Presented at the 2025 Summit

The Educational Interpreter’s Role In Language Development

0.3 CEUs, PS

In this workshop, we will discuss how interpreters can best support Deaf and hard of hearing students’ language development within the classroom. During this webinar,  Deaf and hard of hearing students’ language development will be discussed and describe how it differs from hearing students’ language development. Fingerspelling, non-manual markers, classifiers, ASL to English and English to ASL interpretation, visual support, and ASL expansion will be reviewed in this presentation. Sign language interpreters play a crucial role in supporting and facilitating comprehension, vocabulary development, and reading/writing fluency of Deaf and hard of hearing students.  Interpreters should learn strategies, tips, and methods to enhance language development among D/HH students.

Workshop Curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome

    • Workshop Handout
  2. 2

    • Workshop

    • Quiz

Reviews from The Summit

Average Rating

4.9/5.0The activity provided opportunities to develop skill and/or awareness.

4.9/5.0The learning materials used were effective and complimented the goals of the activity.

4.9/5.0This activity will contribute to my professional growth.

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

  • Summit Attendee

    What an incredible workshop! Jennifer’s perspective as a Deaf adult who grew up with educational interpreters was so valuable. I now have a clearer understanding of what students truly need and what my role should and shouldn’t be in the classroom. I left feeling motivated to keep growing and improving so that one day, my student can look back on their experience with me in a positive way.

  • Summit Attendee

    As an interpreter who has never worked on a K–12 staff, I learned so much from this workshop! Agencies should definitely share this with their freelance interpreters, it’s incredibly helpful. Thank you!

  • Summit Attendee

    I really enjoyed this workshop. Jennifer Francisco presented the material at a comfortable pace and used the PowerPoint and breakout rooms effectively. It was an engaging and valuable learning experience from start to finish!

Meet Your Presenter

M.Ed. Educational Interpreter Project Coordinator, University of South Florida

Jennifer Francisco

Jennifer brings over 15 years of experience in Deaf education to her role as coordinator of the Educational Interpreter Project. With a Master’s in Reading Education and certifications in Elementary, Deaf, and Reading Education (plus an ESOL endorsement), she works statewide in Florida to support K–12 educational interpreters. Passionate about equitable language access, Jennifer collaborates with educators and interpreters to enhance services for Deaf and Hard‑of‑Hearing students.
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.