General Purpose

The educational interpreter’s primary function is to facilitate communication among students who are deaf or hard of hearing, their hearing peers, the classroom teacher, and other personnel in the school system. The educational interpreter provides interpreting and support services to students who are deaf or hard of hearing being educated in the school district. Other duties that may be performed when they do not interfere with interpreting include tutoring, participation in meetings, and being an active member of the school’s educational team. The primary role of the educational interpreter is to serve as a facilitator of communication: to interpret. When the need arises for both interpreting and some other task (e.g. recess/hall supervision, tutoring, etc.), interpreting takes priority and should not be interrupted.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide expressive and voice interpreting for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in general education classes
• Under the direction of the classroom teacher, provide tutoring/review services as necessary for students who are deaf or hard of hearing when it does not interfere with the task of interpreting.
• Assist with the set up of note-taking services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, when necessary.
• Participate in educational team activities either in person or via a report. Activities may include team meetings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) conference,s and/or informal staff meetings. Input from the interpreter may involve information regarding communication strategies and progress related to the child’s use of the interpreter.
• Serve as a liaison between the students who are deaf or hard of hearing, hearing peers, staff, and faculty members.
• Lead or assist in providing in-services to hearing students, staff, and parents as requested in regard to sign language, deafness, Deaf culture, interpreting, and consumer education.
• Provide interpreting for school functions outside of the classroom, extracurricular activities, and parent meetings when requested in advance. (Compensation by the school district for interpreting services provided outside of normal school hours should also be agreed upon in advance.)
• Use any scheduled preparation time (comparable to teacher preparation time) to preview materials, conference with teachers, record data in logs, research signs, etc. 
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to the position.
• Maintain professional standards.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in American Sign Language, or similar field, preferred
• Relevant experience
• Meet professional education requirements of Michigan City Area Schools and the State of Indiana
• Possess or be eligible for a permit in Educational Interpreting in the State of Indiana
• Possess basic knowledge of special education laws and regulations and can follow developed procedures

 Salary and Benefits

 

Payment Type:  Salary, per MCEA Agreement

 

Benefits:  Comprehensive medical, annuity contribution, ITRF, life insurance

 

The Michigan City Area Schools does not discriminate on the basis of the Protected Classes of race, color, national origin, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information, which are classes protected by Federal and/or State law (collectively, "Protected Classes"). This includes the Corporation's employment opportunities, programs, and/or activities, or, if initially occurring off Corporation grounds or outside the Corporation's employment opportunities, programs and activities, affecting the Corporation's environment. For further information, clarification, or complaint, please contact the MCAS School Administration, 408 S. Carroll Avenue, Michigan City, Indiana 46360 at (219) 873-2000 for Title IX (gender equity related issues); or Special Education Director , 408 S. Carroll Avenue, Michigan City, Indiana 46360 at (219) 873-2000 for Section 504 (non-discrimination/disability issues and Americans with Disabilities). Any other information concerning the above policies may be obtained by contacting the Superintendent, Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, 408 S. Carroll Ave., Michigan City, Indiana 46360 at (219) 873-2000.