Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ - Regarding Your Classroom Assignment
What should I be doing as a classroom volunteer?
- You should be delivering the Junior Achievement lessons and activities as outlined in your volunteer guide and you should be sharing appropriate life experiences and your know-how. Give plenty of examples about San Diego, your career field, and personal experiences and 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 you and the students.
What is the classroom volunteer's role?
- Your job is to be a role model. You are to represent the best of San Diego and its business community. Remember 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.
How much preparation time is required for each lesson?
- On average, it should take one hour to prepare for each lesson. This time estimate will vary based on your subject-matter expertise and your teaching experience. It is best to prepare for the lesson several days in advance to allow you the opportunity to bring any additional materials that would interest the students.
After I receive my classroom assignment what should I do next?
- The first thing you should do after receiving your classroom assignment is to call your assigned teacher to schedule an appointment for an introductory meeting and class observation.
When and how often will I be in the classroom?
- You will visit your classroom once a week for either 5 (for elementary programs), 6 (for middle school programs), or 7 (for high school programs) weeks on a schedule that you and the teacher determine.
Whom should I call if I am having difficulty with my assignment and/or if I am unable to follow through on my volunteer commitment?
- Do not hesitate to contact your education manager at Junior Achievement (619-682-5155) if you are having difficulty with the curriculum, the students, or the lesson plans or if you are unable to complete your assignment.
FAQ - Regarding The School Environment
What type of information should I request from the teacher or other school personnel?
- Be sure to ask for a school calendar that designates school holidays, vacation days, in-service days or special events that could affect your schedule. You might also want to request a school map to help you locate restrooms, parking, 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.
Do I need to sign in when I arrive?
- Yes. This is a school requirement and it is also a courtesy to the schools for the safety of their students. The teacher will be able to provide you with the information you need to comply with school visitor policies.
What resources should I expect from the school?
- Typically, the school will provide audio-visual equipment such as TV/VCRs and computers. You may also have access to the photocopy machine, books or other resource materials. In all cases, ask your teacher in advance for any audio-visual equipment you will need.
Can I take pictures in the classroom?
- Please ask the teacher if this is ok. Some students cannot be photographed, but we would love to see your class in action if possible!
FAQ - Regarding Classroom Visits and Lessons
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.
What do I do if all tasks are not completed by the end of the classroom period?
- Good preparation will improve the likelihood that you will be able to achieve your teaching goals within the time allocated. Practice at home to be sure you are keeping within the noted timeframes in the curriculum. You and the teacher may need to coordinate efforts to have students to complete assignments between your visits. Start with the next activity during your next visit. If you are still having difficulty, contact your Education Manager at Junior Achievement (619-682-5155).
What materials should I use during classroom visits?
- The materials you will need during your visits are included with your volunteer kits or are "standard equipment" in a classroom. If you choose to bring additional teaching aids, snacks or student materials that aren't provided by Junior Achievement or the school, you will be responsible to cover the associated costs of those optional materials.
What should I wear when visiting the school?
- You should wear professional business attire. 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 accordingly.
How do I learn to conduct effective sessions?
- Practice, practice, practice!!! You will have the opportunity to get information and participate in activities during your volunteer orientation program that have been designed to help you conduct effective lessons. Your assigned teacher will also be a great resource for you. Ask him/her for suggestions and feedback.
How do I know if I am doing a "good job" as a classroom consultant?
- You can meet with the teacher to get direct feedback. Also, you can pay attention to your students. Their facial expressions, gestures, statements and attentiveness will help you know whether you are doing a good job.
FAQ - Regarding Your Teacher and Your Students
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 should help you break the students into groups and can help you manage student behaviors. Finally, the teacher will be able to provide you with specific information concerning the special needs of the students in the classroom you visit.
What do 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 be discussing 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".
What can I expect from the students?
- Expect the unexpected. Interview the teacher 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.
What do I do if I am not reaching all the students or if some students don't participate as much as others?
- Realize and accept that each student will respond differently. Students learn and communicate in unique ways. Quiet students may be just as engaged as active students. 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. And, above all else, create a learning environment that is positive, fun and rewarding.
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.
How do I reward and recognize students?
- 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 with the teacher first. At the end of the program, each student receives a certificate (included in your kit).
FAQ - Volunteering in BizTown
What is my primary role?
- To assist and monitor the students. You will help them answer questions and mentor them on making wise business and personal finance decisions.
How should I dress?
- Professional or business-casual attire, with comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet and moving around most of the day.
Do I have to attend the training before?
- Yes, all volunteers must attend the training session prior to volunteering in The McGrath BizTown.
How long is a typical day in BizTown?
- Approximately 6 hours at The McGrath Family JA BizTown (7:30 - 9:00 a.m. mandatory training, 9:00 - 1:30 p.m. assisting students in their shop).
Do I have to stay the whole day?
- Yes, you are required to stay the entire The McGrath Family BizTown day for the students to have a successful day. If you cannot stay, please do not volunteer, however click here to contact JA San Diego about other volunteer opportunities.
How does a typical BizTown day work?
- The day is broken into 6 color-coded break times with 3 individual shop business meetings, and 2 town meetings. The students will begin their day with a short orientation and then go to their assigned shops for business set-up and their first business meeting. All students will then report back to the center of the Town for the Opening Town Meeting.
After the town meeting the first set of breaks will begin. The students are divided into 3 different color groups and will go on breaks at the time that corresponds with their color, red, yellow, and green. The break schedule helps the day flow properly, allowing 1/3 of the students to be consumers, while the other 2/3 are producers so every student gets a chance to do both. After the first set of breaks the students conduct mid-day business meetings. After this meeting the next set of breaks begin; in the same order (red, yellow, and green).
The final business meeting and shop clean-up takes place after the second set of breaks. Lastly the students will attend the Closing Town Meeting before heading back to school.
- The day is broken into 6 color-coded break times with 3 individual shop business meetings, and 2 town meetings. The students will begin their day with a short orientation and then go to their assigned shops for business set-up and their first business meeting. All students will then report back to the center of the Town for the Opening Town Meeting.
Do the kids know what jobs they have before they arrive?
- Yes, they have been working in the classroom for 5 weeks prior to their visit learning the curriculum, and applying and interviewing for their jobs.
Do the students know their specific job duties at BizTown?
- Not yet, once at BizTown students spend the first 30 minutes in their shops; reading their specific job duties and practicing on the real world equipment to get ready for the opening of the day.
Can I bring my camera and take pictures or film?
- There are a few rules regarding picture taking which we cover in the training and at the beginning of the day. However, we strongly encourage everyone to take many pictures of the students at their BizTown experience.
Will I get to work in the same shop as my child?
- It has been our experience that it is best not to place students and their parents in the same business. Students and parents will have opportunities to share time together during lunch and shopping breaks.
How many students will be assigned to my shop?
- You may have anywhere from 3 - 10 students in your business.
Do I get a lunch break?
- All volunteers have the opportunity to take a break. You will be able to eat lunch with your child on their designated break time. We request that you bring your lunch, as BizTown is a secure facility from 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
When do the students eat lunch?
- The students all eat lunch on their second break. This break is typically 25 - 30 minutes, so they will have time to go to the bank, deposit their paychecks, eat their lunch, and still shop.
What other responsibilities does a JA volunteer have?
- Volunteers must agree to sign and abide by Junior Achievement's Volunteer Conduct Policy. Please print, sign, and bring with you on the day of your visit.
Please fill out our Volunteer Interest form online. Upon receipt of this form, we will contact you to answer any questions you have about our programs, and help match you with your preferred Junior Achievement placement.