What I love most about being an Educational Interpreter is that I am always learning. Apart from learning new signs, concepts, and different ways of expressing the language, I also learn a great deal in the classroom itself through interpreting a variety of different subjects. I have also done freelance work, but it doesn't bring as much happiness as working in the school system. I like the continuity of going to the same school and working with the same people everyday. I enjoy being part of a team and the challenge of furthering my knowledge of ASL and interpreting.
Just what is an Educational Interpreter? To give a concrete definition I took an excerpt from the "Technical Assistance Paper" of the Florida Department of Education Division of Public Schools Bureau of Education for Exceptional Students.
"An interpreter is a member of the educational team who acts as a communication link between people who would otherwise not be able to communicate effectively. The interpreter provides a visual presentation of what is being said to the students who are deaf or hard of hearing at their level of language comprehension through communication modes, such as speech, cues, sign language, fingerspelling, or oral interpretation of the spoken message. Interpreters may use one mode or a combination of modes to express the information being shared. The interpreter also voices the communication of students who are deaf or hard of hearing to individuals who are hearing. It is also important to note that educational interpreters are part of the educational team and must adhere to federal and state laws as well as district and school rules/policies."
In a nutshell, an educational interpreter works K-12 in the mainstream setting (regular classes with hearing students) however, some interpreters work in the deaf and hard of hearing classroom with the d/hh teacher, it all depends on the grade and student/s.
Well there ya have it, a full definition of an educational interpreter as well as my story,
my journey... how I became involved and where I am today.
Here's to your journey into the Deaf-World!
