MATI 2016 Webinar Series: Interpreting in Educational Settings: A Growing Profession

Interpreting in Educational Settings:  A Growing Profession

Interpreters are considered an integral part of the educational system, as they help to create strong cultural and linguistic bridges among parents, students and educators. Interpreters in the educational setting move beyond simply addressing language barriers, to helping English Learner families and school personnel build cultural bridges thus increasing student achievement and parental engagement. 

This presentation will provide a description of the distinct features of the field of interpretation in educational settings, highlighting important differences in terms of the code of ethics, standards of practice and terminology.  An overview of the distinct vocabulary related to special education and discipline procedures will be offered, as well as resources for further professional development.  Lastly, we will explore strategies for legal, community and medical interpreters to expand their vocabulary and skills to be effective interpreters in educational settings, specifically in the areas of special education, parent-teacher conferences and disciplinary hearings.   

Bio:  Ana Soler is CEO of SeSo, Inc. a source of professional development opportunities for medical and educational interpreters.  Ana moved to the US at the age of 14 experiencing the struggles of adjusting to a new culture, language, and way of life.  As her family’s “official” interpreter, Ana began to see the barriers that immigrant and refugee families faced and made a conscious decision to create cultural awareness and promote language access.