Factors to Consider When Team Interpreting
(adapted from Austin County Community College Interpreter Handbook)

Be Alert
When not interpreting, the interpreter is not off duty; s/he should be ready to provide support for their team member, e.g. suggest a sign/concept or word(s), adjust the lighting, etc. Be aware of and use any special signs, spatial arrangements, or abbreviations the partner is using so continuity is maintained after the switch.

Stay in the Classroom
The support interpreter should remain in the classroom to be there in case his/her partner needs assistance. If there is a need to leave the room for any reason, return to the class as soon as possible and do so with minimal disruption to instructor and students.

Be on Time for Class
Interpreters should always plan to be in class on time and not assume you can be late because your partner will be on time. When interpreters know s/he will be late for class, they need to inform their partner and Disability Support Services. You are also expected to stay until the class ends. If you have to leave early, reflect that in your billing or time sheet.

Discuss With Your Partner How and When to Offer Assistance
Communicate with each other about the kind of support each of you need. How will the interpreter let his/her partner know help is needed? Is there a signal they give?...a tug on the ear or scratch on the nose. Some interpreters lag behind speakers more than others. Tell your partner your style and preferences, so the partner doesn't interject at an inappropriate time, thinking their partner may be missing information.

Determine When to Change
Decide how long each of you will interpret before switching, e.g. 20, 25 or 30 minutes. Remember, just because a partner's time is up does not mean you change at that moment. Wait for the partner to finish the speaker's thought/point, then change. For some instructors this is not possible. They seem to be able to talk without taking a breath or finishing a point...in this situation, follow the clock...because your partner is probably working hard.

Determine How the Change Will be Made
The back-up interpreter should keep track of the time and let the partner know when it is time to switch. A signal may need to be agreed upon to let the partner know it's time to change, e.g. hand signal. The interpreter who is interpreting will then determine when to change. There is a myriad of ways to make the switch in a professional manner. In some situations you may stay in your seat until the interpreter signing stands to switch...or you may stand to the side or behind mentally interpreting, ready to slip into the "hot seat" the minute the signing interpreter stops.

Sit Where Partners Can Best Work Together
Sit in a position where you can see and be seen by your partner and by the student. Sitting in a good position means the team interpreter will be able to support his/her partner. The instructor may need to ask students to re-arrange the seating if needed.

Provide Feedback
If your partner wants feedback, agree upon how will this be done. Regardless of how it's done, be sure to do it in a constructive manner. When giving feedback, avoid using "You did"...using you makes it too personal. The new feedback technique is to make it objective and use "I" statements as much as possible. "I expected to see...but I saw....". Remember, we are talking about what was interpreted (i.e. the work), not the interpreter. Include things that worked as well as choices that were less successful.

Down Time
When not interpreting or providing back-up, the interpreter needs to be either sitting quietly or doing something work-related, e.g. preparing for classes, or reading deaf/interpreter-related materials. Other reading materials are not allowed and conversing/signing with the other interpreter or deaf student(s) is discouraged, unless the discussion pertains to the assignment.

When Partners Disagree
Talk with each other. Many times people are unaware there may be a problem until it is brought to their attention, e.g. a breach of the code of ethics. Treat your partner as you would want to be treated. If you can't reach agreement or don't feel comfortable discussing something with your partner, then call Disability Support Services.

Respect each other as individuals. Respect the differences that make each of us unique and learn to work in cooperation with one another.