Interpreting in education

I regularly interpret in Dutch primary schools. Usually it's to let expat parents know their child needs to change schools because the current school is not able to support the educational needs of the child. Often there are many people involved like a remedial educationalist, support coordinator, someone from the school's cooperation network and the principal. And not to forget: the parents. This process can be quite a dredging one. Especially when you also have to get used to the Dutch school system, culture and language. You have often already had many conversations with different specialists involved and now the school is asking you to come so they can tell you that you'll need to find a new school again.

This is were I come in. Though many parents and teachers communicate in English, when it comes to changing schools and coming up with a plan of action, it's best to take the language barrier away. Especially because meetings like these can cause some tension. I like to relieve this tension in conversation through interpretation. Parents have clarity, there is no room for tension due to ambiguity, and the school employees and school partners can be rest assured they can cut to the chase without having to jump through all kinds of English hoops.

People often tell me they feel calm in my presence and I like the tangible feeling of the tension leaving the room.

It's also a relief for parents and schools to know that I'm able to use my teaching experience. I know how schools work and I also regularly interpret during linguistic tests with multilingual children who may have DLD (Dutch: TOS). As a result, I am also aware of what goes on in multilingual families. But of course the thing I enjoy most is that I can still work with children in this way. I take all this passion and understanding back to the schools where I interpret. I also occasionally interpret when a school attendance officer draws up an official report. This keeps me involved in education in various ways.