I teach too!

You are subbing for a college level math class. Your team starts as she is in the class every day. While interpreting, you notice she is adding quite a bit of background information about math. Finally she stops interpreting the teacher's lesson and gives the student a private teaching lesson. Then she turns to you and signs, "I used to be a math teacher. And because I can explain this in a better way, I feel I'm within the bounds of ethical interpreting. After all, the most important thing is for the student to understand the information."

+How do you respond?
+When you are on, do you interpret? Or do you teach?
+Do you tell the agency anything?
+Do you talk to your team?

My Ex Sucks!

At the end of your assignment your team offers you a ride home. Thankful not to have to wait for public transportation or call someone for a ride, you accept. On the drive home, your team voices her frustration regarding her impending divorce. Her ex-husband is also an interpreter. You're not super good friends with either of them, but are "facebook friends" with both.

Do you:
+smile and nod. You don't want to get in the middle of it.
+readily take her side. She is offering you a ride home.
+tell her you'd rather not know. You may have to work with her ex one day.

+What are the short term ramifications of your decision?
+If you will want a ride from her again but don't want to be drug into her personal saga, how will you avoid the topic of her ex?
+How can you remain supportive but still distanced?

Can I leave early?

You team the last period of a high school class. You are the 2nd team on and half way through class you come in to relieve your team. After the team leaves your student signs, “You can leave. There is nothing happening today.”

Would the following circumstances inform your decision:
1. The student never pays attention and you feel that is disrespectful.
2. They are doing group work and you know the student communicates well with his group.
3. You want to get some shopping done on your way home and would like to leave early.
4. You have nothing else to do and are paid to stay.

Consider the situation with the above variables. What would be the ethical options? What are the practical options. What would you do?

You can leave

1.       You team the last period of a high school class.  You are the 2^nd team on and half way through class you come in to relieve your team.  After the team leaves your student signs, “You can leave.  There is nothing happening today.”

A few minutes in the life of a Sign Language Interpreter

After getting a chuckle out of the video--who hasn't been there--think about the interpreters responses. Yes, we would all like to be a bit snarky sometimes. What we need to be is respectful. Have fun. Enjoy your job. Smile. Heck, crack a joke. But remain kind and professional.

OMG! I've gone viral on You Tube!!!

What do you do if your interpretation of a song is recorded and posted on You Tube? Or, as in this case, you post your final on You Tube.






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJKA8us6k4k&feature=player_embedded#!

• What are the short term consequences?
• What are the long term consequences?
• If everyone did this, how would that effect the interpreting profession?
  

Coffee or Science?

You interpret in a high school on-going. During earth science you have a team as the material is difficult and the teacher lectures the entire period. Yet today—and about once a week—the students copy questions from the board and work on their own. Your team suggests, since neither of you are “working” you go out to buy your much needed coffee.

*Is it ok to leave during your scheduled interpreting time? Its possible you return the favor next week. And you’ll be back well before the next period.

*What are the professional consequences?

*What are the short and long term consequences?

*What pattern are you establishing for other interpreters in your high school?