Communicating with teachers

We spoke to teachers about what information they would want to have before going into an unfamiliar school/class. The following list is a suggestion for the type of questions you might want to ask a class teacher before your school visit.  Knowing the answers to some of these will allow you to tailor your expectations and your delivery to the needs of the group.

  • How many students will I be working with?
  • How old will they be?
  • How many boys/girls in the group?
  • What have the students been told about the session I’m delivering?
  • How long have I got?
  • What equipment will be available?
  • What time (before the lesson) will be available for me to set up any equipment?
  • What’s the range of special needs in the group?  Do any students with special needs have an assistant?
  • How many students have English as an additional language?  Will they require adapted instructions?
  • Which other adults will be in the room?
  • What are the rules regarding acceptable behaviour from the pupils?

Top tip

As an outside visitor, you will rarely find that discipline is an issue; students are naturally curious when someone else is in ‘their space’. However, you should insist that there will be a teacher in the room at all times. Discipline is their responsibility, not yours.

 

It is possible that some teachers may be happy to work around you. For this reason, you should have considered:

  • The best time of day/day of the week for your visit
  • How long you would ideally like to stay
  • The group size that you will feel most comfortable working with
  • Any equipment you may require
  • The structure of your visit, i.e. whether you would prefer to make a formal presentation, help deliver a classroom activity or just have a relaxed Q & A session.

 

Top tip

Do not take it personally if teachers seem difficult to get hold of. They are very busy and almost every minute of their time, both in and outside the classroom, is accounted for. If you persevere and leave polite messages with the school receptionist, they will return your call. The best time to get hold of teachers is at the beginning or end of the school day (08.30 and 15.30).