Guest Speaker Engagement

Write down your vision and identify student learning goals for the guest speaker event. Use the RWL Activity Planning Worksheet

Determine when to conduct the meeting(s) in your scope and sequence

Consider your technology needs based on how you choose to structure the activity. Will you use a computer lab, library or other space? Will you need headsets?

Contact your school administration/district to clarify any special clearances you need for students or partners to participate in this activity

Identify list of potential speakers

• What industry?
• What type of role?
• What level of expertise?

If no one is available to visit the school in person, search for virtual guest speaker candidates using online tools, peer contacts, colleagues and other resources. Obtain emails and phone contact information.

If using technology, select the video conferencing system that works best for both teacher and partner (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Facetime, Skype).

Send an email with your request and interest (see Sample Invitation Email)

Confirm partner(s) participation and share Speaker Tips sheet (see Sample Confirmation Email)

If hosting a virtual guest speaker, test the technology with your guest speaker at least a week in advance to ensure everything is functioning.

Schedule a call with potential partner(s) to answer questions and review expectations

Collect contact information to follow up with partner(s)

Share any background check/clearance information required by the school with partner(s) (if needed)

Send school media waiver to partner(s), so you can take photos and share your classroom experience (optional)

Do a lesson with the students to prepare them for the meeting. This includes background information, asking good questions, body language, alignment with objectives/goals (see Sample Lesson Plan)

Check in with students to ensure they are prepared and confident in their role

Draft thank you email to partner(s)

Draft survey for partner(s) (see Partner Survey Questions)

Create student reflection (see Student Reflection)

If hosting a guest speaker in person, ensure that administrators and front office staff are aware that there will be a visitor and there are directions on what to do when they arrive.

If hosting a virtual guest speaker, log onto the call, introduce the speaker and class (or have a student do it).

Arrange chairs/desks so that both speaker and students can be seen and heard

Introduce the speaker and class (or have a student do it)

Take pictures and videos to document the event

Monitor the discussion, and support as needed to ensure it stays on track

Close by thanking the speaker

Send a thank you note to the partner on behalf of yourself and the class

Reach out to anyone else who helped in arranging the guest speaker to update them on the event and thank them for their assistance

Share participant surveys (see Partner Survey Questions)

Reflect on the guest speaker event with your students (see Student Reflection)

Reflect on the guest speaker event yourself (see Teacher Reflection)

Share about the experience with teachers and families