Treat ithe interpreter as a professional. Familiarize the interpreter with vocabulary and concepts that will be covered during the class period.

When talking or asking questions to the student(s) who is deaf, always maintain eye contact with the student (don't look at the interpreter). Use the words "I" and "you" when communication with the student. Avoid saying "tel him/her" or does he/she understand?"

Be aware of the interpreter's role. The interpreter is not a disciplinarian, substitute teacher, or teacher's aide (in lower grades, this may depend on the interpreter's job description). Also, the interpreter will abide by a code of ethics established by the national and state interpreter's organization, as well as state laws. This code does not permit the interpreter to repeat or discuss with anyone what has been interpreted. You may ask the interpreter that you will be working with for a copy of the Code of Ethics.

Allow process time for the interpreter. Give the interpreter time to finish interpreting questions or comments made by students or teacher befor calling upon a student who raises his/her hand. This is necessary because the interpretation will be just a few words behind the spoken message. This does not mean that the interpreter is unskilled or not a fast signer; interpreting spoken language into a visual and manual form require a little more time.

Always remind other students to raise their hands when they wish to say something and wait a moment after calling on them. This allows the student(s) who are deaf to see who is speaking. Encourage students to speak one at a time during group disscussions; it is difficult to interpret more than one person talking at a time and is almost impossible for a student who is deaf to follow the discussion. Try to allow for brie pauses between speakers to allow the interpreter time to finish the concept.

When using a slide projector, TV, etc. be sure to have an auxilary light for the interpreter to be seen while interpreting. A small lamp, light dimmer, an open widow shade or a spotlight can be used. It is imprtant to have some light for the student who is deaf to see. If it is completely dark, the student does not have access to the interpreted information.

Try to avoid standing in front of a window or bright light as this will create shadows on you face and will make it difficult for the student to watch your facial expression or speechread due to the shadow or glare.

Whenever speaking directly to the student who is deaf and the interpreter is not available at that moment, you can get the student's attention by tapping on his/her shoulder or waving your hand in their visual field.