Tips for Teachers
Speaker in the Classroom
Prior:
1.
Prepare students
a. Discuss appropriate and inappropriate questions
b. Discuss the difference between asking a question and telling a personal story
c. Do not interrupt the speaker
d. Direct students to be gracious if they are given something by the speaker
e. Remind students of electronics policy (phones, ear buds, etc)
2. Connect with literature or online source
3. Communicate with Speaker regarding needs of classroom/students, technology/website needs,
copies, sign in, parking
a. Ask speaker to wear uniform/work clothes including safety gear (hard hat, hair net, ID
Badge, lab coat, etc)
b. Discuss length of class period with Speaker
c. Discuss with Speaker group size, setting
d. Suggesting bringing extra “gear” for students to see, wear, touch
4. Notify administration of visitor, invite them to attend
- If appropriate, contact local press/media for coverage (even in house media –
yearbook, newsletter, etc)
During:
5. Have a copy of the Speaker Talking Points, just in case she/he forgets it.
6. Be prepared to help facilitate. You may help the speaker feel comfortable with the students.
DO NOT LEAVE THE ROOM
7. Ask the speaker how he/she would like to be addressed & write it on the board.
- If informal, ask the speaker what titles could come with their job; for example,
attorney, counselor, esquire, lawyer & degree = JD
8. Follow district policy, if taking photos
After:
9. Provide follow up
a. Discuss how talking to community worker is a great way to learn about careers.
b. Expand or ask kids to name adults they know who have jobs and to whom they speak
c. Activity sheet
10. Expand the speakers’ career to brainstorm other works/jobs that they may need to be a part of
their team….. Example: Paramedic – driver, dispatcher, police, firemen, doctors, nurses, etc
11. Create and send Thank You note
12. Email pictures to speaker, speaker’s business and Career Street