Educational Interpreter Problem

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synodontisocellifer

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I was hired to interpret for a 7 year old mainstreamed child who is profoundly deaf but with a seemingly perfect set of hearing aids and FM system, he never looks at me. I mean he never even glances my way!

I can't really tell him to pay attention to me, becasue he can look right at the teacher and understand everything she says. He doesn't even look at me for story-time. I've been here almost the entire year, and there are 6 weeks left in the school year. I've already told them I don't want to come back next year. (they don't understand why, although I have explained it)

I am so tired of wearing myself out transliterating for 8 hours a day, straining my brain trying to retain conceptual accuracy for no reason whatsoever.

I am the first and only interpreter at this school. I'm losing my mind. Any advice?
 
Jiro said:
then consider a career change because this is what a terp job is like.
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Well this is actually the third school I've worked in. I've worked with some kids who really needed me and some kids like my current student. I guess all I can do is keep my fingers crossed for next year.
 
Its a little strange that, after almost a full school year, you are now just addressing the situation.....
 
synodontisocellifer said:
Well this is actually the third school I've worked in. I've worked with some kids who really needed me and some kids like my current student. I guess all I can do is keep my fingers crossed for next year.
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treat them all the same - attentive and inattentive. that's not really your problem. you do not need a student's FULL attention 100% of the time just to feel satisfied that your job is well-deserved.

look at teacher. her job is hard enough to deal with 30+ children everyday whether or not if they're paying attention.

you had one job. and that's to terp for one student - regardless of student's attention. man up or consider a career change.
 
Not to overstate the obvious but does the student even know ASL? Was it a requirement on his IEP to have an interpreter, or was it some idea of the school to meet some kind of education department requirement? Was there a grant behind your employment?

When you told the administration that you "don't want to come back next year" was that your formal resignation? Or were you hoping that complaining would fetch you a better incentive to stay?

I have a couple suggestions.

During the summer, and throughout the school year (evenings and weekends) do community interpreting. You need to work in the real world, with people of all ages and backgrounds, in a variety of settings. That will keep your work fresh, and give you more perspective.

Attend as many interpreter workshops and conferences as possible. You not only can hone your skills, you can network with other terps and maybe get some new ideas about how to work with your students. Educational interpreting is too often an isolating experience. You need some time with your peers.
 
@Tousi

I'm not "just now" addressing the issue. The issue has been ongoing and has been addressed to my employer with no resolution. I've been continuing on, telling myself at least I'll be a language model for him, even if it's only in his peripheral vision. I'm just addressing it now on this forum because I just stumbled across it and thought I would see what happens.

@Jiro

I do treat them all the same, and I would never expect 100% attention. In this case, I'm not even getting a portion of a 1% of attention. It's not for you to say what I need in order to "feel satisfied that my job is well deserved." I don't need you insulting my masculinity ("man up") or repeatedly telling me to find a new career. I find that insulting and not helpful whatsoever. I'm trying not to let your negative attitude affect me, but please don't say anything more to me. You've obviously said all that you have to say, since you've started to repeat yourself.

@Reba

Yes, I formally resigned from the school. There's nothing they could do to incentivise me to stay. I already make more money than my peers and am not really motivated by money anyway. I just wanted to give them sufficient time to find a replacement. The student knows some ASL, though there is no signing at home. I do not know how I am funded. It's a charter school and I believe that my client's mother requested an interpreter because she felt like it was the right thing to do, and they complied. Since I only have my EIPA, it would be illegal for me to do any manner of community interpreting, though I do attend workshops and Deaf events. I tried to get an ITP student in to observe me, which would have been a great chance for some feedback back and forth, but the classroom teacher resisted, saying she didn't want any more people in the classroom.
 
synodontisocellifer said:
@Reba

Yes, I formally resigned from the school. There's nothing they could do to incentivise me to stay. I already make more money than my peers and am not really motivated by money anyway. I just wanted to give them sufficient time to find a replacement. The student knows some ASL, though there is no signing at home. I do not know how I am funded. It's a charter school and I believe that my client's mother requested an interpreter because she felt like it was the right thing to do, and they complied. Since I only have my EIPA, it would be illegal for me to do any manner of community interpreting, though I do attend workshops and Deaf events. I tried to get an ITP student in to observe me, which would have been a great chance for some feedback back and forth, but the classroom teacher resisted, saying she didn't want any more people in the classroom.
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To be honest, you need to get out into the community.

I don't know where you live but it is not illegal in all places to community interpret with an EIPA. If your state absolutely forbids it, then I suggest you request attending assignments with a mentor terp so that you can get the community exposure. You can also do volunteer interpreting that doesn't require certification.

I've worked in community, church, and educational settings, and I know how much the community experience enriches my interpreting, professionally and personally.
 
p.s.

Jiro tells everyone to "man up" so don't take it personally. :lol:
 
I understand the issue, you want to do the right and moral thing. Here are the options:

If the state or school is paying for the interpreter, it's not your job to decide if the interpretation is worth it. It is a service given to this child and whether he needs it or not is not your place to decide. You are not paid to make those decisions.

If the parents are privately paying for it, you've done the right thing by explaining your concerns. If this was a private business, I might tell you to let the clients go. However, since it is not a private business, it is again not your place to decide. Your employer needs to make that decision, and hopefully, won't come to another decision of letting you go.

You can quit, but, know this, there is no job that does not contain politics. If you don't deal with it on this job, you'll be dealing with it on the next.

The child deserves your support and I think you should give it.
 
I'm not quitting because of office politics. I know those will happen anywhere. I'm quitting so I might be lucky enough to find a client who looks at me once in a while. There are so many interpreter jobs posted in my state, and all around the country, and I really don't think it could get any worse.
 
I completely agree that it's not my place to decide, and when my boss asks me if he thinks the child needs an interpreter, that's always what I say. Someone thought he needs an interpreter, so he should get one. I'm not arguing that.
 
Look, I understand you want to make a difference and it is very important to you. But, think about it, the one time that student is going to need you for something really important like understanding the Pythagorean theorem or how to understand pronunciation rules(basic building blocks of education that will lead to college) and you're not gonna be there to do it.

Your skills do not require people to look at you, they require you to be faithful to what you have learned. They require you to be there for those who cannot understand for themselves. And, if you don't mind me saying, that's a pretty important calling.

I hope you make the right decision for yourself and for that kid. That kid's education depends on it.

EDIT: You're a good person, don't let this thing get the better of you.
 
I thank you for your kind words, but not only is this kid more than competent academically, he can hear! I asked him today: "Do you hear every single word Mrs. _____ says?" And he replied earnestly with "Yes."

His math teacher can explain pythag to him in english. I'm not a teacher and am not qualified to explain theorems. Right now I'm not interpreting. If a tree falls in the forest does anyone hear it? Is it really broadcasting if no one turns on the radio? I might as well be waving my hands around. Some other interpreter can work with him who can just shrug it off and just basically be a "classroom helper". As for me, I am off to find a deaf person to interpret for.

Again thank you. Hopefully the new interpreter I saw them interviewing has a better understanding of what to do than me.
 
synodontisocellifer said:
I thank you for your kind words, but not only is this kid more than competent academically, he can hear! I asked him today: "Do you hear every single word Mrs. _____ says?" And he replied earnestly with "Yes."
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Just a word of caution about this: You can't ask a deaf person if they can hear, especially a kid, they sometimes won't know the difference.
 
synodontisocellifer said:
I thank you for your kind words, but not only is this kid more than competent academically, he can hear! I asked him today: "Do you hear every single word Mrs. _____ says?" And he replied earnestly with "Yes."

His math teacher can explain pythag to him in english. I'm not a teacher and am not qualified to explain theorems. Right now I'm not interpreting. If a tree falls in the forest does anyone hear it? Is it really broadcasting if no one turns on the radio? I might as well be waving my hands around. Some other interpreter can work with him who can just shrug it off and just basically be a "classroom helper". As for me, I am off to find a deaf person to interpret for.

Again thank you. Hopefully the new interpreter I saw them interviewing has a better understanding of what to do than me.
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Wow. I wonder if you are in the right field, given that you feel this way.

This is a 7 year old child, who is still learning how to use an interpreter. He was probably in a DHH placement up until he transitioned to the mainstream. Learning how to use an interpreter is not a skill that is acquired overnight.

I'm glad you quit. You are doing that poor boy a favor, since you clearly don't want to be there which doesn't do anyone any good.

Just because you don't think he's looking at you enough
Doesn't mean he isn't benefitting from having an interpreter.
 
Even my daughter who's been Deaf since 3 years old had to figure out on her own how to use an interpreter. This is an one-on-one with a young child so yea it's still a learning process to figuring out how to use an interpreter. Its even tougher on the kid when there is no communication at home.

The 7 year old might benefit a little more if there was another Deaf kid to be with. Sometimes it turns into a game of "who can pay attention the longest?" or just observing that the other kid is paying attention to the 'terp and learn from others. I've noticed sometimes my kid learns faster by observing others more than motivating herself.

Don't feel bad. :) I've also spoke with some interpreters in elementary school telling me that elementary school interpreting is a frustrating stage to improve their skills. My child is now in middle school & I occasionally help her with a friend or 2 once a week. I've even tried to gently remind them to be bold and let an interpreter know if disagree with their signing or report to D/HH teacher if not satisfied with interpreter service. Especially in elementary school, kids are just too scared or unaware how to help correct an interpreter.

My daughter would sometimes come home signing something a little different and I would ask who taught it to her. Sometimes she says she doesn't like to sign that way like interpreter. I told her to be bold and let interpreter know. She says sometimes she does or sometimes interpreter refuses to adapt for students.

Although I'm glad to hear you do try to get involved with Deaf events. Not too many I hear are willing to do that and I sometimes wonder why tell me elementary school is hard to improve and never go to any Deaf events to talk with other Deaf adults and improve their signing. :) Go figure! :P :) Yes I know 'terps have a life outside of interpreting for people and want to take a break.. I'm just saying when there is an opportunity and you know of a possibility to improve signing skills then of course grab the chance! :)
 
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