Interpreters in the Education Setting

Tier 1: Language Ambassador

• Basic Bilingual and/or interpretation skills in schools settings
• Settings: Spontaneous and informal interactions

Tier 2: Trained Interpreter

• Must have demonstrated language proficiency in English and another language(s)
• Professional interpretation skills in school settings
• Settings: Parent conferences or other meetings without a legal context

Tier 3: Trained Interpreter

• Must have demonstrated language proficiency in English and another language(s)
• Advanced interpretation skills in school settings, with professional experience
• Settings: Specialized meetings, including IEP meetings

Guidance

• DESE Guidance for the Provision of Interpreters in the Education Setting

Language Ambassador Training Course

• Guidance for Districts to train Language Ambassadors

• Language Ambassador Training Course

Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interpreters

• Recommended Qualifications for Tier 2 and 3 Interpreters
  • Qualified Tier 2 Interpreter
    • At least 18 years old
    • Demonstrated spoken language proficiency in English and another language(s).
    • Successfully passed Tier 2 Interpreter Training coursework (DESE or other DESE-approved training program) that prepares them to interpret in the education setting
  • Qualified Tier 3 Interpreter
    • All requirements for Tier 2 interpreters
    • Successfully passed Tier 3 Interpreter Training coursework (DESE or other DESE-approved training program) that prepares them to interpret in the education setting, with a focus on special education terminology
    • At least 50 hours of practice interpreting in specialized meetings, with feedback from a trained interpreter on an encounter that is at least 30 min in length (feedback can be provided after observing a live or recorded interaction)
      • Interpreters who demonstrate language proficiency and passed coursework can be listed with "interim" status until the 50 hours of practice obligation is fulfilled
• Training Opportunities
  • Training to become a Tier 2 or Tier 3 Interpreter in the Education Setting is offered by vendors who have been approved by DESE through our MSA. Review the list provided below of Approved Providers to find an upcoming training opportunity.
  • Approved Providers list
• Become an Approved Provider of Interpreter Training courses
  • MSA on CommBuys

Find a Trained Interpreter

• Trained Tier 2 & 3 Interpreter Database
  • Find and contact a trained interpreter through the Interpreter in the Education Setting Registry (updated July 2025)
  • Some interpreters on this list may also be on PRF75 and will be indicated with an asterisk
  • This list represents those interpreters who have opted-in to the public registry and is not exhaustive of all those who have received training. Each individual is responsible to update contact information on the registry. DESE will not be involved in any procurement or contracting processes.
• Use the state-wide contract to procure interpretation services for the education setting
  • PRF75 on CommBuys
  • Ask vendors to ensure linguists who will work with your schools have received training in the education setting
  • Vendors on PRF75 who have committed to training their interpreters in the education setting through DESE-approved materials will be indicated by an asterisk

Resources

• Working with an interpreter
  Consider making this poster available for staff members that may interact with interpreters during meetings.

• Poster: We Can Help You in Your Language
  Consider printing and making this poster available to welcome families in high visibility areas.

• Family Feedback Forms
  Offer families an opportunity to provide feedback on interpretation services.

Last Updated: September 17, 2026