Dear TLC Family, Friends, Clients and Students:
As we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, the Tennessee Language Center is committed to serving you in the safest, most effective ways possible using guidance from public health officials and the CDC. I would like to take a moment to update you on the status of our classes and services.
We have re-opened our administrative offices, with most staff working remotely at least some of the time, and maintain regular office hours. If you need a face-to-face meeting, we advise you to make an appointment.
WORLD LANGUAGE CLASSES:
Most world language classes for our summer term are being offered online although we expect to offer at least some classes in-person for the Fall term. For those desiring custom language classes, the decision whether to meet in-person or online is made entirely at the discretion of the instructor and the students of these private classes. Any in-person classes will be held according to current CDC safety guidelines.
ESL CLASSES:
In the ESL program, all classes are being offered online. Group and custom classes meet through an online platform with our TESL-trained English instructors. We understand that navigating these technologies can be challenging, especially if English is not your first language, so our instructors and staff are assisting our students in gaining access and learning the online platform, sometimes with the use of our telephonic interpretation services.
INTERPRETATION & TRANSLATION SERVICES:
Translation services, by their nature, can readily be handled via computer. Documents are scanned and sent to our project managers, project estimates returned to clients, and then we can deliver completed translations either electronically or through the mail. If you would like to deliver or pick-up your documents in person, please schedule an appointment or visit during regular business hours.
Interpretation services have been conducted via video remote and over the telephone throughout the pandemic, and we have resumed in-person assignments. The in-person assignments are undertaken with careful attention to safety and remote options remain an option.
TRAINING:
Most of our training programs have migrated to the virtual world. We now offer online courses in cultural awareness, systemic racism and institutional bias, and will be offering our court interpreter workshops and our TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certification Program online.
One program that will meet in-person beginning in August 2021, barring any drastic changes in recommended protocol, is the Medical Interpreter Training course, which is the result of our partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Interpreter Services. We have adequate space to practice social distancing for this course and look forward to having students in our facility.
We intend to follow recommendations made by public health officials in the state and the counties we serve regarding meetings, gatherings and classes and will advise of any additional closures or postponement of services.
Thank you!
Janice Snow Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Executive Director, TN Language Center
