November: Community Connections

Guest Speakers in the Classroom

Why have guest speakers?

Many studies have shown that when parents and families are involved in their children's schools, their children do better. When local community members become involved in schools, they can act as role models and mentors and provide an additional layer of support and inspiration for students and teachers.

Guest Speaker Logistics

When inviting a guest speaker into your classroom, inform the speaker about your course and why he or she is being invited. Be sure the speaker is fully informed about his or her role in the class. What specific topics do you want the speaker to address? How long do you want the speaker to speak? Is the speaker willing to allow students to ask questions? Answer these and any other questions. Also, be sure to find out what the guest speaker needs from you. Computer? Projector? Table?

Before the guest speakers arrives prepare your students about behavior expectations while the speaker is there. Talk about what the speaker will be talking about, what is expected from them, listening skills, have them prepare questions, etc. Be sure to thank the guest speaker for their time before they leave. A sent thank you card after the class period is a nice gesture as well.