Be the Mentor You Always Needed

Before Your First Classroom Visit:

Pick up materials from the JA Office (or arrange for delivery).
Review the lessons you will be teaching and practice the activities you will be conducting.
Prepare the materials needed for each lesson and separate them. DO NOT WING IT!
Contact the teacher for a pre-program visit.
If desired, acquire a class roster from the teacher and write the students’ names on tent cards and fill out Certificates of Completion. Or if you’d rather the teacher complete them, find out the number of students and fill in that many of Certificates of Completion with your name on the volunteer line and ask the teacher to complete the remaining information.
Coordinate a schedule with the teacher to deliver the JA program in their classroom.
If you must miss a scheduled visit, please work with the teacher to reschedule in a timely fashion.

While Teaching the Program:

Be prepared to follow the school's health and safety protocols.
Arrive early each visit and sign in at the school's office. Don't forget your photo ID!
Complete every lesson in the program. If you are unable to complete any portion of the program, please contact the teacher AND the JA Office ASAP.

Upon Completion of the Program:

Yes. Almost all schools have a sign-in policy for visitors for the safety of the students. Report to the main office, sign-in, and wear your badge or sticker with pride! Many schools also require you to show a photo ID.
School protocol usually asks the students to refer to you by your last name, preceded by your title: Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc. You should refer to teachers in the same manner.
Most schools have TV/DVD/CD players, computers, smart boards, etc. available for classrooms, but at times they are shared among many rooms. If you need to use a resource, please check with the classroom teacher prior to the day of the lesson to make sure it’s available.
Most schools have TV/DVD/CD players, computers, smart boards, etc. available for classrooms, but at times they are shared among many rooms. If you need to use a resource, please check with the classroom teacher prior to the day of the lesson to make sure it’s available.
Yes, but please talk to the teacher to ensure it is ok and that the students have no allergies. Most schools are peanut-free and do not allow homemade goodies, so please check the label and have any food pre-approved by the teacher.
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Any questions or concerns?
Contact: Rachel Gollaher,
Regional Student Impact Manager
812.483.3873
Rachel.Gollaher@ja.org