- 1. How much time will it take?
- The volunteer time commitment varies according to the grade level and/or program chosen. Programs at the elementary level are 30-45 minute visits once a week for 5 weeks, requiring just 5 visits from the volunteer. Middle grades programs are six to 10 weeks in length. High school programs run for six weeks to a full semester. New volunteers must attend a 1 hour training session, and an initial classroom observation visit is recommended. Most companies support release time for this community service activity because you are providing your company with active visibility, and Junior Achievement programs contribute toward a better prepared future workforce.
- 2. What is the best grade level for my first volunteer experience?
- Trust your feelings. Volunteer for the program that allows you to work with the students in the age group you like best and to deliver lessons about topics you know best. We have the expertise in helping to match you with the appropriate grade level. Just ask if you're not sure.
- 3. What is my role in the classroom?
- Your job is to be a role model. You are to represent the best of the community and to demonstrate responsible workplace behavior in all that you say and do. This includes the language and gestures you use, the clothes you wear, and the actions you take.
- 4. What if I don't know much about economics?
- Junior Achievement's local staff provides training to all new volunteer consultants. Our professionally developed curricula and lesson materials contain all the information you will need to teach the program to the grade level of students you have selected. You may feel more comfortable teaching a program which relates to your background, because the telling of your stories is what makes the subject matter relevant and come alive!
- 5. How much preparation time is required for each lesson?
- On average, it should take less than one hour to prepare for each lesson. This time estimate will vary based on your subject-matter expertise and your teaching experience.
- 6. May I choose my child's class?
- In most cases, Yes. Volunteers fill out a Volunteer Information form on which you tell us the grade level of children you want to work with, your preferred school, and preferred teacher. If there is not yet a consultant assigned to that class, you're in. So send us your form early. Many of our volunteers and teachers enjoy working together and request each other year after year. If your requested teacher has not yet submitted a Class Request Form, (we will let you know this) a reminder from you will often help get things going. If the teacher is new to JA, refer him/her to this web site for program information, and have them contact Zoraida Fontanez or Rebecca MacGregor at our office. (413) 747.7670 or email us at jawesternma@jawm.org.
- 7. What if I can't make it to a training session?
- We will have to re-schedule you for another training session. Training/orientation is required for all new volunteers. If you have been a JA volunteer in another part of the country, you will not need to retrain. We also offer on-line training.
- 8. After I receive my classroom 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.
- 9. 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 Rebecca MacGregor, Program Manager, or jawesternma@jawm.org at Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts if you have challenges to resolve that you can't work out with your teacher or your volunteer commitment.
- 10. 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 effect your schedule. You might also want to request a school map to help you locate restrooms, parking, teacher lounges and classrooms you will need to access during your assignment. Finally, be sure to ask about school policies and procedures governing visitors so you can remain in compliance with these rules.
- 11. Do I need to sign in when I arrive?
- All schools have policies governing campus visitors. The teacher will be able to provide you with the information you need to comply with school visitor policies.
- 12. What resources should I expect from the school?
- Typically, the school will provide audio-visual equipment such as TV/VCRs and computers. In all cases, check with your teacher if you need to use school resources and be sure to plan in advance so you can reserve the materials you need and they can be made available to you.
- 13. 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.
- 14. What do 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 to you 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.
- 15. What kind of support should I expect from teachers?
- 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 should 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.
- 16. What do I do if I can't find my Class Registration form?
- When you receive your JA program kit, you will also receive a Class Registration Form with the class assignment information (names and phone numbers) listed on it. You are responsible for getting information back to us in order to account for the use of the kit and the kids having received the JA program. We'd like it right after you start the program. So if you misplace it, just call us. We'll be happy to take down the information on the phone. Or you can e-mail the information to us. The critical information our worldwide headquarters requires is:
- Number visits/JA activities which you completed with the class.
- Total number of students in the class.
