SLR’s Mentorship Program (SLR-MP)
APPLY NOW for the February/March/April 2025 cycle!
Applications are due by January 20th, 2025
(Links to online applications are below)
Vision Statement:
The Sign Language Resources Mentorship Program (SLR-MP) is designed to support the needs of Sign Language interpreters working in the field who are striving to improve and expand their knowledge, skills, and experience. The SLR-MP aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world of interpreting and to support recent graduates of interpreter education programs, novice interpreters, and experienced interpreters who wish to focus on the development of a particular skill set .
Program Objectives:
To facilitate and maintain a program in which Sign Language interpreters can learn and grow through the sharing of knowledge and experience.
To maintain a program which fosters a sense of community, a respect for the profession, and a commitment to supporting the growth of Sign Language interpreters.
To give experienced interpreters in our field the opportunity to give back to the profession and to share their experience and knowledge with newer, less experienced interpreters or those seeking to build a particular skill set.
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:
The SLR-MP began in September 2010. We run 3 cycles annually and each cycle lasts 3 months. The schedule is as follows:
Cycle 1: February-March-April
Cycle 2: June-July-August
Cycle 3: October-November-December
During the 3-month cycle, Mentors and Mentees engage in a minimum of 1 meeting per week, or 4 meetings per month, to achieve a total of at least 12 Mentor-Mentee meetings during the cycle.
Meetings are typically a minimum of 1 hour in length and are continuous, goal-oriented interactions between the Mentor and Mentee held in person or via phone, video, or email/text.
Participants submit monthly meeting summaries to the SLR-MP Coordinator and fill out an End of Cycle Evaluation at the conclusion of the cycle.
KICK-OFF:
Participants view an online presentation: "Introduction to the Cycle" at the start of the cycle. Participants can view this on their own or with their Mentor/Mentee. This presentation introduces the participants to the cycle and reviews the structure and requirements of the program. The presentation reviews the SLR-MP Mentor-Mentee Contract and best practices and resources in the field of mentorship are shared.
GROUP MEETINGS:
Online group meetings are scheduled. These meetings are optional, but participation is strongly encouraged.
Group Meetings:
2 Full Group Meetings: Beginning and end of Cycle
The coordinator, Amy Rubinger, is available to meet with participants anytime during the cycle if the need arises.
Want to Apply??
The SLR-MP is primarily a New York based program, serving the Greater New York Metro area including interpreters in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. When space and resources allow, the SLR-MP strives to support and include interpreters in other states.
Applications are available one month before the start of each cycle and are due before the start of the cycle.
Participants must have the ability to participate in online meetings. Due to our current COVID-19 situation, meeting online may be the only way for mentees and mentors to work together. The coordinator, Amy Rubinger, is available to assist you in making online meetings productive and meaningful experiences.
WHO ARE MENTEES:
Interpreters who are currently working and/or have completed an Interpreter Education Program are welcome to apply. Experienced interpreters who want to expand their skill set are encouraged to apply as well.
The participation fee for Mentees is $225.00. This fee is due when the SLR-MP Coordinator confirms a Mentor match for the Mentee. Please note: This amount covers approximately 30% of the overall cost of this program. The remaining 70% is paid by SLR, in support of interpreters’ professional development and growth.
Mentees interested in participating should complete the online
MENTEE APPLICATION:
WHO ARE MENTORS:
The SLR-MP is always seeking qualified interpreters to add to our pool of Mentors! New and experienced Mentors are welcome to apply. The SLR-MP provides resources and support for our first-time Mentors.
Mentors interested in participating should complete the online
MENTOR APPLICATION:
Compensation for Mentors: In appreciation of their time and energy shared with our program, Mentors receive a $350.00 honorarium from the SLR-MP. (This amount will be paid in two increments: $150.00 at the start of the 3-month cycle and the remaining $200.00 will be paid at the conclusion of the 3-month cycle.)
Additionally, Mentors receive a voucher for 50% off of the registration fee of one SLR sponsored workshop once the cycle is completed and all requirements have been met.
CEUs:
Each Mentor and Mentee is eligible to conduct a free RID Independent Study designed together with SLR and worth up to 2.0 CEUs.
Have questions or want more information? Contact:
Amy Rubinger, CI CT
SLR-MP Coordinator
an update about the most recent cycle:
SLR-Mentorship Program - October/November/December 2023 Cycle
A testimonial from an interpreter Mentee who participated the Mentorship Program:
"Thank you very much to Amy for running such a phenomenal mentorship program and pairing me perfectly with my mentor! I cannot express how thankful I am to have been paired with her and to have had the ability to be a part of a mentorship during these tough times! Last night’s tour was such a unique experience, so thank you as well for setting that up for us!! My skills and confidence have skyrocketed in comparison to before I first started this mentorship.”