Presented at the 2025 Summit

Destination Profession - Are We There Yet?

0.3 CEUs, PS

We will explore the professionalization of ASL-English interpretation in the United States, sociological theories, and power dynamics that underpin professional work. It will be interesting to see a comparison of the discourse of professionalism used by practitioners and hiring entities (interpreting agencies) as a means of identifying construction, social control, and organizational discipline. Initially rooted in trust, ethics, and specialized knowledge, professionalism in general is now increasingly shaped by globalization, new public management, and organizational discourse. Have those ideas permeated the minds and actions of interpreters by the 21st century's quarter point? Are we still embodying the value-based, autonomous ideal we hope for as a profession? We will compare old and new public management and how each overlaps with the values and attitudes that interpreters hold today. If we haven’t arrived yet, what will it take to get there?

Workshop Curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome

    • Workshop Handout
  2. 2

    • Workshop

    • Quiz

Reviews from The Summit

Average Rating

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

4.7/5.0The learning materials used were effective and complimented the goals of the activity.

4.7/5.0This activity will contribute to my professional growth.

4.9/5.0The instructor interacted with the participants in a professional manner.

  • Summit Attendee

    This was one of those workshops you could talk about for hours. I really enjoyed the discussion, especially the second breakout room with my colleagues. Great people and great dialogue!

  • Summit Attendee

    Thank you for a wonderful workshop. The topic was engaging, and I’m leaving with new ideas to think about regarding our world and our profession.

  • Summit Attendee

    I attended one of Randy’s workshops last year and signed up again this year. Once again, it did not disappoint. It was a fantastic and thoughtful conversation about professionalism in our field.

Meet Your Presenter

NIC, BEI Master

Randy Thuesen

Randy, a Texas native, is a nationally certified interpreter (BEI Master, NIC) and has been involved with the Deaf and DeafBlind communities since he was a young boy and enjoys giving back to them. For the past 19 years, Randy has enjoyed interpreting in mental health, educational, medical, and legal settings, but his heart lies with teaching. He has been an adjunct professor at three Houston area Interpreter Training Programs since 2006. Randy is an alumnus of Lone Star College-North Harris, Sam Houston State University, and the University of North Florida. He formerly served as Co-Chair of the Interpreter Educator Special Interest Group for the Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (TSID). His techniques give working interpreters the tools to make interpreting a sustainable and long-term career.
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.