At TKIS, we believe in the power of mentorship to elevate the skills of interpreters and ensure the highest standards of practice in the ASL interpreting field. Our mentorship program is designed to foster both personal and professional growth, helping interpreters at all levels navigate the complexities of their careers with confidence and skill.

Through one-on-one and group mentorship, interpreters gain insight from experienced professionals who offer guidance on refining language proficiency, enhancing cultural competency, and mastering ethical decision-making. Our mentors provide constructive feedback on real-world interpretation scenarios, giving mentees the tools to handle diverse settings.

Examples of Mentorship Areas:

1. Language Proficiency & Fluency:
   A mentor can help a mentee expand their ASL vocabulary, improve fluency, and work on processing speed and accuracy. This could involve practicing with different types of content, such as formal presentations or informal conversations, to ensure versatility.

2. Ethical Decision-Making & Professionalism:
   Interpreting often involves navigating difficult ethical situations, such as confidentiality, impartiality, and conflicts of interest. Mentors can guide mentees through these challenges, sharing insights from their own experiences and helping them build strong ethical foundations.

3. Specialized Settings:
   Interpreters may encounter specialized environments such as medical or educational settings. Mentorship in these areas focuses on industry-specific vocabulary, cultural awareness, and techniques for handling sensitive or complex interpretations.

4. Certification Preparation:
   For interpreters aiming to achieve certification, mentorship provides essential preparation, from practice exams to tips for handling stress during the testing process. Mentors help mentees understand the certification process and provide support to ensure success.

5. Career Development & Networking:
   Mentors help mentees navigate their career paths by offering advice on job opportunities, networking strategies, and professional development. They may also connect mentees with industry professionals and recommend conferences, workshops, and training programs.

A Commitment to Growth

We’re dedicated to not just providing interpreting services but also to contributing to the overall growth of the interpreting profession. Through mentorship, we empower interpreters to continually refine their craft, build their confidence, and excel in their careers. We understand that interpreting is more than just a skill—it’s a lifelong learning process. Our mentorship program provides current and future interpreters with the guidance and resources needed to grow, adapt, and evolve by pairing mentees with both hearing and Deaf mentors, creating a well-rounded and enriching learning experience