Sign Language Interpreter Float - District-wide - .938 FTE - 26-27 SY

Wifca; Madison, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Madison Metropolitan School District is seeking a District Sign Language Interpreter to ensure Deaf or hard of hearing students have full access to instruction and activities. This in-person role travels between district locations to support students and educators under the Special Education team.

The interpreter will provide accurate interpretation and transliteration, collaborate with teachers, and participate in IEP team activities while upholding ethics and professional standards in a

Qualifications

• Completion of an Educational Interpreter Training Program from an accredited college or university.
• Hold a five-year DPI Educational Interpreter License and interpreter training certificate.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and transliterate classroom and school activities for DHH students.
• Collaborate with teachers and the DHH team to support IEP goals.
• Adapt settings to optimize communication and access to instruction.
• Attend district and school events as required and support professional development.

Skills

Sign language interpretation

Collaboration

Cultural competence

Flexibility

Education

Educational Interpreter Training Program

Job description

Student Services

Doyle Administration Building

$28.36 - 28.36 Hourly Wage

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for openings for the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

Why You Should Work with MMSD!

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin. We have a simple but bold vision - to ensure that every school is a thriving school, that prepares every student to graduate from high school ready for college, career, and community. We welcome applicants who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.

The Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. We have a simple but bold vision - to ensure that every school is a thriving school, fostering the growth of every student so they graduate from high school ready for college, career and community.

Our strategy is captured in our strategic framework , and centers on three major goals: that all children achieve academically, that our schools are places where children and adults thrive, and that our Black youth excel at school. To achieve this vision, we seek to retain staff in all positions, who are committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. Staff who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families and staff.

We firmly believe in and are here to create a work environment that is challenging and rewarding, while supporting employees in their career path. We strive to provide, encourage, grow, and develop a talented workforce that better supports and represents the diversity of our student population. We know this vision doesn't come to life without dynamic leaders and support staff in every school.

About Our District

The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second largest school district in Wisconsin. The district serves a beautifully diverse population of more than 25,000 students. More than half are students of color. Almost half come from low income households. Nearly one third are English Language Learners, and more than 100 languages are represented in our schools. Madison schools are committed to making this district a place where every child thrives.

Purpose of Position

Under the direct supervision of the Student Services Director overseeing DHH Services, the District Sign Language Interpreter serves as a vital communication link, ensuring DHH students have full access to instruction, school activities, and school-based social relationships. Sign Language Interpreters are integral members of the Special Education team, providing essential support to students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). This position will be required to travel between District locations frequently depending on student needs.

This position will have a high degree of integrity, sustain a culture of continuous improvement, and be committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive work environment while having a growth mindset to a multi-faceted operation while having a focus on creating a positive work culture.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Interpretation and transliteration (70%)

Interpret or transliterate all information presented in the educational setting for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, including but not limited to:

• Classroom content and communication
• Communication in other school environments and activities
• Interpersonal communications
• Additional needs as defined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Follow the Code of Ethics for Educational Interpreters

Collaboration with team members (10%)

• Share information with team members about students' progress and needs
• Participate in the activities that enhance the educational experience and educational environment
• Participate as needed in Individualized Educational Program (IEP) team meetings
• Promote continual improvement of the DHH team's capacity to serve students and families by engaging in professional activities that enhance personal professional development

Collaborate with classroom teachers, other educators, and internal partners (10%)

• Optimize communication interaction in the educational setting
• Adapt physical settings as needed
• Provide information and advocacy within the educational environment regarding the needs of DHH students
• Build classroom and school culture through the reinforcement of social emotional learning skills, behavioral expectations, and practice of pro-active engagement strategies with all students

Reinforce, clarify, and support classroom instruction (5%)

• Support certified educators in delivering effective classroom instruction for DHH students
• Support completion of student academic practices and coursework
• Clarify content, encourage engagement, and facilitate self-advocacy for DHH students

Other duties as assigned (5%)

• Performs other duties as assigned by executive leadership or their representatives or designees
• Attend District and school functions that support MMSD's strategic framework, initiatives, and core values
• Complete any and all District-required training

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Knowledge of the developmental needs of DHH students across grade levels, especially related to the role of communication in their development.
• Knowledge of cultural competence to work effectively with all students and families in MMSD.
• Ability to express excellent collaborative and engagement skills to work with teams of people that include both school staff, students and families, and outside agency personnel.
• Flexibility and willingness to be reassigned to different locations based on evolving and emergent school and student needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of an Educational Interpreter Training Program from an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university.

License or Certifications Requirements:

• Hold a five-year renewable or five-year non-renewable DPI Educational Interpreter License; and hold an interpreter training program certificate .

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors is minimal and poses little to no risk of injury. This position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and may involve walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, sitting, stooping or reaching. This position requires the ability to continuously execute rapid, precise, and repetitive movements of the fingers, hands, wrists, and arms for extended periods to facilitate sign language interpretation. This position may require being stationary for extended periods of time but also requires the ability to move quickly where the teacher or student is located

Ability to perform work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments throughout the year, including in inclement weather, spaces without air conditioning, and areas where temperatures may be uncomfortable or fluctuate rapidly.

Working Conditions:

Work requires travel to different locations within the District and to off-site meetings.

Position requires working evenings, nights, and some weekends.

School-based and school-focused positions are required to be in-person unless otherwise directed by District leadership.

Disclaimer: This position description is subject to change at any time.

The above job description does not limit the duties and responsibilities listed above as they are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Employees in this position may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as directed by the supervisor.

The Madison Metropolitan School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to seek a diverse and talented workforce. We encourage veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.