Requirements | Training | Commitment Time | Volunteering Tips | Volunteer Schedule

Sharing a Message of Hope

man and children JA volunteers come from all walks of life. But they all have a common vision: sharing a message of hope and opportunity with each and every young person they reach.

Through volunteer partnerships from organizations large and small, or individuals interested in sharing their experiences with the children of their community, JA’s 350+ classroom volunteers inspire, prepare, and empower. They band together to teach the importance of workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. JA volunteers believe they can make a difference – and teach 14,000 students a year that they can make a difference, too!

If you are already a JA volunteer, we thank you. It’s your effort and selfless dedication that truly makes a difference. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, contact us to volunteer today. The impact will last a lifetime.

Requirements

To find out if you could make the grade as a Junior Achievement volunteer, take this simple test:

If you agree with the statement place a check mark in the block:

___ I like kids.

___ I think kids should stay in school.

___ I think every kid should have a chance.

___ I would like to help.

___ I am a little afraid to volunteer.

If you checked the boxes, even the last one, you could make a terrific volunteer for Junior Achievement. We understand it can be a little scary the first time you walk into a classroom, but once you see how eager the kids are to learn about future careers, you know you are going to do just fine.

Training

Junior Achievement will provide all volunteers with the appropriate training to ensure a great experience in the classroom. Training sessions are arranged for each volunteer based on their needs. JA makes the training process as easy as possible taking into consideration each volunteer’s time constraints and needs.

Commitment Time

Training: Is provided by the JA staff and is a one time only event. Once you have been trained in a program you do not have to have additional training unless you request it.

Preparation: The estimated time it will take you to prepare for each class. If you have taught before, prep time will be greatly reduced. Typically you will spend 15-20 minutes per lesson.

Travel: The time it will take to get to and from the school. These times will vary depending on where the school is located and the time of day.

Classroom: The actual time spent in the classroom. The times given are for the maximum hours spent in the classroom. If you are teaching a younger elementary class you will probably finish before 2:00. Time in the classroom varies according to each class. Some students are more responsive than others and one class may move quicker than another based on the student participation and the volunteer’s delivery of the program.

Total: The maximum estimated time commitment for this program. In most cases this total will be less.

Elementary School Program: JA in a Day - 5 Lessons 8:30am to 2:00pm	Training: 30 minutes Prep: 2 hours Travel: varies Classroom: 5.5 hours TOTAL: 8 hours (estimated)
Middle School Program JA in a Day - 1 Lesson 9:00am to 4:00pm	Training: 30 minutes Prep: 1 hour Travel: varies Classroom: 6 hours Total: 7.5 hours (estimated)
High School Program JA in a Day - 2 Lessons All of the HS classes are scheduled differently	Training: 30 minutes Prep: 2 hours Travel: varies Classroom: 2 hours (varies) Total: 5 hours (estimated)

Volunteering Tips

Tips for a Successful Volunteer Experience

Classroom Environments

Every school will be different. Every teacher has his or her own style.
Even though there will be school and classroom differences, all students should be encouraged and challenged to be inquisitive and seek answers.

Suggestions for getting more information about the classroom you will teach

Contact the teacher prior to your first day of volunteering (JA will provide contact information).
Ask if there are any special needs that need to be addressed. Ask what is allowed to be brought in to give to the students.

General Expectations for Volunteers

Dress Code – dress comfortably, but remember that you are a role model for the students.
Be reliable and on-time – better yet, be a little early. If a teacher expects you, it is important that you arrive on time. If you cannot be available, provide advance notice.
Sign-in at the office and get a visitor/volunteer badge. Sign out at the office when you leave the building.
Make sure the teacher is always present when you are working with students.
Be prepared for what you are working on.
When working with students, give thorough explanations using age-appropriate language. Know the classroom rules. This includes rules for using the restroom, getting drinks, getting out of seat to sharpen pencils, and so on.
Accept students in terms of their backgrounds, values, manners and vocabulary as theirs may be different from yours. By giving of yourself, by sharing time and by caring, you are making a difference.
Be yourself! Be flexible! Have fun! This should be an enjoyable experience for all involved.

General Guidelines for Working with Students

What should the students call you? Volunteers are referred to as Ms., Mrs. or Mr. when in the classroom.
Call the students by their first name. This shows you care, and you will be able to communicate with them more easily (Table Tents are provided in your program materials for the students to write their name on and place on their desk).
Communicate your objectives clearly. Tell students what they will learn by the end of the day.
Communicate your expectations for the task at hand. Outline what is and is not acceptable for each task.
Show excitement about the work you are doing with the students. It will be contagious.
Do not “lecture”. Encourage students to ask questions and make discoveries. Support student inquiry.
Ask questions to determine what students know and think. Provide positive reinforcement for jobs done well and effectively.
Smile and be friendly.
Provide time for student movement. They cannot sit for long periods of time. Build movement into transition from one activity to another.
Remember that when students are excited they will tend to talk louder than normal. Remind the teacher that this is okay.

General Guidelines for Difficult Situations

It is not your job to discipline the students. It is OK to ask students to stop unsafe or unkind behavior, but the next step is to let the teacher know and resolve the problem.
Create opportunities to include the students in helping in general or with a specific job. This could include helping to set up for the activity, modeling for others, or helping with clean up.
Remember, it is okay to walk away to disengage. Sometimes people just need time and space to work through a situation.

Always remember that our JA volunteers are greatly appreciated! The teachers and students do value the time you give to the schools.