Please Click Here To View Our Conduct Standards After I receive my consulting assignment, what should I do next?
The first thing you should do after receiving your classroom consulting assignment is to call the teacher you will be working with to schedule an appointment for an introductory meeting and class observation. Who should I call if I’m having difficulty with my assignment and/or if I’m unable to follow through on my volunteer commitment?
Do not hesitate to contact your local Volunteer Manager at the Junior Achievement office if you have challenges to resolve that you can’t work out with your teacher. If you are not able to complete your volunteer commitment, contact your Volunteer Manager immediately. What type of information should I request from the teacher or other school personnel?
Be sure to ask for a syllabus, class roster, and a school calendar that designates school holidays, vacation days, in-service days or special events that could affect your schedule. Finally, be sure to ask about school policies and procedures governing visitors so you can remain in compliance with these rules. What should I wear when visiting the school?
Normally, you should expect to wear professional business attire consistent with the faculty dress code or with your line of work. When in doubt about what to wear, ask the teacher. Generally speaking, avoid casual clothes like shorts, cut-offs, flip-flops and sports or work-out clothes. Just remember, you are a business role model and should dress the part. What should I do if I am unable to attend my scheduled session?
If you cannot keep a classroom appointment, contact the teacher immediately. Your teacher will need to make alternative arrangements for the time allocated for the lessons and it will be necessary to schedule a make-up appointment to achieve the learning objectives for your lessons. At your introductory meeting with the teacher, be sure to work out the emergency contact and rescheduling procedures and to discuss steps for handling absences or delays. What kind of support should I expect from my teacher?
The partnership you create with the teacher is key to a successful program. The teacher is ultimately responsible for the class when you are visiting and must remain in the classroom while you conduct your lesson. The teacher can help you manage student behaviors and can be a resource to you regarding school and classroom rules. Between visits, the teacher can help prepare the students for your visit and can reinforce your lessons after you leave. Finally, the teacher will be able to provide you with specific information concerning the needs of the students in the classroom you visit. What should I be doing as a classroom consultant?
You should be delivering the Junior Achievement lessons and activities as outlined in your consultant guide and you should be sharing appropriate life experiences and your know-how. Give many examples to help students understand the realities of a workplace environment. Show interest in the students and their progress. Reinforce and encourage responsible behaviors and make the learning experience one that is FUN for both you and the students.
What should I do if the teacher is absent?
The teacher may or may not want you to conduct a session with a substitute teacher. When you meet with your teacher for the first time, you should discuss how to deal with absences. It is good practice to contact the teacher the day before your visit to confirm "that all systems are go." If you arrive and there is a substitute, quickly give them an overview of JA, what your lesson for the day will cover and what you will require of him/her. Remind the substitute that he/she is to stay in the classroom because you are not certified by the state to be left alone with the students. What can I expect from the students?
Expect the unexpected. Review the student characteristics described in your orientation materials and consultant guide. Interview the teacher during your pre-visit to find out how the class functions best and to learn about sensitive issues. Usually, if you treat the students with respect, they will reciprocate positively. If you are sincere, "real" and positive you should be fine. Remember, your students are still children or young adults. They will usually welcome the novelty of a classroom visitor. Since the teacher is responsible for the class, you have the luxury of being a guest. How do I reward and recognize students?
Review instructions in your consultant guide for specific suggestions. Saying thank you when students respond to your questions is always appropriate and too often forgotten. If you want to bring candy or other token items for rewards, check it out with the teacher first. Often, something as simple as sticking colored dots on their table tents as a reward for participating can be a big hit, especially with elementary kids. What do I do if I lose control of the class?
Refer all discipline problems to the teacher. Work together with the teacher and allow the teacher to enforce class rules and deal with behavior issues. Remember, you are the classroom guest, not the disciplinarian. What can I do if I’m not reaching all of the students or if some students aren’t participating as much as others?
Realize and accept that each student will respond differently and will learn and communicate in a unique way. Quiet students may be just as engaged as active students. Likewise, don’t be surprised to see students who are uninvolved or appear uninterested. Ask your teacher about these students to see if they have any insights on how to draw them out or if this is normal behavior. Don’t get discouraged. Be sure to vary your activities and methods to capture different students at different times. As students get to know and like you, they will be more engaged and responsive to you. Be patient with yourself and with them. Above all else, create a learning environment that is positive, fun and rewarding. Where do I sign up?
Contact our offices and the appropriate JA contact if you would like more information on how to teach a JA class!
|
