Presented at the 2025 Summit

Bridging the Gap: Supporting Educational Interpreters through Teacher of the Deaf Expertise

0.3 CEUs, PS

Join Krista Phelps and Brianna Balch, M.S., for an interactive workshop focused on building stronger collaboration between Teachers of the Deaf (ToDs) and educational interpreters. This session explores the when, where, and why of interpreting in educational settings, clarifying the interpreter’s role in providing access—not instruction. Participants will dive into strategies that promote language equivalence, discuss the impact of language deprivation, and examine real-life examples of effective collaboration. With a blend of foundational concepts, practical tools, and cultural insight, this workshop aims to strengthen interpreter-ToD partnerships and center the needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students in K–12 classrooms.

Workshop Curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome

    • Workshop Handout
  2. 2

    • Workshop

    • Quiz

Reviews from The Summit

Average Rating

4.8/5.0The activity provided opportunities to develop skill and/or awareness.

4.6/5.0The learning materials used were effective and complimented the goals of the activity.

4.6/5.0This activity will contribute to my professional growth.

4.8/5.0The instructor interacted with the participants in a professional manner.

  • Summit Attendee

    This workshop was very well presented. The content was clear, easy to follow, and grounded in practical guiding principles. I appreciated how each point connected back to real situations interpreters face, making the information both relevant and immediately useful.

  • Summit Attendee

    It was incredibly helpful to hear directly from K–12 DHH instructors about what happens inside a self-contained classroom and what is expected from an interpreter in that environment. The presenters also gave great insight into the needs within general education settings and how our role shifts between the two. The accompanying PowerPoint was well-organized and made the information even easier to understand.

  • Summit Attendee

    This workshop offered a very informative look into the K–12 world. Hearing these perspectives helped me better understand what teachers truly need from interpreters and how we can support students more effectively. The tips were practical, thoughtful, and clarified many expectations that often go unspoken.

Meet Your Presenter

Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ToDHH)

Krista Phelps

Krista Phelps is a dedicated K–5 Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Altamonte Elementary School in Seminole County, Florida. She holds a B.A. in Deaf Education and Intellectual Disabilities from Flagler College and brings over 33 years of experience working with elementary-aged DHH students. Krista was honored as Seminole County’s Teacher of the Year in 1990 and has remained a passionate advocate for language and literacy access ever since.
TerpAcademy is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.3 CEU's at the ‘Little/None’ Content Knowledge Level. TerpAcademy promotes an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other protected class.