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 Virginia Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
What is Educational Interpreting?


Educational Interpreting is sign language interpreting within the educational setting, ranging from pre-K to post-secondary institutions.  This is the dominant setting of practice for many (if not a majority) of interpreters.

Educational interpreters work in a demanding environment where they must juggle the traditional role and ethical boundaries of interpreting with the dynamics of being a part of the educational team.  They must also be (or become) knowledgeable on the subject matter they interpret, ranging from advanced placement courses to foreign languages to childhood literacy.

Educational interpreters also must often work with children who have a wide variety of linguistic development.  For example, while many children in pre-K and kindergarten classes often have little to no language exposure in the home (and thus not fluent in any language).  Others are native users of American Sign Language, having been exposed to language early on.  Educational interpreters must be versatile enough to handle whatever linguistic situation they find. 

Educational interpreters also face difficulties in the workplace that are not inherent problems of the interpreting task.  These include:
  • Lack of Support or isolation (no peer / colleague support)
  • Insufficient meaningful supervision and periodic evaluation
  • Inadequate time granted for preparation
  • Substandard salary
  • Unsafe working conditions (repetitive strain injuries).
Because a Deaf child's education is filtered through the mind and hands of an interpreter, it is in the interest of all stakeholders to be concerned with the quality of the interpretation rendered.  This interpretation can affect student performance on standardized tests, such as the Standards of Learning (SOLs) that decide whether or not a student may graduate and higher education options available. 






 
 
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