Educational American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Ipswich Public Schools seeks a qualified Educational American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter to support communication access for students and staff who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The interpreter’s primary role is to facilitate communication among students, teachers, peers, and school personnel using American Sign Language and other appropriate communication modes.

The interpreter will provide interpreting and related support services across educational settings, ensuring equitable access to instruction and school activities. When interpreting responsibilities allow, the interpreter may also assist with tutoring, participate in team meetings, and collaborate as an active member of the educational team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expressive and voice interpreting for students and/or staff who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in academic, extracurricular, and school-related settings.

• Use a variety of communication methods as needed (e.g., ASL, Manually Coded English, Pidgin Signed English, or Oral Interpreting).

• Prepare for classes by reviewing instructional materials, lesson plans, and relevant subject vocabulary.

• Collaborate with classroom teachers and support staff to reinforce learning when appropriate, without interfering with interpreting duties.

• Serve as a communication and cultural liaison among Deaf and hearing students, faculty, and staff.

• Interpret for school-related functions outside regular classes, such as assemblies, performances, extracurricular events, and parent meetings, with advance notice.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the professional standards and ethical guidelines of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

• Ensure equity and inclusion for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, marital status, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, homelessness, or disability.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the administration.

Skill Set

The successful candidate will demonstrate many of the following qualifications:

• High School degrees required; Bachelor’s or associate's degrees preferred

• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken/written English.

• Training in Deaf interpreting, with an understanding of diverse communication modes.

• Adherence to professional practices and ethical standards as outlined in the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct.

• One to five years of interpreting experience, preferably in educational settings.

• Strong understanding of Deaf culture and community resources.

• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary educational team and independently when needed.

• Prior experience in a K–12 educational environment preferred.

Terms of Employment

• Full-time, 10-month position aligned with the Ipswich Public Schools academic calendar.