The National Interpreter Education Center (NIEC or National Center) is committed to excellence in interpreting education, serving the needs of those interested in the effective preparation of sign language interpreters. This audience includes faculty, free-lance educators, mentors, ASL teachers, and practicing interpreters, with a focus on the needs of interpreters working with Vocational Rehabilitation consumers .

The National Center is one successful outgrowth of Project TIEM.Online. As a primarily grant-funded Center, we are directed by our funding to 1) coordinate the activities of the Regional Interpreter Education Centers; 2) ensure the effectiveness of the educational opportunities offered by the Regional Interpreter education Centers, 3) ensure the effectiveness of the program as a whole; 4) provide technical assistance in interpreter education; and 5) provide educational opportunities for interpreter educators. We are funded primarily by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Grant #H160B050002, Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind. Additional funding is provided by Northeastern University, where we are housed in the NEU ASL Program.

The National Center staff includes internationally renowned interpreting educators and researchers who are leaders in the field of interpreter education. Many commonly asked questions are answered on the FAQ page. 

NIEC Staff and Affiliated Faculty

The National Center is a founding member of the National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers (NCIEC), a nationwide network established to increase the number of qualified interpreters nationwide. National Center staff serve in many capacities on a variety of NCIEC teams, providing leadership, contributing expertise in research and interpreting education, and supporting all aspects of Consortium governance and administration. In Year 4, NIEC staff are serving on Administrative and Programmatic NCIEC teams, in addition to supporting all NIEC-specific activities.

For information about the other five members of the National Consortium please use the links below. You'll be able to see how the regions are set up, and visit the individual programs.

National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers | College of St. Catherine - CATIE Center | Gallaudet University Regional Interpreter Education Center | Mid-America Regional Interpreter Education Center | Northeastern University Regional Interpreter Education Center | Western Region Interpreter Education Center