Educational Interpreters

Interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing who work as a related service provider in a school setting are referred to as educational interpreters. The educational interpreter serves as a communication link and facilitator between deaf and hard of hearing individuals and those who are speaking to communicate (i.e., the teacher, classmates, or other school personnel). The educational interpreter has the ability to provide the interpreting services in a variety of modes of communication such as American Sign Language, Pidgin Sign English, Oral Transliterating, or Cued Speech.

Qualifications and Authorization:

An associate's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university in educational interpreting or related field (such as American Sign Language)
Certificate of completion of the EIPA written exam
Successful performance on the performance assessment required for your chosen modality:
- For sign language interpreters (ASL, MCE, PSE), a 3.5 or higher on the EIPA
- For cued speech transliterators, a 4.0 or higher on the EIPA-Cued Speech exam OR a passing score on the CLTNCE

Visit the Initial Educational Interpreter Authorization webpage to apply for a 5 year Authorization

Interpreter Training Programs

Four Year Training Programs

The University of Northern Colorado Center's American Sign Language-English Interpretation program is an online (with summer onsite requirements), 11-semester, baccalaureate degree program that prepares majors to provide competent interpreting services in ASL.

University of Northern Colorado

Two Year Training Programs

Two year training programs offer an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Interpreter Preparation preparing students for entry-level employment as sign language interpreters.

Pikes Peak Community College (AAS)

Educational Interpreter Training Programs in Other States

Assessments

Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)

Interpreter Mentoring

Educational Interpreter Candidates who have not received a 3.5 EIPA Performance Score, and meet all of the other requirements, can apply for mentorship endorsed by the CDE.

Click here to apply for a mentorship!

For more information, please email Shauna Moden.

Listserv for Educational Interpreters

To join this listserv, email Shauna Moden or call 720-413-0179.

Colorado Educational Interpreter Handbook

View the Colorado Educational Interpreter Handbook (PDF).

Tools & Resources

Articles

Extralinguistic Knowledge: Why Is It So Important in Interpreting? (Networking Interpreting Service)

Books

Multiple Meanings in American Sign Language by: Brenda Cartwright and Suellen Bahleda

Numbering in ASL by: Brenda Cartwright and Suellen Bahleda

Fingerspelling in ASL by: Brenda Cartwright and Suellen Bahleda

Additional Resources

50 US States in American Sign Language

Professional Organizations

Questions?

For more information about services for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, please contact:

Shauna Moden, Deaf Education Specialist
Phone: 720-413-0179
Email Shauna Moden

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If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.