Classroom Interpreting: A Guide for Administrators

Hello and welcome to LAF SLS where we provide virtual and in person sign language interpreting services to support deaf and hard of hearing students and practical tips resources and content for the educators administrators and families who support them.

I'm excited to share a resource with you that was developed by Doctor Brenda Schick in association with Gallaudet University and it is a guide for administrators who are maybe welcoming deaf and hard-of-hearing students into their school district for the first time.

This article is very short but very impactful and it contains some excellent advice for administrators who may be trying to determine the specific needs of their students and it gives excellent advice on how to ensure that an accessible and inclusive environment is provided, what the role of the educational interpreter is, and how the educational team can support them as they fulfill their role in supporting the student's needs.

One very important way that administrators can support the educational interpreter in their role is by ensuring that they truly do become part of the educational team. This means making sure that they are included in IEP meetings and discussions and their feedback is included when discussing the goals for the students. Another very important thing that administrators can have in mind is that interpreting is a very mentally and physically demanding role and so by ensuring that interpreters have proper break times built into their schedules as well as time to prep in advance for a class and maybe even meet with the teachers to understand the goals and the learning objectives in the classroom this will ensure that they're able to fully be able to commit to their role.

And so we have discussed a few different ways that administrators can take the lead in making sure that the educational team, including the interpreter all work cooperatively so that everyone feels supported, included, and ready to succeed.

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