Interpreter Trainers Network

Welcome to the website for the Interpreter Trainers’ Network (ITN) of the Australian Sign Language Interpreters’ Association (ASLIA). This website provides you with information about the ITN; resources and references for interpreter educators, trainers, and mentors; information on workshops and useful networks; and explains membership of the ITN.

What is the Interpreter Trainers’ Network (ITN)?

The ITN is a professional body aimed at meeting the needs and interests of sign language interpreter educators, mentors and trainers, and is aligned with ASLIA. The ITN provides interpreter trainers with formal and informal opportunities for collegial support. ITN membership is free and is open to casual, part-time and full-time interpreter educators involved in courses offered through registered training organisations (RTOs), TAFE colleges (or equivalent) and universities. In addition, individuals involved with developing and delivering professional development and training opportunities for interpreters; and in providing mentoring to colleagues, are also welcome to apply for membership. Membership is open to Deaf and hearing educators, trainers and mentors. Prospective ITN members must be members of the Australian Sign Language Interpreters’ Association in order to be eligible for full ITN membership (i.e. to access the members only section of this site). You do not have to be an ASLIA member to be added to the mailing database however, or to make use of the other open source material, links and resources found on this website.

History

The ITN was established in 2009 as an initiative of the National Executive Committee of the Australian Sign Language Interpreters’ Association, known as ASLIA. The concept of an ITN had been discussed for several years at the ASLIA National Interpreter Trainers’ Workshops (ITW) when educators gathered annually for training opportunities as educators, and at the ITW in 2008 it was agreed to move ahead in establishing the Network.

ASLIA co-opted Karen Bontempo to be the inaugural convenor of the Network and to appoint a Steering Committee for the development of the ITN. At the same time ASLIA also appointed two members of the ASLIA board at that time to join the ITN Steering Committee: Jemina Napier and Marcel Leneham. Other individuals, representing different areas of expertise and drawn from the field of interpreter education and training in Australia, were approached to see if they were interested in joining the Steering Committee. In addition, ASLIA distributed a general call for expressions of interest from educators and trainers who might also be keen to join the Steering Committee. The founding group listed below are acknowledged for their efforts in establishing the ITN:

  • Karen Bontempo – Convenor
  • Jemina Napier – ASLIA EC representative
  • Marcel Leneham – ASLIA EC representative
  • Amanda Dolejsi
  • Sandra Leane
  • Patricia Levitzke-Gray
  • Maree Madden
  • Merie Spring

Purpose of the ITN

  • To be a representative network, connecting interpreter educators, trainers and mentors from across Australia, and overseas
  • To act as a “clearing house” for samples of assessment tools/teaching resources/materials that can be shared amongst trainers
  • To promote more standardised interpreter education and training opportunities across Australia
  • To contribute and participate in key identified projects which will assist in improving interpreter training and service delivery across Australia and to be of service to other nations, sister associations, and to WASLI where possible and appropriate.