K-12 Educational Interpreting
Welcome to WAVLI's page dedicated to information for those who work with interpreters in the K-12 setting.
What are Sign Language Interpreters?
Sign Language Interpreters are persons who are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and English and are trained to facilitate communication between deaf and hard of hearing persons and others. Educational interpreters facilitate communication between deaf and hard of hearing students and their teachers, other service providers and peers, usually within an inclusive setting. For an extensive description of an educational interpreter working in the K-12 system, please see www.classroominterpreting.org.
What kind of training does a Sign Language Interpreter require?
There are five recognized Interpreter Training Programs in Canada . Most interpreters in BC receive their training at Douglas College.
How do I know an educational interpreter is qualified?
Classroom Interpreting offers an Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) that will evaluate the interpreting skills of interpreters working in K-12 classrooms. They also offer a Pre-Hire Screening that will tell you whether an applicant is qualified to interpret in a classroom setting. Additionally, interpreters should be members of their provincial and national professional associations.
What is the educational interpreter's role in the classroom?
The interpreter is an integral member of the educational team. Their primary responsibility in the classroom is to interpret (facilitate communication) and this task always has priority. Click here for a more detailed description of the role and responsibilities of the educational interpreter.
How do I advertise for an educational interpreter? What does a job description look like? What are the required qualifications?
Your advertisement can reach professional interpreters across BC (WAVLI) and across Canada (AVLIC) by sending it to wavli@wavli.com and avlic@avlic.ca. A sample job description and position announcement adapted from AVLIC's Educational Interpreting document can be seen below.
For a sample job description, please click here.
Click here to view a document providing guidance to hiring qualified interpreters in the K-12 educational setting.