The Educational Interpreter Code of Ethics you've shared outlines a comprehensive framework to guide the practice of educational interpreters in schools, focusing on principles that support the autonomy and well-being of deaf students. It emphasizes the responsibility of interpreters to facilitate access to education while maintaining professional ethics, collaboration, and continuous development. Here's a breakdown of key elements:

Scope and Philosophy

• The document applies to all individuals providing sign language, cued language, and oral language interpreting services in educational settings, regardless of their official title.

• It reflects the principles of social justice, aiming to ensure deaf students have autonomy, access to education, and the right to express themselves freely.

• The code works alongside other professional guidelines and ethical codes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to interpreting in educational contexts.

Tenets of the Code

1. Respect for Student Autonomy: Interpreters prioritize the student's right to make decisions about their communication, learning process, and educational environment.

2. Provision of Access to Communication: Interpreters ensure that all forms of communication in the educational environment are accessible, prioritizing interpretation over other duties.

3. Confidentiality: Respecting the privacy of students and maintaining confidentiality of all academic and personal information is a critical responsibility.

4. Participation in the Educational Team: Interpreters are active participants in educational planning, collaborating with teachers, staff, and other professionals.

5. Continual Professional Development: Interpreters are expected to engage in continuous learning to stay skilled and informed about best practices.

6. Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest: Interpreters must remain impartial and avoid situations that may compromise their professional integrity.

7. Ethical Professional Practices: Interpreters should uphold honesty, accountability, and professionalism in their work.

Core Values and Illustrative Behaviors

• Respect for Student Autonomy: Interpreters support the student’s right to choose their language and communication method, and they adapt their role to the cognitive and developmental needs of the student.

• Provision of Access: Ensuring all communication is accessible, including incidental learning, is essential. Interpreters should advocate for the inclusion of native language models when necessary.

• Confidentiality: Strict adherence to legal regulations like FERPA and IDEA is essential. Interpreters should be cautious in their online presence to avoid breaching confidentiality.

• Educational Team Support: Interpreters collaborate with the broader educational team, contributing observations and concerns related to language access and the students' needs.

• Professional Development: Ongoing training, engagement with feedback, and preparation are key to ensuring that interpreters remain effective and ethical in their roles.

• Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest: Interpreters should inform their supervisors or IEP coordinators if any personal beliefs or situations could impact their impartiality.

• Ethical Practices: Interpreters must ensure they accurately represent their credentials, understand job requirements, and fulfill professional obligations.

Conclusion

This Code of Ethics serves as a guide to ensure that educational interpreters can carry out their roles with integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to supporting the educational and personal development of deaf students. It provides clear direction for decision-making and highlights the importance of collaboration, confidentiality, and continuous improvement in their work.

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