Teachers...
Regular Education Teachers

The use of an educational interpreter is one important method that helps to incorporate students with a hearing loss into a regular education setting. However, the interpreter cannot integrate the student into the classroom on his or her own. Authentic integration requires work from all members of the educational team, including the educational interpreter.

Research shows that even the best of interpreters cannot convey 100% of classroom communication. There are many obstacles that can get in the way of communicating everything that happens. As a result of these obstacles, the process of an interpreted education is simply not the same as the traditional education of hearing students.

There is no magic solution for overcoming these limitations. An interpreted education may not be the solution for all deaf and hard of hearing students. This section of the website provides several ways the teachers and interpreter can work together so that the deaf or hard of hearing student receives the best interpreted education possible. The deaf education teacher will also be able to be a resource.

Open Communication
Potential Limitations
The Educational Interpreter is Not an Aide
Sharing Teaching Goals
Classroom Discussion
Educational Interpreters as Information Resources
Learning through an Interpreter
Interpreting for Students at Different Ages
Accommodating the Interpreter in the Classroom
Discipline and the Educational Interpreter

Deaf Education Teachers

The deaf educator is often a member of the educational team. Although most deaf educators do not have training related to classroom interpreting, they know a great deal about learning and language. As a member of the educational team, the deaf educator should be involved in all decision-making discussions regarding the student’s access.

Help the interpreter understand the student’s IEP goals and current level of functioning
Help ensure that the interpreter is using a language level that is appropriate for the child’s level and the classroom material
Help ensure that the classroom environment can be interpreted
Help ensure that educational interpreters are treated as professionals
Help ensure communication between the classroom teacher and the interpreter
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Products