Patricia Fischer
De Forest,WI
Summary
Skilled Educational Interpreter with a proven track record at Sun Prairie Area School District, enhancing communication for deaf or hard-of-hearing students through expert American Sign Language interpretation and cultural sensitivity. Achieved significant advancements in student language acquisition and inclusivity, leveraging strong relationship-building and simultaneous interpreting skills.
Most of my working years, focused on educational interpreting. Now in retirement the same skills for I use them will be helpful in working in retail or merchandise replenishment. I want to give back back and be a part of my community.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Educational Interpreter
Sun Prairie Area School District
08.2014 - 08.2020
- Facilitated clear communication between school staff, families, and outside agencies to ensure comprehensive support for deaf or hard-of-hearing students.
- Advocated for student language needs to achieve success with classroom objectives.
- Modeled use of American Sign Language, Pidgin Sign English, or Manually Coded English while providing translation services.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of progress throughout each academic year, identifying areas where additional support was required for individual students.
- Collaborated with teachers to adapt lesson plans for deaf or hard-of-hearing students, ensuring accessibility and understanding.
- Supported the integration of assistive technology devices within the classroom setting, enabling equal access to learning materials for all students.
- Tracked correspondence and response to services to maintain student files.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing visual aids and real-world examples during interpreting sessions.
- Promoted a positive learning atmosphere by fostering respectful relationships among diverse groups of learners in the classroom community.
- Researched signs to provide meaningful messages to facilitate personal connection.
- Mentored deaf or hard-of-hearing students in developing self-advocacy skills, promoting independence and confidence in educational settings.
- Reviewed classroom material in advance to convey clear and accurate translation.
- Served as a knowledgeable resource on deaf culture and ASL for both students and staff, contributing to an inclusive learning environment.
- Utilized team interpreting strategies when needed, collaborating effectively with other interpreters to provide seamless service delivery.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in educational interpreting and content knowledge.
Communication Assistant
Captel Inc.
01.2011 - 09.2014
- Served as the primary contact point to facilitate communication for deaf and hard of hearing consumers from their homes or businesses
- Supported communication among both hearing and deaf individuals
- Maintained strict confidentiality while handling client phone calls
- Provided quick and accurate captions for telephone conversations of Captioned Telephone clients using voice activated software
- Multitask (hear audio, voice what was heard, proof-read developing captions- all simultaneously
- utilize a keyboard by typing proper corrections and other words as necessary
- Monitor technical issues on calls and report to appropriate staff
Floral Assistant
Krueger Floral
04.2010 - 10.2010
- Provided support during peak seasons by efficiently multitasking between multiple responsibilities without compromising quality or timeliness of deliveries.
- Increased repeat clientele through exceptional customer service skills and attention to detail.
- Streamlined order processing for improved efficiency, accurately taking and fulfilling orders in a timely manner.
- Managed daily store operations including opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and housekeeping tasks for an organized workspace.
- Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Quoted, generated, and processed customer orders to meet specifications and various occasions.
- drove the floral delivery truck when necessary
Quilt Shop Clerk
Quilting Workshop
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Kept merchandise neat, attractively displayed and sufficiently stocked to attract customers.
- Managed inventory to promote consistent supply of product and service items.
- Checked merchandise to verify accuracy of invoices and report breakage in shipping.
- Processed transactions accurately, maintaining a balanced cash register and minimizing discrepancies.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain store cleanliness and organization, resulting in a welcoming shopping environment.
- Assisted in boosting sales by creating attractive merchandise displays and promoting special offers.
- Increased repeat business by fostering strong relationships with customers through personalized service.
- Greeted customers, answered telephone and completed sales transactions to facilitate shop operations.
- Supported the store''s visual merchandising efforts, contributing to an appealing shopping atmosphere.
- Performed shift opening and closing duties to balance cash drawer and prepare shop for customers.
- Utilized effective communication skills when interacting with customers from diverse backgrounds or those facing language barriers.
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally, resolving issues quickly to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Contributed to positive customer experiences through friendly interactions and prompt assistance.
- Addressed customer complaints professionally, working towards quick resolutions that met their needs.
- Adhered to company policies consistently while carrying out daily responsibilities as a Shop Clerk.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and addressing inquiries efficiently.
- Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously during busy periods, demonstrating strong organizational abilities.
- Dusted, cleaned and removed debris to promote safe and aesthetic environment.
- Maintained knowledge of current products and promotions, effectively answering customer questions and making recommendations when appropriate.
- Operated cleaning machinery and equipment to maintain clean and safe working conditions.
- Completed daily tasks accurately and on-time to support shop needs.
- Assisted customers in finding items and explained benefits and services to increase sales and satisfaction.
- Greeted customers entering store and offered assistance with requirements.
- Organized shelves to remove slow moving items and add new merchandise.
- Collected payment by cash, debit or credit card and used Point of Sale system to process transaction.
- Briefed customers regarding shop promotions and discounts by providing coupons and flyers to encourage purchases.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
Educational ASL Interpreter
Northcentral Technical College
01.1984 - 01.2008
- Collaborated with teachers to adapt lesson plans and materials for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
- Facilitated communication between hearing staff members and deaf or hard-of-hearing students during group activities or projects.
- Partnered with speech therapists to develop strategies that supported students'' language acquisition goals within the classroom setting.
- Enhanced students'' understanding of complex information by providing clear explanations of specialized vocabulary in ASL.
- Promoted open communication between teachers and deaf or hard-of-hearing students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Continually improved interpreting skills through participation in professional development workshops and training sessions.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interpreting for diverse populations of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals within the school community.
- Conducted assessments of students'' sign language skills to identify areas needing improvement or additional support.
- Supported students'' social and emotional growth by establishing rapport and fostering positive relationships.
- Promoted inclusivity by providing accurate and timely ASL interpretations in various classroom environments.
- Provided clear and concise interpretations during school meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and extracurricular activities.
- Mentored new interpreters, sharing best practices in educational interpreting and fostering a supportive work environment.
- Enhanced student comprehension by implementing effective ASL interpreting techniques in educational settings.
- Increased student engagement by utilizing visual aids, props, and other tools while delivering ASL interpretations.
- Coordinated with special education staff to ensure appropriate accommodations were provided for deaf or hard-of-hearing students.
- Managed time effectively while balancing multiple responsibilities as an educational interpreter across various subjects and grade levels.
- Maintained confidentiality regarding student information, adhering to professional ethics guidelines for interpreters.
- Ensured accurate and consistent interpretations by staying up-to-date with evolving educational terminology, concepts, and trends.
- Contributed to a positive learning environment by demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, and commitment to each assignment.
- Provided interpretation services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
- Attended training programs to improve professional knowledge and interpretation skills.
- Interpreted conversations simultaneously to help both parties conduct business, handle medical needs or manage personal concerns.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI06.1978
Associate of Arts - Educational Interpreter
Northcentral Technical College
Wausau, WI01.1978
Skills
- Patience and Empathy
- Special Education Knowledge
- Simultaneous interpreting
- Consecutive Interpreting
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Language Modeling
- Vocabulary Development
- Deaf Culture Awareness
- Relationship Building
- Professional ethics
- Interpersonal Communication
- Client Support
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Reliability
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Critical Thinking
Timeline
Educational Interpreter
Sun Prairie Area School District
08.2014 - 08.2020
Communication Assistant
Captel Inc.
01.2011 - 09.2014
Floral Assistant
Krueger Floral
04.2010 - 10.2010
Quilt Shop Clerk
Quilting Workshop
01.2009 - 01.2010
Educational ASL Interpreter
Northcentral Technical College
01.1984 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Marquette University
Associate of Arts - Educational Interpreter
Northcentral Technical College
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