Preparing the educational interpreter. A survey of sign language interpreter training programs

Area of Science:

• Deaf Education
• Interpreter Training
• Educational Interpreting

Background:

• The field of educational interpreting has grown rapidly.
• There is limited knowledge regarding the formal training of educational interpreters.
• This study addresses the research gap concerning educational interpreter training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current state of formal training for educational interpreters nationwide.
• To identify deficiencies in interpreter training programs concerning educational interpreting.
• To gather insights from training program directors on ethical and professional issues.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to directors of 50 interpreter training programs.
• Inquiries focused on coursework in educational interpreting and related areas.
• Directors' opinions on ethical/professional questions were solicited.

Main Results:

• Graduates of interpreter training programs are often inadequately prepared for public school interpreting roles.
• Training programs offer limited courses on deaf child education, language systems, and classroom interpreting specifics.
• Program directors strongly support developing guidelines for the educational interpreter role.

Conclusions:

• Current interpreter training programs do not sufficiently prepare individuals for educational interpreting.
• There is a consensus among program directors for establishing role guidelines.
• Support for an "interpreter as tutor" role is mixed, and opinions on specialized certification are divided.