Sign Language Interpreter Classified as a Paraprofessional

Hi, I'm a sign language interpreter, classified as a paraprofessional educator, with a local school district in Maryland who is not affected by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. However, with the passage of other acts, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Act, or their reauthorization, the feds had included language regarding interpreters qualification. Both of the acts denoted requirements for sign language interpreters to be "highly qualified" without a definition of what is highly qualified. I pursued national certification in 1995, and received my certification as an interpreter/transliterator. I devised my own professional development prescription that included compiling a portfolio, attending confernces/workshops, and taking courses to keep abreast in the field and to meet the needs of the studentds who are Deaf and hard of hearing. To this day, I never received one cent more for participating in activities and programs that would maintain my status as a highly qualified. I urge everyone to fight for pay equity and salaries that are commensurate with the additional training and academic requirements mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002:!: