Programs
“My interpretation volunteers are able to communicate with parents in a caring, supportive way---that motivates the parent to follow through on referrals, make and keep appointments---enhancing the academic skills of our students.“
Glory Lane, teacher at Everett Middle School
Interpretation Volunteers
Spanish and Cantonese speakers needed.
Meaningful parent involvement in schools greatly increases the likelihood of success for students both academically and in life. However, for a great many immigrant and English learning families in San Francisco, language barriers prevent proper access to their children’s education and communication with teachers and school staff. Nearly one in three students in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is an English language learner. Volunteer interpreters are crucial to these students’ success. Activities
Volunteers provide interpretation services at parent-teacher conferences, school events like Back-to-School Night, and day-to-day communication between school staff and families. Our volunteer interpretation program focuses on Spanish and Cantonese speakers. Time commitment
Our volunteers commit to a minimum of four hours a month of interpretation service. This time can be spread out over the course of the month, or can take place at a single event or meeting. Training sessions
Interpretation volunteers attend eighteen hours of free interpretation training. Training sessions are led by Angela Zawadski, a certified judicial interpreter for the State of California and Federal Courts who is fluent in four languages. The training sessions provide a basic introduction to the role of the interpreter, the different modes of interpretation, and a definition of the basic terms associated with school interpretation. In-class exercises will be used to develop memory, acquire relevant terminology, and to discuss ethical issues and protocol. Find out how to apply.