Instructional Assistant, Sign Language Interpreter (Certified)

Memorial High School; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Memorial High School in McAllen, TX is seeking an Instructional Assistant, Sign Language Interpreter (Certified) to facilitate communication for deaf or hard of hearing students across the curriculum. The role supports classroom teachers and requires BEI certification with 48 college hours.

The position is full-time (187 days) with starting salary of $30,000 annually plus a stipend of $3,000–$6,000 based on certification level. School is part of McAllen ISD RDSPD services.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 48 college hours are required.
• BEI certificate (Level I-III) or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Interpret in educational settings including academic, vocational classrooms and activities.
• Maintain professional ethics and confidentiality per BEI Code of Ethics.
• Maintain positive relationships with staff, students and parents; participate in continuing education.

Skills

American Sign Language

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Code of Ethics

Education

High School Diploma or GED

48 college hours

BEI certificate (Level I-III)

Job description

Instructional Assistant, Sign Language Interpreter (Certified)

McAllen Independent School District Memorial High School - McAllen, Texas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5502921

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Apr 16, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To facilitate communication between students who are deaf or hard of hearing and classroom teachers using the deaf or hard of hearing student’s communication system across the curriculum to enhance student learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED, required
• 48 college hours, required
• Level I, II, III, Basic or Advanced Certificate from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) or equivalent, required

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Proficient in American Sign Language or Signing Exact English
• Good communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate comprehension of the Code of Ethics for Interpreters

Experience:

• Background in working with deaf or hard of hearing children or adults, preferred

Days:187

Starting Salary: $30,000.00 annually (plus a stipend ranging from $3,000-$6,000 based on certification level)

Note:Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Interpret in educational settings including but not limited to:
   • a) academic, vocational classrooms and extracurricular activities
   • b) school-related programs, assemblies and meetings during working hours
   • c) conferences between principals and RDSPD students involved in discipline problems
   • d) for contract professionals who provide services to the program (i.e., Audiologist, educational evaluators, counselors, psychologists, etc.)
   • e) trainings or inservices for RDSPD staff
   • f) ARD meetings, conferences, or other interpreting situations which may arise
2. Maintain high professional ethical behavior and confidentiality, in accordance with the code of ethics of the Board for Evaluations of Interpreters (BEI).
3. Maintain positive professional relationships with school staff, students and parents.
4. Maintain and improve interpreting skills and stays abreast of important issues of interpreting by attending continuing education courses for interpreters.
5. Prepare for interpreting assignments by becoming familiar with subject matter and sign language vocabulary.
6. Comply with RDSPD and/or assigned campus procedures and written/verbal directives.
7. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
8. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Classroom equipment; copier, computer, multimedia equipment, and other classroom/office technology.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Must possess patience in working with all kinds of students

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Physically demanding; repetitive hand and wrist motions, occasional supervision of students outside the building; exposure to varied weather conditions; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over, assist in the restraining of students in crisis situations.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Liza Lara , Director for RDSPD
• Dept of RDSPD-Shared Services
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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