Q:  Who can join the Interpreting Mentorship Program?

A:  Interpreting Program graduates, credentialed interpreters, interpreters new to Massachusetts and interpreters who have developed their skills outside of a formal Interpreting Program. Click on Programs for a full description and application form.

Q:  Who can join the ASL Mentoring Program?

A:  Our target audience is Interpreting Program graduates, novice interpreters, working interpreters and interpreters who have developed their skills outside of a formal interpreting program. Click on Programs for a full description and application form.

Q:  Who can join Mentoring for Performance Exams?

A:  Applicants who have passed the interview portion of the Massachusetts state screening and are preparing for their performance exam(s). For more information, click on Programs or contact Irma Kahle at irma.kahle@massmentorship.org

Q:  What are the qualifications for being a mentor?

A:  Interpreter Mentor: RID Certification, five plus years interpreting experience, nurturing of new interpreters, willing to share knowledge/experience, willing to accept jobs/create situations where mentees have opportunity to interpret, patient, respectful of others, interested in working with mentees from diverse backgrounds, willing to share feedback about the program with the Director

Deaf Mentor: Deaf or hard of hearing, either from birth or late-deafened, native or near-native ASL skills, friendly and interested in working with new interpreters to improve their skills, patient, respectful of others, interested in working with mentees and mentors from diverse backgrounds, committed to attending training workshops and beginning to develop a foundation of knowledge on ASL rules and features, willing to share feedback about the program with the Coordinator

Q:  How often do I meet with my mentor/mentee?

A:  Interpreting Mentorship: Mentees and mentors meet an average of once per week for 12 weeks.

ASL Mentorship: Mentees and mentors meet an average of once every other week for a total of 10 hours.

Q:  Are workshops included in the program?

A:  Interpreting Mentorship: Registration fee includes 20 hours workshops and work groups per session.

ASL Mentorship: Registration fee does not include workshops. Mentees may register and pay for workshops separately.

Q:  What is the length of the program?

A:  Interpreting Mentorship: Each session lasts 14 weeks. Mentees may choose to participate in multiple sessions depending on their needs.

ASL Mentorship: Each session lasts 14 weeks. Mentees and mentors arrange their own schedule to complete 10 hours of work together within this time period.

Mentoring for Performance Exams: Number of sessions varies depending upon mentee's needs.

Q:  How much does mentorship cost?

A:  Interpreting Mentorship: $300 per session for pre-certified interpreters; certified interpreters should contact Irma Kahle, Director, at irma.kahle@massmentorship.org to discuss fees.

ASL Mentorship: uncredentialed interpreters - $200; screened interpreters - $350; certified interpreters - $450

Mentoring for Performance Exams: Reduced rate of $25 per hour for uncredentialed interpreters

Q:  Can I participate in the program if I work full time?

A:  Interpreting Mentorship: It is possible to participate in the program while working a full-time job, as long as an appropriate mentor can be found. Mentees' flexibility in matching mentors' schedules will determine the actual amount of time spent together.

ASL Mentorship: It is possible to participate in the program while working a full-time job, as long as an appropriate mentor can be found.

Q:  If I am a working interpreter enrolled in the Interpreting Mentorship Program as a mentee, am I allowed to accept compensation for assignments that I work with my mentor?

A:  Mentees with interpreting credentials recognized by the state of Massachusetts may book assignments with their mentors as appropriate and may be compensated for their work. Mentees who are not yet credentialed may work only under the direct supervision of their mentors and are not paid for this time. The Mentorship Program does not regulate mentees' ability to accept work outside of their hours in the program.

Q:  How do I learn more about being a mentor?

A:  Interpreting Mentorship: Contact Irma Kahle, Director, at irma.kahle@massmentorship.org

ASL Mentorship: Contact Terry Malcolm, Coordinator for ASL Mentoring, at terry.malcolm@massmentorship.org