Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. To fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, educational excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD supports strategic utilization of resources, aligning them to our strategic plan and district priorities, to increase student achievement.
The Educational Sign Language Interpreter is a school-based position responsible for sign language interpretation duties in connection with the CPS Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing program. This position will report to the Principal of the assigned school location.
The Educational Sign Language Interpreter will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
Accompany Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing to classes, and use sign language to convey the teacher's instruction and intent, making verbatim interpretations to them of lectures and discussions
Assist deaf/hard-of-hearing students with daily activities, transmitting spoken messages and environmental cues using sign language.
Use speech to interpret responses of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students to instructors and others as necessary, and facilitate communication between students and others.
Consult with teachers regarding the concerns of individual students
Other duties as assigned
To be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Educational Sign Language Interpreter must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
Associate’s degree, or a minimum of 60 hours of college credit, from an accredited college or university.
Valid Sign Language Interpreter Approval issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), whether standalone or associated with a Professional Educator License (PEL)
Experience Required:
A minimum of 1 year of interpreting experience or practicum experience is required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of proper English grammar and spelling
Ability to work in an educational environment
Ability to work with and for students in grades Kindergarten through high school
Willingness to work at school sites throughout the district
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to build effective, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders and people from diverse backgrounds, including administrators, staff, students, and parents
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
Chicago Public Schools is looking for teachers, leaders, and non-instructional staff to transform the face of urban education. We are a team of passionate, committed, and talented professionals who believe that every CPS student will graduate prepared for success in college, career, and life. Come join us in making CPS a model for public school districts throughout the nation. CPS is the third largest school district in the United States with more than 600 schools providing education to over 340,000 children.
