Mentorship Overview

Effective mentoring creates a bridge between classroom learning and professional practice. As a mentor, your ongoing guidance, feedback, and modeling of professional behavior are vital to the student’s growth and confidence.

Below are suggested mentoring activities and responsibilities to help guide the practicum experience:

• Help the student determine which of your assignments are most appropriate to observe or team, referring them to the Protocol for Successful Observations on the Resource page.

• Observe the student’s interpreting (ASL–English and English–ASL) as often as possible and provide constructive feedback. The BSI program can provide prerecorded interpreting materials upon request.

• Share opportunities for engagement in Deaf community or interpreted events that may enhance cultural understanding.

• Check in periodically to ensure the student is working toward their practicum goals.

• Review activities weekly using the student’s Practicum Time Sheet and confirm progress toward hour requirements.

• Communicate concerns promptly to the Practicum Seminar Instructor or Practicum Coordinator so appropriate support and resources can be provided.