World Language Teachers Are NOT Translators or Interpreters
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I see it over and over again. Teachers getting pulled out of prep – even out of CLASS – to interpret a “quick phone call” or a meeting. This is something I can’t stand, and I’m going to hop on my soap box about why world language teachers are not translators or interpreters. Feel free to send it to your admin, department head, heck, your superintendent if it has to go that far. This is not your job. Does your school pull the “other duties as assigned” clause? We’ll go there, too.
What should you do if your admin asks you to translate a document?
Okay, enough with the jokes. Here’s how to get out of it:
How to Professionally Say NO to Translating or Interpreting at School
- Tell them no.
- If they push, remind that you’re hired as a TEACHER, not a translator, and not an interpreter.
- If your contract says “other duties as assigned” and they use that as a catch all, tell them that it is the school’s responsibility per the Department of Education to provide information for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Parents and Guardians and that they are not allowed to use students, siblings, friends, or untrained school staff to translate or interpret for parents. Again – if they say, oh, you’re trained. NO. You are trained as a TEACHER. NOT a translator or interpreter – they are different!
I’m linking a PDF from the Department of Education that outlines these expectations and has more resources for you:
A quick quote, pulled directly from that document states:
“It is not sufficient for the staff merely to be bilingual. For example, a staff member who is bilingual may be able to communicate directly with limited English proficient parents in a different language, but may not be competent to interpret in and out of that language, or to translate documents.”
Information for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Parents and Guardians and
for Schools and School Districts that Communicate with Them
Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not good enough at Spanish because you say no to translating or interpreting.
I’m going to say that one more time, because I think it’s really important that it sink in: Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not good enough at Spanish because you say no, world language teachers are not translators or interpreters, and saying no doesn’t make you less qualified.
For another way to think about it – I wouldn’t step into a medical office and try to explain someone’s diagnosis (in English OR Spanish!) because that’s just not my expertise and I’m certainly not trained in medical care. Maybe you feel the same way?
Either way, please be aware that there might be legal ramifications if you step into a meeting and interpret or translate information – even if you were just trying to help, and even if your admin asked you as a quick favor. Say no, and be guilt free!
When “Other Duties” Cross the Line for World Language Teachers
Let’s get one thing straight, world language teachers are not translators or interpreters, and we should not be treated like walking bilingual Google Docs. You’re here to teach, not to step into meetings you’re not trained to navigate or to translate legal documents that could carry real consequences. This is not about refusing to help. It’s about protecting your role, your professionalism, and yes, your peace.
Still getting those “Can you just real quick…?” requests? You’re not alone. The number of DMs I’ve received about this exact thing tells me it’s way too common. You don’t have to be confrontational to say no. You just need clarity and confidence. And a little backup from federal guidelines doesn’t hurt either. Send the link. Quote the policy. Highlight the part that says “not competent to interpret.” And then go back to teaching Spanish, because that’s what you were hired to do.
How to Refuse Additional Duties like Translating and Interpreting in your School
Be a pal and let your world language teacher friends know. Have other bilingual or multilingual educators in your school that are getting roped in here? Remind them that world language teachers are not translators or interpreters, and they shouldn’t be expected to fill that role. Print the doc, highlight that quote, and stick it in your staff room. Put it in mailboxes. Send this to your online friends.
It is the district’s responsibility to provide language assistance. This can be through a staff member or through outside resources, but unless you’re trained as an interpreter and/or translator, you’re off the hook here, and you should not feel any shame or guilt for saying so.
How to Set Boundaries Without Burning Bridges
Saying no can feel awkward, especially in schools where we’re used to being team players. But here’s the truth: honoring your job description is not being difficult. It’s being responsible. If your admin truly values what you bring to the classroom, they’ll respect the boundary.
Make it clear that your role as a world language teacher is to educate students in language and culture — not to serve as a stand-in interpreter during parent conferences or IEP meetings. If they push, stay calm, stay professional, and keep the focus where it belongs. World language teachers are not translators or interpreters. Let’s stop normalizing the idea that being bilingual means being available for everything.
Stand firm. You’re not just protecting your time, you’re protecting your professional identity. And that matters.
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