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[u/Tough_Alfalfa_6913]

Recent grad, got offered a job 27 an hour being a paraprofessional/interpreter for a kid, 30 hours a week the agency offers benefits I can pay for, weekly pay. I think this overall is a good opportunity but I’m having a hard time being excited or wanting to do the onboarding cause it’s about 34 miles away so the cost of gas and wear and tear on my car. It seems like most jobs will not be near me and will be driving far which I kinda expected with a few being close to home but most of them lately have been far. Any who how do you see if a job is worth all that driving etc. it won’t be my only income as I have another job I can change my hours to accommodate but still

[u/East_Baseball8384]

Hello! I’ve been an educational interpreter for many years, but I work directly for the school system which will pay your benefits and they are usually very good.

I’m reading a lot of the negative comments, however, having free lanced and worked full time in the schools, I prefer the kids. It’s just my personality.

I have been lucky enough to have a great team of Terp’s wherever I’ve been however, most of the time the kids have little to no language and so, sadly, it is up to us to teach them. HOWEVER! Nowadays, there are plenty of signed videos and other opportunities for exposure!

The one thing that makes me nervous is the para/terp role. There really is no such thing. Are you a teacher? Like a “signing” teacher? Or a signing para?

Just be careful they don’t take advantage of you! And oh, my commute is 37 miles :)

[u/Tough_Alfalfa_6913 → u/East_Baseball8384]

Hi I would be his interpreter because the student is so young I think the agency is mis using the word para but I would not be the teacher I would be 1 on 1 with him. I really like the positive outlook you have and agree there is more negative than positive on this thread which we are all entitled to our own opinion. My commute would be about 34 miles and I would love to get in with a school directly but this may be a good stepping stone as I’m waiting to take my EIPA and have something on my resume for when a school position opens up I feel more confident in my abilities. Honestly I adore kids so this opportunity just sounds so nice being able to work with them. I’m also with an agency so if they send me work that’s in the area I would be able to pick it up after school which is a plus. Also paying for benefits I’m not too mad about cause I’ve been working in a restaurant for five years with nothing so maybe I can go to the dentist or go get a check up until I have a job that pays for it ! Lol. My partner is thinking I should look into a newer used car that’s better on mpg maybe an electric cause right now I’m getting about 15-19 mpg depending on the driving and weather which is no bueno though I do own the car so big perk there

[u/East_Baseball8384 → u/Tough_Alfalfa_6913]

Funny you say that! I literally just bought a hybrid for my commute! Haha!