Certificate in Educational Interpreting (Non-Credit)

After completing this program, the interpreter will be able to:

1. Develop an understanding of the public education system, terminology related to education, institutional hierarchy, the roles and responsibilities of educational personnel, and gaps in support.
2. Develop an understanding of federal regulations regarding the public education system (e.g., PL 94-142 and IDEA) and its impact on deaf students and interpreters in education (external demands; interpersonal demands).
3. Discuss the foundational differences (and similarities) between spoken English and American Sign Language.
4. Discuss the foundations and premises pertaining to bilingualism and the development of the bilingual child (and bilingual learner).
5. Discuss the types and degrees of hearing loss and their impact on the child and on the act of educational interpreting.
6. Discuss the forms of discourse found in educational settings and the design of educational discourse.
7. Recognize key pragmatic components of given instructional material.
8. Recognize the key English content to be rendered during typical instructional settings.
9. For those in the elementary and secondary track: Discuss the responsibilities of the interpreter and other team members as identified in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and know how to generate (and articulate) input for the IEP team, as well as be able to articulate the rights and responsibilities of parties engaged in the IEP process.
10. For those in the post-secondary track: Discuss the responsibilities of the interpreter, the educator, and the student, and propose potential options when non-optimal interpreted learning is taking place.
11. Discuss the meaning of a practice profession approach and professional responsibility.
12. Identify and discuss strategies and techniques that foster effective communication within educational environments.
13. Develop an understanding of the role of feedback (giving, receiving, and incorporating feedback) and assessment in the interpreting process: self-assessment, peer-directed, instructor- or supervisor-directed, and student-directed.
14. Recognize issues in the work environment that may create distress within oneself and employ strategies for dealing with emotions.
15. Analyze ethical dilemmas and apply ethical standards and practices via case conferencing and supervision.
16. Examine how power, privilege, and oppression impact the interpreted event.

The following criteria will be used to select applicants to participate in this program:

• Applicants must currently be interpreting in educational settings (primary-postsecondary).
• Applicants for the primary and secondary tracks must submit a valid EIPA assessment report with an EIPA aggregate score of at least 2.9 as a component of the application process.
• Applicants for the postsecondary track must possess interpreter certification (e.g., RID or state) or equivalent. Applicants must submit a copy of it as a component of the application process.
• Applicants must be (or become) a member of the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE).
• Applicants must commit to completing the entire program.

The program comprises approximately 130 hours of online instruction.

The program runs from September to May.

Courses Offered:

• The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Learner: Realities of an Interpreted Education.
• Educational Discourse and Educational Outcomes
• Analysis and Translation of Educational Discourse
• Interpretation and Assessment: Grades K-6
• Interpretation and Assessment: Grades 7-12
• Interpretation and Assessment: Postsecondary
• Performance Analysis and Feedback
• Multicultural Education: Advocacy and Allyship in Educational Settings
• Interpreting as a Practice Profession
• Wellness & Self-Care for Interpreters

The cost for the Certificate program is $1,600.

You will need a high-speed internet connection, a microphone, and a webcam.