VDOE Educational Interpreter Grant
in conjunction with Reynolds Community College
“Where Do I Stand?”
Tracey Yurechko
Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
0.6 RID CEUs Sponsored by VRID
Location: Reynolds Community College,
Parham Campus, 1651 East Parham Rd, Richmond VA
Burnette Hall room 210
Workshop Description:
In educational settings, interpreters serve as active and collaborative members of the educational team, playing a vital role in ensuring access to instruction, communication, and full participation for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This workshop will discuss the critical role of educational interpreters in ensuring communication access and equitable education for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The presentation covers interpreter qualifications, legal frameworks (IDEA, ADA, Rehab Act), the IEP process, and the importance of specially designed instruction. It also explores best practices in collaboration among educators, interpreters, and related service providers from early childhood through high school. Emphasis is placed on ethical responsibilities, student independence, and navigating complex school-based scenarios. National and Virginia-specific data highlight the growing need for qualified interpreters and the challenges of supporting students with hearing loss, especially those with additional disabilities.. The session promotes reflective practice, problem-solving, and strategies to enhance team collaboration and student outcomes.
Participants will engage in small group discussions and interactive activities that explore the roles of various professionals within the educational team, with a specific focus on how the interpreter’s responsibilities evolve to remain developmentally appropriate across different age groups and educational settings.
Presenter:
Tracey Yurechko is a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter and currently serves as the Project Director for the Technical Assistance Center for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Her career began with a strong foundation in interpreting, earning a Career Studies Certificate in Educational Interpreting from Danville Community College. This credential laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to accessible communication and educational equity for individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In addition to her interpreting credentials, Tracey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education from Ball State University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford University. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Special Education at VCU, focusing on supporting communication access and inclusive practices.
Originally from Northwest Indiana, Tracey discovered her passion for working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community early in life. Since moving to Virginia, she has served in various roles within the public school system, combining her expertise in interpreting, teaching, and administration. She also holds teaching and administrative licensure through the Virginia Department of Education. Tracey’s work reflects her deep commitment to fostering inclusive environments and improving systems that support communication access for children and families across the Commonwealth.
This workshop is presented at no cost to K-12 interpreters. To register, please contact your grant representative. VRID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.6 CEUs at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for this event, please contact Carrie Humphrey by May 28, 2025 chumphrey@reynolds.edu.
