Kat Dunams has built a meaningful and impactful presence as an educator within the field of ASL interpreting, bringing both depth of experience and a clear commitment to preparing interpreters for the realities of the profession.

 

From 2016 to 2021, she taught in the Interpreter Education Program at LaGuardia Community College, where her work focused heavily on internship training. Rather than limiting students to classroom theory, Kat immersed them in real-world environments, guiding them through live events—first in person and later in virtual settings—where they could practice interpreting under authentic conditions. She also worked closely with students in educational settings, helping them understand the nuanced demands of classroom interpreting, where language access must align seamlessly with pacing, content, and student engagement.

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Through these internship experiences, Kat emphasized that interpreting extends far beyond technical signing ability. Her students developed situational awareness, adaptability, and the capacity to make decisions under pressure. In live settings, they learned to process language in real time while managing nerves, unfamiliar subject matter, and the unpredictability of human interaction. Under her guidance, they practiced effective preparation, learned how to recover gracefully from inevitable mistakes, and cultivated the ability to remain grounded and present even in high-stakes environments. Professionalism became a lived experience, as students were expected to communicate clearly, collaborate with team interpreters, and represent themselves with integrity.

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In educational interpreting contexts, Kat highlighted a different but equally demanding set of skills. Students learned to sustain accuracy and clarity over extended periods, often working with the same consumers and developing an awareness of individual communication preferences. She guided them in managing lag time, maintaining consistency during fast-paced lectures, and balancing visibility with discretion. The work required patience, endurance, and a strong ethical foundation, particularly when navigating boundaries and understanding their role within a broader educational framework.

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Beyond her academic contributions, Kat has also played a significant role in professional development for working interpreters. Through Sign Language Resources, Inc., she designed and delivered workshops that addressed specialized and often underexplored areas of the field.

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Another one of her workshops, “What's so funny? Interpreting Comedy” stands out as a particularly innovative offering, focusing on the complexities of conveying humor in interpretation. Recognizing that comedy relies on far more than literal translation, she trained interpreters to navigate timing, cultural nuance, tone, and audience dynamics, all of which are essential to delivering an interpretation that resonates authentically.

Kat is currently developing another workshop, “Mind Your Business!,” which reflects her forward-thinking approach to the profession. This work addresses the often-overlooked business realities of interpreting, equipping interpreters with the knowledge needed to navigate contracts, establish professional boundaries, and understand the complexities of independent contractor status. Drawing from both her teaching experience and her keen observations of the field, she continues to advocate for greater clarity and empowerment among interpreters.

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Throughout her career, Kat Dunams has consistently bridged the gap between theory and practice. Her work as an educator has not only strengthened interpreters’ technical abilities but has also fostered the confidence, awareness, and professional insight necessary to navigate the field with intention and resilience.

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