Target Audience: Working Interpreters interested in learning about the mentoring process, specifically when working with interpreters working toward certification.
Participants will receive an overview of the current practices within the field of professional mentoring. The current philosophy of what “mentoring” means will be shared. Strategies for guided self-assessment will be taught. Mentoring activities will be discussed and modeled. Information about resources to be used will be shared.
Participants will discuss in pairs and small groups the following: learning styles, barriers to professional development for interpreters working full-time, etc. Participants will create flip chart representations on these challenges and report back to the group.
Participants will receive hands on practice with a two mentors to one mentee. Through individual and pair practice activities, participants will apply information presented by conducting mock mentoring activities. Participants will work in pairs and analyze how they assisted the “mentee” to determine their skill patterns and the root causes for these patterns. They will determine areas where they need to improve for the next session. This information will then be integrated into each mock mentoring session throughout the workshop.
Participants will identify the pros and cons of giving diagnostic feedback instead of using an appreciative inquiry approach to mentoring.
In collaboration with the mentee, Participants will develop a skill-building activity after each mock mentoring session. They will formulate a plan that considers the mentee’s learning style, current challenges with professional development, one or more skill patterns, and the root cause(s) for the pattern.
Presenter's Bio:
Cindy Farnham, M.A., Master Mentor, RID Certified Interpreter, is a freelance interpreter, mentor, consultant and trainer. She earned her M.A. in Education from California State University, Sacramento. Cindy received her Master Mentor certificate in 2002. She has a private training and mentoring practice assisting interpreters pursuing certification. Cindy specializes in training interpreters desiring to become professional mentors. She is an adjunct professor in the Interpreter Preparation Program at American River College. She served eight years on the Board of Directors for the Conference of Interpreter Trainers, Inc. She is the founder and executive director of TRACKS, a nonprofit organization focusing on professional development opportunities for interpreters.
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