FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How will I know how to begin the volunteer assignments?
You will be given a Volunteer Handbook that will explain the details necessary to begin. You will also receive information from the Program Director and the Teacher.
2. What type of information is in the Volunteer Handbook?
- School Map
- Placement Information
- Teacher/ Volunteer Checklist
- Location of the sign-in sheet & nametags
- Available Parking
- List of school rules and emergency procedures
- The procedures to follow if you will be late or absent
- Classroom Tips
- High School Calendar
3. What does the Teacher Support Network use to communicate with the volunteer pool?
There is an email system that is used for general communication with volunteers. If you do not use e-mail, phone correspondence will be used.
4. When I meet the teacher I will be working with, what are the important things I should discuss?
- Expectations (what they would like from a volunteer & what you would like to get out of volunteering)
- Days and times you will be working in the classroom
- The school-wide rules
- The teacher's classroom policies, procedures, and rules, such as management system,
- reinforcement techniques, and emergency procedures (i.e. the closest emergency exit for that classroom)
- Your specific classroom duties, what materials and strategies you should be using
- How you can contact the teacher/supervisor regarding changes in the schedule
- Alternate plans for days when the teacher is absent and a substitute is in charge
- How the students will refer to you (by your first name or as Mr. ___ or Ms.___)
- Procedures for taking the students out of the classroom
- Your role in creating a positive learning environment
- Your special interests, talents, or skills
5. What is the best approach when beginning to work with a student or a group of students?
First of all, exude confidence - even if you are not really feeling confident! It is not necessary to be an "expert" to do this. Use body language and direct eye contact to let the student know that you are ready to work and that you expect the student to follow your example.
6. Is it my responsibility to discipline the student(s) I am assisting?
No, it is the teacher's responsibility. It is a good idea to use the positive approaches mentioned, but if you are having difficulty despite your best efforts, the teacher should step in and discipline the student.
7. What do I do if the teacher is busy and I am not sure how to work with the student on a particular assignment?
Ask the student to show you a similar assignment that has been completed and ask to see how the student worked through the assignment in the past.
8. What do I do if the teacher does not acknowledge me, give me specific assignments, or explain the lesson to be completed when I enter the classroom?
Find a time when the teacher is not working with the children and ask if you can speak to him/her. Let the teacher know that you would like specific directions or guidance so that you can be helpful to the students and can assist the teacher with the classroom goals. If the curriculum or teaching method being used is new to you, prepare specific questions ahead of time so that they can be answered for you by the teacher.
9. What are some guidelines to promote a positive learning environment?
• Be a role-model of the behavior you expect from the student; speak in a calm voice, show respect, be organized, prompt, and enthusiastic.
• Use "I" messages - ("I am unhappy that you are not listening. I would like to work with you on this assignment and I need you to use your best listening skills.")
• Do not use "You" messages - ("You are not listening!")
10. What do I do if I am unhappy with my volunteer assignment?
Set up a time to talk to your classroom teacher about your concerns. If the meeting does not resolve the issue, meet with the Volunteer Program Director.