Educational Sign Language Interpreter

Educational Sign Language Interpreter (Part-Time)

Support a Kindergarten Learner at Mannville School

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is committed to maximizing student learning in a safe and caring environment supported by a highly effective team.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is seeking a qualified Educational Sign Language Interpreter to support a learner enrolled in Kindergarten at Mannville School during the 2026–2027 school year.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the educational journey of a young learner while working as part of a collaborative and caring school community. The successful candidate will facilitate communication, promote inclusion, and support student success by providing professional interpreting services within the school environment.

The primary function of the interpreter is to interpret between people who do not share a common language, such as the deaf and hard of hearing student(s) and their hearing peers, classroom teachers, parents, school staff and administration in the classroom, as well as school activities such as assemblies, field trips, teams, clubs and other educational experiences.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools recognizes that qualified Educational Sign Language Interpreters may be interested in either an employment or an independent contractor arrangement. The Division is open to considering either option, subject to the successful candidate's circumstances and applicable operational and legal requirements.

This position is anticipated to be part-time during the 2026–2027 school year. Subject to student needs, funding, and operational requirements, there may be an opportunity for the role to expand to a full-time position during the 2027–2028 school year.

About Mannville School

Mannville School is a welcoming Kindergarten to Grade 12 school located in the close-knit community of Mannville, Alberta. Staff work collaboratively to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where strong relationships, high expectations, and student success are at the heart of everything they do. The successful candidate will become a valued member of the educational team, helping ensure every student has equitable access to learning and opportunities to thrive.

Specific Position Details

Start Date: September 3, 2026, or as mutually agreed upon

End Date: June 11, 2026

Location: Mannville School – Mannville, Alberta

Assignment: Educational Sign Language Interpreter supporting a Kindergarten Learner

Position: Part-Time (1-2 days September - November, and then 2-3 days December - June)

Engagement: Employee or Independent Contractor (subject to operational and legal requirements)

Hours: Based on the Kindergarten instructional schedule (Full days - approximately 6.75 hours/day) - Tue./Thurs. until November, then Tues./Thurs. and Fridays from Dec. 1 - June 11).

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Graduation from an ASL-English Interpreting Program.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate as a member of an educational team.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• The ability to establish trust and rapport with students, families, and school staff.
• Knowledge of the educational, physical, social, and emotional development of children.
• An understanding of the language implications on the education of deaf and hard of hearing students and competency in adapting to various signing styles along the communication continuum.
• Knowledge of educational practices, support services, and the role of Educational Sign Language Interpreters as members of an educational team.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development specific to interpreting.
• A minimum of one year of interpreting experience is preferred.
• Active membership with the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) and the applicable provincial affiliate is considered an asset.
• A bachelor's degree is considered an asset.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Facilitate communication between the student, classmates, teachers, school administration, parents, and staff by providing interpreting services using the communication modalities identified within the student's Individual Support Plan (ISP).
• Support student participation in classroom learning, assemblies, field trips, extracurricular activities, and other educational experiences.
• Collaborate regularly with teachers and members of the educational team to support student achievement and educational goals.
• Review classroom content, technical vocabulary, specific concepts, and instructional materials to prepare for interpreting assignments and activities.
• Provide information regarding cultural and linguistic differences that may impact student learning and participation.
• Encourage student responsibility and independence while maintaining the integrity of the interpreter's professional role.
• Educate students, teachers, and school staff regarding the role of the Educational Sign Language Interpreter.
• Interpret classroom assessments, test questions, and student responses, when appropriate.
• Adhere to Buffalo Trail Public Schools' policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Participate in ongoing professional development specific to educational interpreting.
• Maintain active professional memberships, where applicable, and adhere to the CASLI Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct.

About Buffalo Trail Public Schools

Buffalo Trail Public Schools serves approximately 3,800 students across 26 schools and learning sites in east-central Alberta. Guided by our mission of maximizing student learning in a safe and caring environment supported by a highly effective team, we are committed to providing high-quality educational experiences in welcoming rural communities. Our staff are valued as collaborative professionals who are dedicated to supporting the success and well-being of every student.

Application Information

Applicants are asked to submit:

• A cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position.
• A current resume.
• Three professional references.

Applicants wishing to be considered as an independent contractor should also submit a brief proposal that includes:

• A summary of their qualifications and experience providing Educational Sign Language Interpretation services.
• Their proposed fee structure.
• Any additional information they believe would assist Buffalo Trail Public Schools in evaluating their proposal.

The successful candidate will be required to provide satisfactory background checks, including a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check and a Child Intervention Record Check, prior to commencing employment or services with the Division.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been secured.

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact:

Crystal Tower

Director of Inclusive Learning

Buffalo Trail Public Schools

Phone: (780) 842-6144

Buffalo Trail Public Schools appreciates the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.