School District Resources for Hiring and Mentoring Interpreters

1. The school district reviews the Checklist for ASL Interpreters; Procedures for a School District Hiring a Sign Language Interpreter and Information for Districts and American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters Working in Minnesota Schools, which includes procedures, forms, and memos for districts hiring sign language interpreters.
2. Non-certified ASL interpreters and the district must complete the Two-Year Provisional Form for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreters (revised August 2024) for a two-year provisional certification. The hiring school district and interpreter will fill out the form once hired.

3. Non-certified ASL interpreters and the district must apply for a two-year provisional certification from the MN Department of Education (Two-Year Provisional Form for Interpreters Deaf/Hard of Hearing)

4. The district hires a mentor for the non-certified educational ASL interpreter. See requirements for mentors.

   Region 11 (metro) districts: Contact Ann Mayes for assistance in locating a mentor. For districts in other regions of the state, contact your regional low incidence facilitator (RLIF).

5. Mentors meet with the non-certified educational ASL interpreter every seven (7) days.

6. Within 30 days, the district, mentor and ASL interpreter create an Educational Plan that is updated yearly.

Contact Information

Mary Cashman-Bakken, Minnesota State Specialist: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Minnesota Department of Education, mary.cashman-bakken@state.mn.us

Ann Mayes, Region 11 (Metro) Professional Development Specialist - Educational ASL Interpreter Mentor Community of Practice, 612-638-1527, ann.mayes@brightworksmn.org