Introduction

Hearing Impairments

Otitis Media

Technology

Interpreter

Sign Language

Tips

What If...?

TTY/TDD/Relay

Discussion and Web Safari Links

OnlineTest

Children's Hearing Booklet

Children graphics by

Some students will come to your classroom with an interpreter. The interpreter’s job is to convey to the student everything that is said in class, usually in sign language. They are not responsible for what happens in the class and report back only to the educational team and the hearing support teacher. The interpreter is not there to tell you how to do your job.

When working with an interpreter, look at and talk directly to the student. It is considered impolite to talk to the student by saying “Tell him…” or “Ask her…” When you are speaking, the student’s eye gaze may focus primarily on the interpreter but that does not mean they are ignoring you. Although many deaf students can lipread some, many words cannot be seen on the lips so they may depend heavily on the interpreter. The interpreter will convey the full intent of your message including any emotions i.e. anger over misbehavior. It is also impolite to tell the interpreter not to interpret something when what is being said can be heard by all.

On the student’s part it is impolite to carry on a conversation in sign language with another student when you are teaching or have asked for silence. This is the equivalent of talking. Please reprimand the student if necessary. The student is responsible for following the same rules as other students.

Feel free to pick on the deaf student to answer questions as you would any other student. The interpreter will voice what the student says in the first person as if the student were speaking for himself (it is not the interpreter speaking.)

Although the interpreter is an adult in the classroom their primary responsibility is communication. They are not responsible for discipline of any of the students. Frequently with younger children, an interpreter as part of the student learning how to work with an interpreter, will redirect wandering attention. However, it is ultimately the teacher’s responsibility to redirect attention and correct behavior as you would any other student in your classroom.

Many deaf children by virtue of the fact that their exposure to language has been delayed, and at times limited, may have difficulty understanding written and spoken language. The interpreter is responsible for presenting the language so it is understood by the student. During a test the interpreter may explain words that other students in the class are already familiar with, but only if they are not required vocabulary that was taught in class as part of the subject matter and is therefore part of the test. The interpreter is a professional and will not give the student answers.

Interpreting can be difficult at times. Class discussions need to be controlled so only one person speaks at a time. An interpreter can only interpret one voice at a time. Videotapes are also difficult to interpret. If at all possible, show videotapes that are captioned. It is also helpful for the interpreter and the hearing support teacher to know ahead of time what will be taught so the student can be pretaught new vocabulary and concepts.

Interpreters walk a fine line between regular ed teachers and hearing support teachers. An interpreter is able to judge a student’s attention and to some extent understanding of language concepts, but they have not been trained as teachers and are not qualified to decide on teaching methods, nor are they able to evaluate academic abilities. An interpreter may be asked to provide input at a team meeting, however final decisions are made by the teachers. The teacher should be the primary contact with the parent. If problems arise, the hearing support teacher is the one to approach not the interpreter.

As with all professionals, interpreters follow a code of ethics regarding confidentiality. Events that occur in the classroom, as well as confidential discussions stay confidential. The interpreter may share with the hearing support teacher information directly related to the education process such as the fact that a student did not understand a concept being taught. This allows the hearing support teacher to reinforce what occurs in the classroom. But do not depend on the interpreter to convey all necessary information to the hearing support teacher. Any concerns you have should be communicated directly to the teacher not through the interpreter.

In conclusion, the interpreter is not a babysitter, a slave, a spy or another teacher. Their sole responsibility is to help the deaf student become a fully participating member of the classroom.

Interpreter Crossword Puzzle