UTC Lecturer of Spanish Brandee Strickland, second from left, and students Bradley Jellow, Caroline Colvin and Aracely Angel observed and assisted interpreter Gabriel Negrete Regagnon at Orchard Knob Elementary School’s parent/teacher conferences on Thursday, March 28. Photo by Angela Foster.
At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a new class led by Dr. Brandee Strickland is offering students hands-on career opportunities in the world of language and communication.
The first Spanish-English interpreting class at UTC, Spanish 4640 immerses students in the dynamic realm of interpreting—the art of bridging spoken messages between languages with split-second precision—as opposed to translating written text.
Interpretation and translation are two separate fields that can overlap for multilingual professionals, Strickland said, but the distinction is not widely understood by the general public.
Part of UTC’s burgeoning Spanish for the Professions undergraduate degree program, the course combines lectures and classroom work with hands-on assignments, including job-shadowing interpreters and volunteering as interpreters at real-world events. Students can also pursue a professional certification during (or after) their semester in Spanish 4640.
Strickland earned the same certification in 2023 to become an official interpreter at the Hamilton County Courthouse, which now serves as her unconventional classroom. She also has previous courtroom experience as an interpreter-advocate for domestic violence survivors.
Her students are learning by doing, Strickland said, while picking up valuable career connections and making a positive impact in the Chattanooga community.
“We’re preparing students not just academically, but professionally, so they have the skills to succeed in this field,” Strickland said, “and the opportunity to get a professional certification simultaneously.”
Good interpreters, she said, require not only excellent language skills but also a sharp memory and a keen ability to switch back and forth between languages without friction.
Strickland’s up-to-date insider industry knowledge and role as UTC Spanish professor in Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures has helped her students land paid interpreting jobs even before getting certified or finishing her class.
One such student assisted local Spanish-speaking residents at a Red Bank public forum this spring thanks to Strickland’s connection to event organizers as an interpreter, she said.
Interpreting is a highly marketable career, but its unpredictable nature requires official interpreters to continually adapt and learn, navigating the ever-changing linguistic landscape with precision and empathy.
In-the-moment challenges and the dynamic nature of language means students need hands-on experiences outside the classroom to understand and prepare for complexities of interpretation that take them beyond the textbook, Strickland said.
“There was a time when one of our students, while shadowing in court, encountered a unique slang term used by a defendant,” she explained. “It was a vivid reminder that language is alive and constantly evolving. Interpreting isn’t just about knowing two languages—it’s about understanding people.”
The courtroom experience has allowed UTC students to see the critical role interpreters play in the judicial system, ensuring justice is accessible to all, regardless of language barriers.
The impact of Strickland’s class extends into the community, particularly the growing Hispanic population and associated public and private organizations—from businesses eager to attract new customers to government agencies that require interpreters for official business.
Students are currently engaging with Hamilton County Schools, shadowing interpreters and volunteering at parent-teacher conferences for Spanish-speaking families. The initiative not only enhances the students’ interpreting skills but also strengthens the ties between UTC and the local community, Strickland said.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated, especially as prospective students and their families continue coming to campus for new UTC admissions workshops en Espanol.
“It’s about more than just interpreting; it’s about opening doors and building connections,” Strickland said.
The class is scheduled to volunteer as interpreters at numerous local area events and will assist in simultaneous interpreting at UTC’s annual Spring Research and Arts Conference on April 10.
These opportunities enrich students’ educational experience and highlight the growing demand for skilled interpreters in various public and private industries. Strickland said the career potential for students in this field is significant, with opportunities in legal, medical, educational, nonprofit, social services and corporate environments.
As the need for bilingual professionals continues to rise, the experiences and skills gained through the UTC English-Spanish interpreting class will undoubtedly position students for success in the field.
Strickland’s dedication to providing a comprehensive and practical learning experience is emblematic of UTC’s commitment to transformative education and community engagement.
“This class is just the beginning. We’re not only preparing students for a career in interpreting; we’re empowering them to make a difference in the world,” Strickland said.
As UTC continues developing the Spanish for the Professions degree program, the success of the Spanish-English interpreting class illustrates the impact of education that bridges languages and cultures.
Links
Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures: Spanish for the Professions, B.A.
Speaking a foreign language is more valuable than ever
¡Bienvenidos a UTC! New campus tours offer cultural depth
UTC students Caroline Colvin, left, Aracely Angel and Bradley Jellow observe interpreter Gabriel Negrete Regagnon Thursday, March 28, at Orchard Knob Elementary School.
