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Combo Course:
Tier II & Tier III

Educational Interpreter

 

Our innovative combination course is perfect for those who already know they wish to take both Tier 2 and Tier 3 certificate courses. We've designed the combo course for an efficient 15 consecutive weeks to master both Tier 2 and Tier 3 competencies, compared to 9 weeks for Tier 2 and 10 weeks for Tier 3 if taken separately. Already have certification in medical or legal interpreting? You have the option of a shorter track within this same course, to still earn both Tier 2 and Tier 3 Educational Interpreting certificates. 

 

With DESE's guidelines released in 2024, Tier 2 Interpreters are those who are considered qualified for interpreting for Special Education such as IEP meetings, disciplinary hearings and any school setting with a legal context. Even with previous experience or certification in healthcare of legal interpretation, DESE recommends this certification in order to be fully prepared for the specific demands of the educational setting.

 

This  interactive course is designed to help you master the techniques, principles and practices of both Tier 2 and Tier 3 educational interpreting. Successful completion of the course earns participants both a Tier 2 and a Tier 3 Certificate (two separate certificates issued to the participant). Click here learn more about what's covered in Tier 2 and here to learn more about Tier 3. 

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More information about Tier Two and Tier Three guidance and Certifications as established in 2023 by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) can be found here.

Classmates

Prerequisites

This is an advanced course and documentation of prior foundational training and existing interpreting skill is required in order to enroll.

For participants seeking Tier III Certification within public school districts in Massachusetts, DESE guidelines state that it is necessary to complete the Tier II Certification course first.

 

For participants with other Interpreting certifications such as medical or legal, the Tier II course must still be taken but it will be abridged.

Course Content

  • General & Special Education Terminology Expansion

  • Interpreter Ethical Dilemmas & Approaches in Educational Settings

  • Psychoeducational Assessment, Instruments & the Role of the Interpreter

  • Disability Categories & Common Conditions Requiring Accommodations

  • Eligibility, IEP & Reevaluation Terminology

  • Meeting Management & Affective Presence

  • Simultaneous Interpreting for Board Meetings & Student Tribunals

  • Crisis & Mental Health Situations

  • Remote Interpreting & Technology Overview

  • Advanced Note-Taking Strategies

  • Language Access Plans & Other Tools to Collaborate with the Educational Team

    Language-specific coaching and mentoring always included.

Total time commitment

  • 9 two-hour long live Zoom workshops and practice sessions

  • 2-3 hours per week of self-paced homework (readings and reflections) 

Completion Requirements

  • Attend each of the 9 live sessions (make-ups available on a case by case basis)

  • Complete the weekly course activities (readings, discussions, reflections)

  • Actively engage in live practice activities

  • Earn a "Pass” rating on activities and end-of-module quizzes as well as the final quiz

Pricing

$1,100

For individuals enrolling independently, the Tier 2 Interpreter Training Course is $1,100 per participant. This includes all course materials, instruction, and your final assessment.

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Contact Us Today!

Your Interpreter Certification is a click away.

Thursdays, 5-7pm,

September 25 to December 4
Instructor: Alexandra Fortich

©2025 ALA Inc

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