Communication With BEC

1. Be Prompt and Responsive to BEC

   Read and respond promptly to emails from BEC about NEM

   The Subject Line will begin with: “National Engineers Month”

   Teachers that are matched will receive their NEM Volunteer match assignment in January.

Communication With Volunteer

1. Be Prompt and Responsive to Volunteer

   Respond within 3 days when contacted by the volunteer to schedule visit

   This gives a good impression of you and your school. Be prepared to provide options for visitation dates to provide flexibility in scheduling.

2. Support and Guide Volunteer

   Provide ongoing support to the NEM Volunteer in preparation for and during visit

   The classroom environment is foreign to most of them and they rely on your teaching expertise to appropriately guide them.

3. Give Needed Instructions

   Tell NEM Volunteer about your classroom and your students

   It is helpful for them to know what to expect ahead of time. Some volunteers may be able to tailor some aspects of their presentation to your needs but do not expect them to develop a custom presentation.

   Provide volunteer with check-in instructions

   They need to know in advance if there will be a background check or any other school-related procedure for checking in to the school.

4. Be Sensitive to Volunteer Time

   Don't expect NEM Volunteers to do more classes than assigned

   You can sign up for up to 4 classes but may only be matched with 1 or 2 depending on the volunteer pool. Don’t expect your assigned volunteer to do additional classes unless you have their prior agreement. Be aware they have competing work demands and priorities.

I Understand and Agree

1. Prepare Your Classroom

   Prior to the visit, prepare your classroom

   Let the students know there is an NEM Guest Volunteer presenter coming and set expectations for their behavior in advance.

   During visit, proactively manage your classroom

   Quickly address any disruptive behavior and encourage active listening and participation. Assist the volunteer in breaking the students up into groups as needed.

2. Be Active Participant

   Actively be involved during the presentation

   It is a strong message of support and encouragement for the NEM Volunteer to see you actively engaged. It also sets a good example for the students.

   Provide needed coaching to prompt student participation

   The volunteer may need your assistance to help get the students involved.

3. No Substitutes

   Cancel visit immediately if substitute will be there on the day volunteer is coming

   This has been one of the greatest reported problem areas from NEM Volunteers. It will be up to the volunteer whether they are able to reschedule.

I Understand and Agree

1. Thank NEM Guest Volunteer

   Please thank the NEM Volunteer at the end of the presentation. A thank you email or handwritten note sent shortly after the visit is highly recommended.

   The volunteer is spending considerable personal and professional time to prepare the presentation. A thank you is much appreciated.

   If possible, have your students write a thank you note

2. Provide Feedback

   Provide brief verbal feedback to NEM Volunteer on their presentation, such as:

   • Was the information given at the appropriate grade level?
   • Was the presentation effective in engaging the students?
   • What suggestions do you have for improvement?

   NEM volunteers continuously tell us how much they want and value your feedback.

   An NEM feedback survey will be sent to you in early March. We hope you will take the time to provide your valuable input on the program.

I Understand and Agree