How do I prepare for my first interaction with a community partner?

So, you’ve found an opportunity that fits for you, the community partner, and your students. What do you need to know and do to prepare for it? We put together some basic tips to help you prepare to host a community partner in your classroom or for an activity with your students. 

Experience

Many visitors may be nervous and may have never spoken to a group of students, so be sure to welcome them and make them feel comfortable when they arrive.

Prepare Students

• Give students enough background information about the topic so they can actively engage with the visitor.
• Consider having students prepare questions beforehand.
• Students could potentially research the visitor online if the visitor is a public figure.

Gather Resources

Double check to make sure whatever technology or other needs requested by the visitor are available and working.