Holyoke Public Schools employs multilingual staff members in every building who work with students and families in their native and acquired languages every day. An estimated 150 of these staff members have gone above and beyond in their multilingual journey to become certified level-two interpreters for the district.
Translation and interpretation services at school aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Families have a protected right to equal access to education, which includes accessing information in one’s native language during meetings, school-wide events, conferences, and more.
In addition to the 150 certified interpreters at HPS, the district employs a team of six Language Access professionals who work directly with students and their families to ensure they are heard and understood, their questions are answered, and they have equal access to information in a language they can read and understand.
Today—and every day—we’re celebrating the essential role that translators and interpreters play at Holyoke Public Schools. Each year since 2017, the United Nations and the international community have recognized September 30 as International Translation Day to acknowledge the work of language professionals worldwide. Their work plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development, and strengthening world peace and security.
This year, International Translation Day coincides with an exciting day for HPS: The district’s Interpreter certification program, in partnership with Umass Amherst, is open for enrollment. Any Holyoke Public Schools staff member who speaks English along with a needed language—Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Portuguese, or Arabic—is encouraged to apply for this free program. Participants will earn a level-two interpretation certificate at the conclusion of the course, making them eligible to perform critical interpretation services at their building and beyond.
“Interpreters are able to bridge not just language gaps, but also cultural gaps, helping to prevent misunderstandings and supporting stronger home-school partnerships,” said Linnette Clayton, the manager of Language Access at HPS. “This program makes a difference for language justice right here in Holyoke.”
Current HPS staff interested in applying can register here by November 4, 2025 to participate in this year’s cohort.