Frequently Asked Questions

One of the great things about Junior Achievement is that it is so easy to get involved!  But there are many questions that we hear from people like yourself regarding how to get involved, what kind of committment is required, etc.  And other questions may arise after you begin volunteering.  Because of this, we have put together FAQs for wherever you may be in the volunteering process!

FAQs before you begin volunteering

FAQs after you begin volunteering

How much time do I need to commit to Junior Achievement (JA)?
The time commitment ranges from 5-8 visits, each session lasting less than one hour. Your weekly preparation time will vary between 20 to 45 minutes depending on the grade level you teach and your knowledge of the subject material.

Do I have to know how to teach or provide my own materials?
No, you don’t have to know how to teach to present JA’s interactive hands-on activities. We provide training, easy to use materials, a concise Consultant Guide and support to help every volunteer have a successful experience. One of the benefits of volunteering is having the opportunity to gain teaching experience and sharpen presentation skills.

What is the training like?
Training allows the volunteer to become familiar with the program kit materials, review student characteristics, classroom management techniques and teacher and volunteer roles. Sessions last approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Am I alone in the classroom?
No, the teacher stays in the classroom. Junior Achievement is a teaching partnership. The volunteer presents each activity and the teacher provides classroom management, offers insight into the class and helps out if the volunteer needs assistance.

What if I travel or my work schedule interferes with my Junior Achievement schedule?
One of the best parts of being a JA volunteer is the flexibility. Share your schedule with the teacher and discuss any time constraints prior to starting your class, many teachers understand the need to travel, attend meetings, etc.

Can I teach at a school close to my home or work or even in my child’s classroom?
Our education team works to meet your needs. With schools in nine counties participating in JA, we are frequently able to place volunteers in a close proximity to their home or work.

What time of year do schools facilitate Junior Achievement programs?
We have JA programs throughout the year - even in the summer! Each school determines when JA programs take place. If you have a specific school in mind, contact a member of our education team, to determine what time of year they facilitate programs.

Who do I contact to become a volunteer?
It’s easy! Simply fill out the Volunteer Now! form and we will contact shortly regarding available opportunities.

FAQs after you begin volunteering...

How are classes assigned?
Based on the information you fill out on the volunteer application, an education manager will contact you directly about potential classes.

Where do I get the program materials?
All materials are shipped directly to the school. Once you have been assigned a class, you will receive the teacher’s contact information. Please contact the teacher to schedule a time to visit the class and pick up your program materials.

What do I do if something is missing from the program kit?
If something is missing, please contact the JA office. With enough notice, we can replace anything that is missing from the program kit!

How long should I allow to prepare for each class?
For your first class, it is best to allow at least ½ hour to prepare. This is most likely more time than you need, but each program is different and requires different preparation. As you become familiar with the program format and activities, it will take you less time to prepare for each class.

What if I have called/emailed the teacher and still have not heard back from them?
If you have tried to make contact with the teacher and do not receive a response within 5 days, please contact the JA office immediately and we will help make contact with the teacher.

What should I do if the weather is bad and school is canceled?
If school is canceled, please contact your teacher as soon as possible to reschedule your class. It is required that all programs complete all program activities (elementary = 5 activities, middle = 6 activities, high school = 7 activities)

What should I do if there is a substitute teacher?
While this is not ideal, you may continue to teach your JA class as scheduled. Most teachers will have informed the substitute of your visit.

What do I do with the JA decal in the program kit?
The decal is a thank you from Junior Achievement for your volunteerism. Feel free to display it on a window at work or on your vehicle.

What happens if my schedule changes and I am not able to attend my scheduled class?
If you are not able to attend your scheduled class, you must notify the teacher immediately. If it is the day of the class, please ask the main office at the school to let the teacher know as they may not check email or voicemail prior to your class time. You may also contact the JA office for assistance in notifying the teacher. Then contact the teacher as soon as possible to reschedule your class. It is required that all programs complete all program activities (elementary = 5 activities, middle = 6 activities, high school = 7 activities)

What do I need to do with the Pre/Post tests?
The Pre/Posts tests are very important to JA to help ensure that the program materials are effective and that the school district is receiving the curriculum as designed. If you are administering the tests, please have your students complete the Pre/Post tests on your first and last day of the program. Then contact the JA office to have the tests collected or mail them directly to the office. The JA staff will score the tests and provide the results to the teacher/administration/district personnel.

What do I do with the remaining program materials after the class is complete?
It is very common to have remaining materials after you have completed your class. First, ask the teacher if they would like any of the materials to use in the classroom. If materials still remain, please contact your education manager to pick up the materials or drop them off at the JA office. We will use these materials to put additional kits together or in case items are missing from other kits.