Advanced Education Interpreter Training
(Formerly Tier III)
Become a DESE-trained Tier Three Educational Interpreter with this interactive course designed for advanced interpreters, focused on mastering interpretation for Special Education and other complex school settings with legal context. Always taught by an experienced educational interpreter with mentors who can provide language-specific support. Completing the course results in a Tier III Certificate of Completion.
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.
A Course That Challenges Your Perspective
"When I began the DESE Tier 3 Interpreter in the Education Setting training, I expected a straightforward review of skills I already use regularly. What I found instead was a genuinely challenging course that asked me to slow down and examine habits I had stopped questioning."
— Tier 3 Course Participant, 2026
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
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General & Special Education Terminology Expansion
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Interpreter Ethical Dilemmas & Approaches in Educational Settings
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Psychoeducational Assessment, Instruments & the Role of the Interpreter
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Disability Categories & Common Conditions Requiring Accommodations
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Eligibility, IEP & Reevaluation Terminology
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Meeting Management & Affective Presence
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Simultaneous Interpreting for Board Meetings & Student Tribunals
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Crisis & Mental Health Situations
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Remote Interpreting & Technology Overview
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Advanced Note-Taking Strategies
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Language Access Plans & Other Tools to Collaborate with the Educational Team
Language-specific coaching and mentoring always included.
Total time commitment
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9 two-hour long live Zoom workshops and practice sessions
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2-3 hours per week of self-paced homework (readings and reflections)
Completion Requirements
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Attend each of the 9 live sessions (make-ups available on a case by case basis)
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Complete the weekly course activities (readings, discussions, reflections)
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Actively engage in live practice activities
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Earn a "Pass” rating on activities and end-of-module quizzes as well as the final quiz
Pricing
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