Need Understanding

[SmartKidShow]

Hello,

I'm wondering if I could get some help here. I travel around to different parts of the country performing academic and motivational programs. At different times I have asked what is a school looking for, in terms of specific topics they need help in addressing, and when I set up a program that meets and exceeds state standards I have a hard time getting schools to schedule it. Are schools not sure what they need or just have lost interest that quickly in what they asked for? For instance I have built a program called The Watt's Up Electric Game Show in response to several schools asking for programs on electricity yet when its time to schedule travel dates schools are no longer interested. Is there a topic that would help schools out or are schools just looking for fluff shows?


Thanks for any response and tips!

Robert Long

[Brit]

hmmm...sounds like what you're getting is a lot of imput and not a lot of commitment. I think it's one thing to ask "what do you want/need?" and another thing to ask "what will you pay for and give class time to?".

As a (new) teacher, I feel that anything that I don't know inside out that happens in "my" time is an intrusion. I will book trips I have done before and speakers that I have seen before because I know EXACTLY how they fit into my program and how I can segue into them and out of them and make them an integral part of a unit. Or, ideally, that's what I WILL do once I get to book my own trips and presentations when I am planning the year. Right now, some trips are booked for me, others need me to "rubber stamp" bookings made before I came, and others I'm going with because my team teachers are in and I am the newbie...so I go along.

I don't know how you advertise, but you've got to find a way that isn't just another piece of paper and that really shows how you fit into what schools are trying to accomplish. It's not enough to say your presentation meets/addresses certain standards. For me, I want to see HOW it addresses the standards. Will my kids walk in knowing nothing and walk out ready for a final test? Will you be using the same terminology that I use? The same or similar models? Will you cover only a section of what my unit covers, and if so, what section? does it mirror my unit organization (VERY IMPORTANT -- I want there to be a lot of connections between a special event and my classroom activities) how much interaction? What does the presentation LOOK like? how much work is it for me? how do you manage hands-on? Is it safe? That's ALL stuff I'm looking to know before I as a teacher book or request something. I would almost suggest doing teacher workshops at a few schools, see if that drums up some interest. Once I SEE and participate, I understand better and am much more open to the idea of a presenter.

If you're dealing with admin only, I'm sure they have a different perspective. They're also probably looking at money, at scheduling, at a million other factors. I have no idea how to approach them. sorry. Best advice is to figure out how they tick -- what their concerns are...then address all those concerns and give them a taste of how good you are on top of that. I'm not a business person, but to me, that would be a winning pitch.

[SmartKidShow]

Hi Brit,

Thanks for the input. Your right in that I have to find out how they tick but the fun part is is finding out who is the decision maker. In my line of work I have found that it could be anyone from a teacher or group of teachers to the principal to a parent/teacher group or a nurse or counselor. There are schools I have appeared at and they have told me that they love me but they will book me in a couple or three years regardless if I have made a new program as they want someone different that they have never seen. LOL To me it's mystery indeed!

Robert

[teacher5]

:confused2: Dear Robert, It sounds like you are running a business. Also, it sounds like you have got to develop a product that is affordable and will attract teacher and/or administrative attention. This product has to be general enough to align and enhance the curriculum. It sounds like you are the showman and you need to show teachers and adminstratives what you've got before they close the deal. You will probably need to test it on some kid audiences to know if it will really work and get the bugs out. My assist. supt. of instruction put a former elem. science teacher on the payroll for the past three years. This guy has learned aspects of our science curriculum at grades 3, 4, and 5. He comes in three times a year to each grade and runs demos and hands on workshops as Mr. Mineral, Mr. Magnet, Mr. Owl, etc. He is dynamic, fast paced, gets kids involved, and talks our curriculum language. He is also on the payroll to work with new teachers at those grade levels. The kids love him and the teachers really learn from him. He has his own charts, equipment, etc. Before he was hired he had to 3 demos, one at each grade level. You may need to give people a taste of what you have to offer before you can sign for the big bucks like this science consultant. Good luck!

[SmartKidShow]

Thanks for the advice. Your right I do run a business but my mission is to make learning fun and to help teachers do the same in many schools I appear at. I have been a magician for 20 years and a pro school performer for the last 6 years doing academic and motivational programs. I have appeared in front of approximately tens of thousands of people in parts of the country. In many of the schools I have appeared at students as well as teachers have loved what subject matters I have brought in to help make education fun. I was reluctant to mention that I run a business as I didnt want people to think that all I was here for was to make a fast buck. Thats not it at all. I love going into schools to make education fun and to empower students to learn on their own by getting books and discovering what science is all about. I have had some interesting stories regarding schools in the past which I won't say right now but needless to say that the programs I offer currently are academic and not just a fluff show. I don't like to waste peoples time in regards to doing programs.

Thanks again for the advice.

[Brit]

I don't think there's any shame in saying it's a business. there are all sorts of businesses that get a piece of the action in education and make my life LOTS easier. could you post bits of your presentations online? do you have a professional website? A professional promotional DVD? worth looking into.