Who can participate in SLA's Mentorship Program?
Those who have participated in the program agree that the opportunity has been essential to their professional development, exposing them to situations and issues that they would not have experienced otherwise. SLA monitors each schedule to ensure the best match between assignment and interpreter. Mentorship Program Participants are temporary SLA staff members and receive a weekly salary.
Participants include interpreters from:
Interpreter preparation programs: SLA's Mentorship Program provides a bridge from the classroom to the professional world of interpreting.
The community: For native signers or Children of Deaf Adults (CODA’s) the Mentorship provides the framework, principles and terminology needed to look at interpreting as a profession.
The field: Interpreters from states now requiring credentials (quality assurance screening, RID Certification etc.) have used the program to hone their skills in preparation for evaluation. Others use the program as a concentrated time of preparation for the national RID Certification process.
I would like to learn American Sign Language (ASL.) Should I apply for the Mentorship?
The mentorship is not a training program nor does this program teach ASL. For a list of Interpreter Training Programs visit the RID web page. Depending on the area where you live, you could check out local Deaf organizations; contact local colleges for information on ASL classes and sign language clubs; and, definitely, ask Deaf people you know for suggestions.
How long does a Mentorship session last?
A Mentorship Session lasts between 12 - 16 weeks. Many interpreters extend their program to continue progress begun during the first session or to focus on specialized aspects of the field. The application process requires letters of recommendation.
Who should write these and what should they say?
Ideally, letters of recommendation should be from people who are familiar with your interpreting abilities such as consumers, interpreter coordinators, previous mentors, or instructors. They can also be from employers who can speak from experience about your professionalism, work habits, etc. They should include contact information so that SLA can contact the individual if further information is needed.
If I am a participant in the program, does that mean I will shadow another interpreter?
SLA’s Mentorship is a hands-on experiential program. All participants are expected to have entry level or better interpreting skills to work both solo and teamed assignments. As scheduling allows, you will have opportunities to observe and team with your mentor in various situations. Although you’ll have ample time to meet and discuss issues of import with your mentor, you will not shadow your mentor.
Does SLA provide housing for Mentorship participants?
SLA does not provide housing for participants in the Mentorship Program. Although, we do have resources to assist you in find temporary housing in the DC area. If you are selected for the program, we’ll do what we can to make your search for housing as easy as possible.
I am interested in the Mentorship, but am not able to relocate to the DC area. Does SLA offer the program outside of the DC area?
SLA Headquarters are in the metropolitan DC area. We also have offices in Virginia, Florida, and Colorado. We provide interpreting services everywhere else through our Global Network. In the D.C. area we have the administrative resources and the assignment variety to support a paid mentorship program. In our other offices we are able to provide observation opportunities for interpreting interns. When those offices are able to offer a full Mentorship Program we’ll get that information to those who are interested.
Couldn’t find your question or answer in the FAQ’s? Please contact the Program Director, Gordon Vernon 301-962-3064
