Sign Language Interpreter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Pay Rate/Work Days: $25.00/ 2 hours per day beginning August 17,2026

Reports To: Building Principal and Director of Special Education

The Educational Hearing Interpreter provides sign language interpreting and communication access services for an elementary student who is deaf or hard of hearing for 90 minutes per school day.

The interpreter facilitates equal access to classroom instruction, school activities, and educational opportunities by accurately conveying spoken language into sign language and signed communication into spoken English while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and neutrality.

The interpreter works collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and the student's educational team to support the student's full participation in the educational environment.

Instructional Support & Collaboration:

• Interpret all classroom instruction, discussions, demonstrations, and student interactions using the student's preferred communication mode during 90 minutes of instruction.
• Facilitate communication between the student, teachers, peers, and other school personnel.
• Collaborate with gen ed teacher to facilitate access to grade level instruction.
• Reinforce teacher directed lessons and learning activities while encouraging and increasing student independence.
• Communicate regularly with classroom teacher and spec ed staff, other related service providers, administration regarding student progress, successes and concerns.
• Provide communication access while maintaining the integrity, intent, and tone of the original message.
• Support the student's participation without modifying curriculum or providing instructional assistance beyond interpreting responsibilities.
• Participate in IEP meetings as requested.
• Communicate with staff regarding communication access needs while maintaining confidentiality.

• Promote the student's independence and self-advocacy skills.
• Promote individualized academic support to one assigned student-during the designated 90-minute instructional block.
• Encourage age-appropriate peer interactions while minimizing interpreter dependence.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategy as directed by the students IEP.
• Assist with ensuring visual access to instructional materials and classroom communication.

• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and district policies.
• Follow the Code of Professional Conduct established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), if applicable.
• Maintain professional boundaries by remaining neutral during instruction and student interactions.
• Participate in professional learning related to educational interpreting, deaf education, and language development.
• Maintain required certifications and continuing education.
• Complete district required training.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of the student by executing school emergency procedures and protocols effectively during drills and real emergencies.
• Attend work regularly and promptly-FMCSD attendance expectation for staff is 95%.

The successful candidate demonstrates:

• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English.
• Knowledge of child language development.
• Understanding of deaf culture and the educational needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Ability to interpret age-appropriate instructional content accurately.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Ability to work effectively with young children.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt interpreting strategies for elementary-aged learners.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and ethical interpreting practices.

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred).
• Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) score meeting Iowa requirements or eligibility to obtain required credentials.
• Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language.
• Experience working with elementary-aged children preferred.
• Ability to pass required background checks.

• Elementary classroom environment.
• Exposure to typical school noise levels.
• Frequent interaction with students, staff, and families.

The Educational Hearing Interpreter will:

• Provide accurate, complete, and impartial interpretation.
• Ensure the student has equitable communication access throughout 90 minutes of the instructional day.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Build positive working relationships with staff and students.
• Maintain confidentiality and student dignity.
• Participate as a collaborative member of the educational team while recognizing that instructional decisions remain the responsibility of certified teaching staff.

Physical Requirements: Bending, carrying, climbing, driving, lifting, pushing/pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking.

• May be required to sit for extended
• Maintain visual attention for long periods at a time.
• Frequently use hands and arms for sign language communication.

The Fort Madison Community School District is an EEO/AA employer

Fort Madison Community School District requires background check to be completed before hiring.