Approval.
• Proficient in American Sign Language.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate the capacity to move about the building and participate in NSSEO approved procedures.
• Willingness to participate in crisis intervention training and student safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Transmits messages and environmental cues in academic and non-academic settings.
• Interprets comments between teachers and students during classes.
• Facilitates communication during tutoring and counseling sessions.
• Provide note-taking or coordinate note-taking services.
• Interpret during tutoring, counseling, and school events.
• Communicate students' language needs to teachers and staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the needs of deaf/hard of hearing students.
• Promote a positive image of the district and collaborate with staff and parents.
• Educate students and staff on interpreter use and advocacy for access.
• Participate in professional growth activities and staff meetings.

Skills

Proficient in American Sign Language

Effective communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Illinois State Board of Education Educational Interpreter Approval

Job description

EDUCATIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER 26-27 SY JobID: 1542

• Position Type: Educational Support Staff
• Date Posted: 3/4/2026
• Location: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
• Date Available: 8/11/2026

GENERAL INFORMATION

Title: Educational Sign Language Interpreter

Licensure: Illinois State Board of Education Interpreter Approval

Endorsement: No Endorsements Required

Classification: ESP – 10 month – 196 days

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Salary Classification: PerNSSEA ESP Salary Schedule – starting at Lane V Step 0 (Pending Negotiations)

Benefits: Per NSSEA ESP Collective Bargaining Agreement

Reviewed/Revised: 2/2023

PURPOSE

The Educational Sign Language Interpreter transmits messages and environmental cues via a language or code that best meets the needs of the receiver in both academic and non-academic settings. The interpreter is expected to establish and maintain effective, appropriate working relationships with students, parents, and staff. The position calls upon the interpreter to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion in performance of duties. The Educational Interpreter is guided by best practice and by codes of ethics that are outlined by his or her professional organizations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Interprets teacher's and other students' comments to program students during classroom activities.
• Interprets program students' comments to teachers during classroom activities.
• Reviews coursework materials in advance so that classroom activities can be conveyed clearly and accurately.
• Researches and chooses signs to convey clear meanings in all settings.
• Provides note taking or arranges note taking services.
• Facilitates academic and personal communication for program students by providing interpreting services during tutoring sessions, counseling sessions, annual reviews, school assemblies, and after school activities.
• Provides information about students' communication and language needs consistent with the team's direction to teachers in mainstream classes.
• Exhibits knowledge of the language and communication needs of students who are deaf/hard of hearing and the ability to communicate with students who are deaf/hard of hearing.
• Exhibits knowledge of the unique nature of educational interpreting/transliterating.
• Exhibits exemplary interpersonal skills in dealing with students, staff, and parents
• Projects a positive image of the district to students, staff, and parents as well as exhibiting a positive and collaborative attitude on the job.
• Educates students and staff in the strategies, processes, and protocol for using an Interpreter.
• Advocates for communication access and models self-advocacy skills.
• Participates in professional growth activities.
• Participates in staff and building meetings as appropriate and as requested by teachers or by Program Supervisor.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Act as a positive role model for students.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding work with special needs student.
• Support NSSEO policy, NSSEO and governing board goals and objectives, and The School Code of Illinois.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• To perform the physically demanding job functions, strength and/or endurance for lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling are occasionally required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical capabilities of climbing and balancing are seldom required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical body movement of stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling is seldom required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the upper extremity physical capabilities reaching, handling, and/or fine motor dexterity are constantly required.
• Exposure to temperature extremes is seldom or not present.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g. mechanical, cuts, burns, infectious disease, high decibel noise, etc.) is seldom or not present.
• Frequency of exposure to injury to self and/or others is seldom or not present.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Have or obtain the Illinois State Board of Education Educational Interpreter Approval
• Proficient in American Sign Language
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students and staff.
• Ability to physically move about the building.
• Ability to make minor decisions in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to participate in NSSEO approved behavior management procedures, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) and to apply training in crisis situations including student restraints as needed.

Postings current as of 3/6/2026 10:20:16 AM CST.