1.      Introduce the interpreter to all involved parties, and make sure that everyone has a clear understanding of the role of the interpreter in the classroom.  This is important because the role of an educational interpreter varies depending on the child's age and level.

2.      Direct your speech to the student, not to the interpreter.  You do not want the student to feel like you are talking about them instead of to them. 

3.      When the student is responding, expect him/her to respond to you rather than to the interpreter.

4.      Speak at a normal rate.  Interpreters are trained to keep up with you.  By slowing your speaking rate, you may make it difficult for the interpreter to do his/her job.  This, in effect, will disrupt the flow of conversation between you and the student.

5.      The teacher is still the disciplinarian.  Remind the students that the interpreter is only there to relay information, not to take the teacher’s place in the classroom.

6.      Allow the deaf or hard of hearing child the same right as hearing children to have short breaks from communicating.

7.      Allow the interpreter breaks as well.  Remember, they are using more energy than you are by relaying both sides of information.  If order to keep information from being lost along the way, it is important to give the interpreter short breaks.  Interpreters can usually only last a few hours at a time. 

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