The Mentorship Program : Programs

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Programs > Interpreting Mentorship Program

Interpreting Mentorship Program

Background

The Mentorship Program was established in 1993 to address a critical shortage of sign language interpreters in Massachusetts by creating a support system to help recent interpreting program graduates transition from ﾓinterpreters-in-trainingﾔ to credentialed professionals in the interpreting field.

Goal

The goal of the Interpreting Mentorship Program is to prepare aspiring interpreter mentees for the state screening examination and entry into the field of professional interpreting.

Philosophy

The Interpreting Mentorship Program is a professional development tool for novice interpreters seeking to enhance all aspects of interpreting, including knowledge and use of language, ethics, process management, business practices and interpersonal relations. It also provides opportunities to expand professional networks. This program is designed to be self-directed, i.e., mentees reflect on their individual skills, needs and expectations and, with direction, develop a professional development plan, including how to best maximize their time in the program.

Design

The Interpreting Mentorship Program is uniquely designed around the needs of each interpreter mentee. Applicants provide a sample of their interpreting work. They then meet privately with the Mentorship Program Director to discuss their background, interpreting and professional experience, goals and needs. The Director then hand-picks an interpreter mentor for each mentee based on their availability, needs and interests.

Mentee/Mentor Pairings

The Interpreting Mentorship Program provides fall (mid-September to mid-December) and spring (late January to early May) sessions of 14 weeks each. Mentees accompany mentors to their interpreting assignments where they may observe mentors interpret, interpret with mentor supervision when appropriate, and observe and discuss use of language, vocabulary, process management, logistics, cultural mediation, negotiation, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, and business practices. Participating in real-life interpreting assignments also expands menteesﾒ professional networks and gives them an opportunity to see what types of interpreting best fit their strengths and interests.

Mentees and mentors meet an average of once per week for 12 weeks and are responsible for working out scheduling directly. Mentees are strongly encouraged to keep time available for mentorship during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM) when the majority of assignments occur, as we are not able to guarantee mentors during evening and weekend hours. Menteesﾒ flexibility in matching mentorsﾒ schedules will determine the actual amount of time spent together.

Training and Support

Each session, the Interpreting Mentorship Program provides 20 hours of workshops and work groups focusing on skills and professional development. These events also expand mentees' social networks, fostering interaction with a variety of interpreters and Deaf individuals.

Application Requirements

Graduates of interpreting programs are eligible to apply for the Interpreting Mentorship Program. Applicants who have developed interpreting skills outside of a formal interpreting program must demonstrate knowledge/training in the areas of language (ASL), Deaf culture, ethics, and interpreting process. Credentialed interpreters, especially those new to Massachusetts, are also welcome to apply.

All applicants must submit a DVD/CD/video interpreting sample and pay a non-refundable application fee of $60. This fee will be applied toward the program registration fee upon matriculation into the program. To apply, please print registration form (see left navigation box) and mail in with interpreting sample and fee.

Registration Fee

The registration fee for the program is $300 per session for pre-certified interpreters and is non-refundable. Limited scholarship funds may be available to assist mentees who may otherwise not be able to participate. These funds are made possible through the generosity of mentors who have donated their stipends back to the program. Payment plans are also available. To apply for scholarship funding, please submit scholarship application form (see left navigation box). Certified interpreters should contact Irma Kahle, Director, at irma.kahle@massmentorship.org to discuss fees.

Workshops

Working and aspiring interpreters are invited to attend Mentorship Program workshops. CEU/ACET credits are offered. Fees and registration requirements may vary.

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Contact Information

For more information or to be added to our email list, please contact Irma Kahle, Director, at irma.kahle@massmentorship.org.

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