Home>JA Volunteer Corner>FAQs
 

Welcome to JA's FAQ page!  This is your resource for answers to questions and helpful hints to make your JA volunteering and teaching experience the best it can be.  If you have something that would help other volunteers or see something we missed, let us know about it and we will post it here for others to use too!

Prospective Volunteers

I’d like to volunteer, but I have no teaching experience...

You have LIFE experience and that is the great value you bring to the classroom. We provide materials, training on how to present them and what to expect, and ongoing support as you enter the school world. You provide personality and breathe life into the concepts - a living role-model for students to emulate.

But I work during the day....

All of our programs take place during the school day so that we can make them accessible to most students. The actual time of day is usually somewhat flexible and can be worked out with JA and your cooperating teacher. Maybe we can make it on your way in to work or at your lunch hour. We have a working relationship with most local employers and find that they are willing to compromise with us to ensure that students receive this vital education that prepares them to be better employees. We also can promise that you will return to the workplace with polished skills and a fresh perspective. Your company also gets some recognition. It is a true win-win situation!

I want to work in my child’s school...

We make every effort to place you where you feel most comfortable. Sometimes there are more requests than openings and we would ask that you help us out in another spot where there is a need until we can get you into the school that you prefer.

I am an educator, but I’m worried about a JA class taking time away from core content...

With accountability in the news, it’s no wonder you want to stick to basics! We commend you for recognizing that outside resources can add interest and support to your efforts. Rather than an intrusion on time, the JA curriculum enhances and supports the standards and are a help - not a hindrance to your work. Let’s talk!

But I give to United Way...

Good for you! Once again you are demonstrating that you are an individual who we want involved with our students. However, Junior Achievement is NOT a United Way agency. You can designate a portion of your funds for our work via the Donor’s Choice option on your form. Simply write us in on the line and you can impact the future through our work. (Use our full name and address). Of course, you or your company can always write a direct, tax-deductible check to Junior Achievement. We do not receive federal funds and our funding is mostly private through corporations and dedicated people like you!

I believe in your work, but I really don’t have time to volunteer...

Most outstanding role-models are overly extended and very busy. We have CEO’s, parents, coaches and world travelers as volunteers in our classrooms. They understand busy! Try to work it into your schedule, but if you can’t, recruit a substitute for us! Enthusiastic people usually know other enthusiastic people and we can use all of them that we can find. We never have enough volunteers. But if you really still want to touch the future, you can help financially or with in-kind services or gifts. It takes money to run a successful organization along with the vital people resource!

Each of the following are ways to impact our work and enjoy yourself at the same time:                                    

• Volunteer to work with a class - or recruit a colleague to do the same!
• Provide a financial gift from you and/or your company to ensure all classes can run
• Offer your particular expertise to assist that aspect of our work
• Participate in a special event and raise funds along with fun!
• Judge a contest, give a speech, provide a prize 

To become a JA volunteer please fill out our JA More Info form!

Prospective Teachers

What will be expected of me...

Show interest in the students and their progress, encourage responsible behavior, give constructive feedback, and have fun.  By doing so you will provide positive reinforcement and motivate the students to practice new skills.  Further, as you share life experiences, you will help students understand realities about transitioning from school to workplace.

How do I contact the teacher...

As a volunteer it is your responsibility to contact the teacher.  The JA office will provide you with the contact information.  We suggest you visit the classroom before your first session.  When you first make contact, be sure to ask the teacher for the best time to call and the best way to contact him/her.  Remember that leaving a message for the teacher does not always mean that he or she has received it.  If necessary, make a second call.  Be sure to tell the person answering the phone that it is important for your message to be conveyed to the teacher.

Do I sign in when I arrive...

Yes.  All schools have a sign-in policy for visitors.  Report to the main office, introduce yourself to the principal, sign in, and inform office staff that you will be reporting on a weekly basis.  Be sure to identify the teacher you will be working with.  Ask if the preference is for you to sign in each visit.  If you are issued a visitor’s badge, ask if you should return it after each visit.  Wearing a business ID tag or name plate is a good idea too, if you have one available.

What if I am unable to attend my scheduled session...

The teacher will want time to make other plans if you can not attend, so please contact the teacher as soon as you know a change in your schedule.  You may have the option of rescheduling for another day or time.  During the training session or before your first visit, you and the teacher should devise a contingency plan of what is to be covered if either of you is absent.

How should students address me...

School protocol dictates that students refer to you by your last name preceded by Mr., Ms., or Mrs.  You should refer to teachers in the same manner.

What kind of support should I expect from the teacher...

Your partnership with the teacher is fundamental.  The teacher serves as a second consultant and should remain in the classroom throughout each session.  The law requires that a certified person be in the room at all times.  You should also expect the teacher to share any information with you that will make the program run more smoothly.  Student names and potential leaders as well as information on classroom dynamics would be helpful too – whether or not students work well in small or large groups, and how accustomed they are to interactive, hands-on learning.  You should expect the teacher to assist your presentations, reinforce the concepts between sessions, integrate the JA company experience with the content material, and manage student behavior.

What school resources can I expect to be available...

All school resources should be available to you; however, the teacher will advise you about procedures for accessing the TV/VCR, computers, books, or other resource materials.  The photocopier may be available for use as well.  Further, the school library and computer library may require advanced notice.  You might consider enlisting the help of the school’s guidance counselor or career development specialist.  The teacher should be able to help coordinate with anyone whose unique talents and abilities would enhance the students’ experience.

What can I expect from the students...

Since students typically do not choose to participate, you may encounter some resistance if the teacher has not adequately prepared them.  For the most part, elementary students should be highly enthusiastic.  Review with the teacher all classroom procedures and rules, and alert students that you will maintain the same standards.  Older students are teenagers, and will act accordingly.  Therefore, it is important that you articulate your expectations to the students, i.e., come to class on time, complete the required task, be cooperative, and show respect for yourself and others.  Model the behavior you expect from students.  They will notice how congruent your behavior is with your message.

What should I do if a student is disruptive or challenges me...

On the first visit you and the teacher should have already discussed discipline.  Be sure to familiarize yourself with the school’s discipline policies.  The two of you should review expectations with the students and enforce them consistently.  Start fresh every session; every student has the right to a new beginning.  If a pattern of disruption is present and discipline is needed, the teacher is responsible for delivering it.

What other kinds of interruptions might I expect...

You can expect announcements, fire drills, special assemblies, and more to possibly interrupt your sessions.  Schools may close because of snow, bad weather, a power outage, etc.  You and the teacher might consider exchanging home telephone numbers so that you can be notified as soon as possible about such delays.  You will need to reschedule your session or coordinate what activities need to be accomplished.

What kind of recognition should I give to students...

Students, like most of us, respond to verbal praise.  You also may use certificates or fun inexpensive items.  The teacher may give extra credit points or other school-sanctioned awards.  Consider hosting lunch or a one-day internship at your business.  The best way to determine what motivates the students is to ask them during the first session.  Be sure to clear any arrangements with the teacher, especially those involving food and drink.

What kind of culminating activity should I plan...

You may want to coordinate an in-school event with the teacher.  You could host a recognition assembly inviting managers from your business and parents or sponsor a luncheon.  Be as creative as you wish.

Can I take the children to my place of business...

Check with the teacher to determine the school policies regarding field trips.  Most schools have a parental permission slip that must be signed and kept on file at the school.  Do not take a student off school grounds without one.  JA encourages business people to take students into the job sites.  For more information on this, contact Rebecca about our JOB SHADOW program.

How can I determine if the program has been of value to the students...

Ask the teacher and students for feedback.  You may have the students write about their experiences at the end of the program.  Ask students to share with you their likes and dislikes about the program, and administer the pre- and post-tests included in your JA kit.