30-MINUTE TALKS

Frequently Asked Questions
and
Helpful Hints

The following frequently asked questions and helpful hints are intended to serve as a guide for speakers participating in the 30-Minute Talksprogram from their registration in the program through the conclusion of their presentation.

Click on an individual question for an answer or scroll through all of the questions and answers below.

What is 30-Minute Talks?

How do I register for the 30-Minute Talks program?

How do I submit a copy of my photo identification in connection with registration?

What schools are participating in the 30-Minute Talks program?

Who will contact me about speaking opportunities?

How often will I be asked to speak?

What do I need to do before I arrive on campus?

What should I do when I arrive on campus?

Do you have any helpful hints for speakers?

Is there anything that I shouldn’t do?

What is 30-Minute Talks?

30-Minute Talks is a division of the HISD Speakers Bureau. It isa program designed to provide opportunities for professionals of all backgrounds to visit classroomsand describe their careers and the paths they’ve taken to achieve success. 30-Minute Talks presentations are intended to supplement the curriculum in order to bring subjects and career opportunities to life.

As the name indicates, the goal of 30-Minute Talks is to provide focused opportunities for interaction with students that fit within the rhythm of the school day and the schedules of our volunteers. Presentations may be incorporated into lesson plans addressing particular subjects or offered as part of a career day.

Which HISD schools are eligible to participate in the program?

The 30-minutes Talks program will be piloted at the following high school locations:

Yates HS
Grade levels: 9-12
3703 Sampson
Houston, Texas 77004-4741
Phone: 713-748-5400
Fax: 713-746-8206
Marla McNeal-Sheppard, Principal / High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
Grade levels: 9-12
4701 Dickson
Houston, TX 77007-7304
Phone: 713-867-5100
Fax: 713-802-4600
Carol J Mosteit, Principal / Wheatley High School
Grade levels: 9-12
4801 Providence
Houston, TX77020-7235
Phone: 713-671-3900
Fax: 713-671-3951
David Edgerson, Principal
  • Volunteers may register for 30-Minute Talks through the Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) website using the following link .
  • When registering, be sure to check the box for 30-Minute Talks under the heading “Programs”. You will be registered for all of the schools participating in the 30-Minute Talks program.
  • All volunteers will agree to submit to a criminal background check as part of the registration process.

How do I submit a copy of my photo identification in connection with registration?

During the VIPS registration process, you will be asked to submit a copy of your photo identification. You may submit your photo identification in any of the following ways:

By email:Send an electronic copy of your ID to .

By mail or in person:Tina Thompson, VIPS Program Administrator
Parent Engagement Department, Level 3SW16C
Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center
4400 West 18th Street
Houston, Texas 77092

If you need assistance with the submission of your photo identification, please contact Tina Thompson at 713-556-7206.

What schools are participating in the 30-Minute Talks program?

  • The 30-Minute Talks program will debut in five high schools this fall and will expand to additional schools over the next year.
  • The schools initially participating in the program are: Wheatley High School, Yates High School and the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.

Who will contact me about speaking opportunities?

  • Participating schools will contact speakers directly to set up speaking engagements.
  • Schools will attempt to arrange speaking engagements a minimum of three weeks prior to a speech.

How often will I be asked to speak?

  • The time commitment for speakers is minimal.We anticipate that a typical speaker would only be asked to make one or two 30-minute presentations a year.
  • If a speaking engagement does not fit within your schedule, you are free to decline the opportunity. Ultimately, you are in control of your commitment.

What do I need to do before I arrive on campus?

  • When called about a speaking opportunity, discuss with the school whether there are any particular topics you should touch on as part of your presentation.
  • Think about ways you can make your presentation interactive, whether through the use of props, samples, photos, tools, interactive questions or another method. Students respond best when they are engaged.
  • Inform the school of any audio visual needs for your presentation, and ask how many students are in the class.

What should I do when I arrive on campus?

  • Park in the designated area
  • Sign in as a guest or volunteer in the main office
  • Wear your nametag/visitor identification at all times while on campus
  • Wait to be escorted to the classroom by the teacher or member of the school staff

Do you have any helpful hints for speakers?

  • Have fun!
  • Be on time and follow through with your commitment.
  • Be interactive.
  • If you have handouts, materials, etc., ask the school in advance how many copies you will need.
  • Wear what you would wear to work (e.g. scrubs, lab coats, business suits, uniforms, etc.).
  • Review the sample 30-Minute Talks template. [Link to template]
  • Discuss the salary range for your job or others in your profession. Students are very interested in and motivated by this information.
  • Tell students what they can do now to prepare for jobs in your field (e.g. intern, volunteer, shadow, special projects, etc.).
  • Be ready to receive shocking or off the wall comments or questions.
  • If you are a former HISD student, share that with the students. Let them know that you have walked in their shoes.
  • Enjoy yourself!

Is there anything that I shouldn’t do?

  • Don’t be judgmental about students and/or situations seen while on campus.
  • Don’t talk about sex, religion, and politics.
  • Don’t allow your presentation to extend beyond the allotted time.
  • Don’t stray from the focus of your presentation.
  • Don’t walk through other areas of the school without a school employee/teacher.

30-Minutes Talks Questions?

Please contact:

Jonathan Frels
Fellow
Center for Houston’s Future
Email: / or / Gwendolyn Samples, Ed.D.
Community Liaison
HISD Strategic Partnerships
Email:

#4163877.1-1-