How to Be Sign Language Interpreter/Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 5, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The use of sign language interpreters/teachers in educational settings can have a profound impact on students with hearing impairments. By providing students with the opportunity to learn sign language and communicate with their peers, teachers, and the surrounding community, these interpreters/teachers can help foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence. As these students gain more confidence in their ability to communicate and build relationships, their academic performance and social development can improve.

Furthermore, having access to sign language interpreters/teachers can also help reduce classroom distractions and make learning more accessible for all students, regardless of hearing impairments. In addition, signing allows for more precise communication, allowing for a better understanding of the material being taught and aiding in the acquisition of new skills. having sign language interpreters/teachers in educational settings can be an invaluable resource for students with hearing impairments and the entire school community.

Steps How to Become

Research the field. Research the field of sign language interpretation and teaching to determine if this career path is the right fit for you. Learn about the requirements and qualifications for working as an interpreter or teacher, as well as any certifications or specializations you may need.
Learn Sign Language. Take classes or enroll in an online program to learn American Sign Language (ASL), the primary language used by most Deaf people in the U. S.
Get Certified. Become certified by a professional organization such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Certification is required to work as an interpreter or teacher in many places.
Build Experience. Build experience by volunteering or working part-time in the field. This will also help you to network and build connections.
Consider Specialization. Consider specializing in a particular area such as medical interpreting, legal interpreting, or teaching special education classes. This can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting hired.
Promote Yourself. Promote your skills and qualifications by creating a website or profile on a job board such as Indeed, CareerBuilder, or LinkedIn.

Sign language interpreters/teachers are an essential component of the sign language community. They provide a bridge between the hearing and non-hearing world, allowing for effective communication between the two. By providing reliable and capable sign language interpretation and teaching services, sign language interpreters/teachers create a safe and accessible environment for the deaf and hard of hearing.

In doing so, they are able to help foster understanding, build relationships, and create a greater level of inclusion for people from all walks of life. Furthermore, sign language interpreters/teachers are able to help bridge the gap between cultures and societies, allowing for greater understanding and appreciation of different languages and customs. By providing reliable and capable sign language interpretation and teaching services, interpreters/teachers are able to create a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.

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Job Description

Sign Language Interpreter: Responsible for providing accurate and timely sign language interpretation between hearing and deaf individuals.
Sign Language Teacher: Provides instruction in sign language to students of all ages and backgrounds. Must be able to design lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide feedback and guidance.
Sign Language Translator: Translates spoken language into sign language and vice versa. Must have excellent knowledge of both languages, as well as the ability to interpret subtle nuances in the language.
Sign Language Facilitator: Facilitates interactions between deaf and hearing individuals, helping both parties to understand each other through use of sign language.
Sign Language Advocate: Serves as a voice for the deaf community, advocating for improved access to services and resources, as well as increased awareness of sign language.
Sign Language Curriculum Developer: Develops curriculum materials for sign language classes and programs. Must be knowledgeable in the subject matter and understand how to best communicate the material to students.
Sign Language Researcher: Investigates topics related to sign language, such as its history, evolution, and usage. Researches may also investigate new ways to teach sign language or explore its application in other fields.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of language and syntax of American Sign Language (ASL)
Familiarity with deaf culture and deaf community
Ability to interpret accurately and effectively between ASL and spoken English
Ability to explain concepts of grammar, syntax, and meaning in ASL
Ability to effectively communicate with both hearing and deaf individuals
Ability to explain and demonstrate signing techniques, including facial expressions and body language
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to the field
Computer literacy and familiarity with related technology
Ability to develop and present instruction materials for various learning styles
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills

Having the ability to effectively communicate with sign language is an invaluable skill for both interpreters and teachers. Having a deep understanding of the language and its grammar are essential for successful communication. Furthermore, sign language interpreters and teachers must be knowledgeable about the cultural background of their target audience, as it helps to bridge any communication gaps.

those who work with sign language must be patient, compassionate, and understanding, as it can be a difficult language to learn. Lastly, interpreters and teachers must possess good organizational skills and be able to stay focused in order to facilitate successful communication between deaf and hearing individuals. All these qualities are needed for an effective sign language interpreter or teacher.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have interpreting and teaching sign language?
How do you keep your skills up to date with changing sign language trends and vocabulary?
How do you ensure that your interpretations are accurate and unbiased?
What challenges have you faced when interpreting and teaching sign language?
Are you comfortable working with both adult and child students?
Describe your experience working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals.
What strategies do you use to help deaf and hard of hearing students understand classroom content?
How do you build positive relationships with deaf and hard of hearing communities?
What challenges have you overcome when teaching sign language to non-native speakers?
What methods do you use to ensure that your sign language classes are engaging and enjoyable for all students?

Common Tools in Industry

Video Interpreter Software. A software program that enables sign language interpreters and teachers to provide remote interpreting services via video streaming technology. (eg: Zoom, Skype, Google Meet)
Sign Language Dictionary. A virtual dictionary of signs used in sign language that can be used as a reference tool. (eg: ASL-English Dictionary, ASL Dictionary App)
Sign Language Learning Apps. Mobile applications that provide lessons and exercises to help users learn sign language. (eg: SignSchool, Signily)
Virtual Whiteboard. An online whiteboard used for sharing documents, images, and other materials with remote sign language students. (eg: Microsoft Whiteboard, RealtimeBoard)
Screen Sharing Technology. Software that allows sign language interpreters and teachers to share their screens with remote students. (eg: TeamViewer, Join. me)
Online Classroom Platforms. A platform for hosting online classes and providing remote learning opportunities for sign language students. (eg: Edmodo, Google Classroom)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA)
International Association of Visual Language Interpreters (IAVLI)
National Interpreter Education Center (NIEC)
National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)
Council on the Education of the Deaf (CED)
International Sign: The World Association for Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)

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Common Important Terms

Fingerspelling. The process of spelling out words by using hand and finger movements.
Manual Alphabet. A set of handshapes used to represent the letters of the alphabet.
Sign Language. A language which uses hand gestures, body language and facial expressions to communicate.
Deaf Culture. The culture and identity of people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, including their shared experiences and history.
Interpreting. The process of translating spoken words into sign language and vice versa.
Cued Speech. A visual system for communicating speech using a combination of hand shapes and mouth movements.
ASL (American Sign Language). A type of sign language used in the United States, Canada and parts of Mexico.
Sign Supported Speech. The use of signs to support spoken language.
Pidgin Signed English (PSE). A combination of sign language and English which is used to communicate between Deaf and hearing people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Sign Language Interpreter/Teacher?

Generally, sign language interpreters/teachers must possess a bachelors degree or higher in sign language interpreting/teaching, deaf studies or a related field, as well as be certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

What is the average salary for a Sign Language Interpreter/Teacher?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $49,930 in May 2019.

What types of organizations employ Sign Language Interpreters/Teachers?

Sign language interpreters/teachers can be employed in a variety of settings, including educational institutions, medical facilities, courts, businesses, and government offices.

What is the job outlook for Sign Language Interpreter/Teacher?

The job outlook for sign language interpreters/teachers is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of interpreters and translators will grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

What skills do Sign Language Interpreter/Teachers need to possess?

Sign language interpreters/teachers should possess excellent communication skills, comprehension and memory skills, as well as an understanding of cultural differences and sensitivities. They should also have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently and under pressure.