Parent Expertise Market

A systematic directory of parents' talents, professions, and hobbies. Teachers can easily access this "expert system" for relevant lesson topics or projects and invite parents as guest speakers or helpers.

✍️ Brigitta Rupp, PBÖ
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⏱️ Duration Up to 30 minutes
🔄 Frequency Over a longer period
👥 Target Group Teachers, Parents
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Purpose

The "Parent Expertise Market" strengthens the sense of self-efficacy (Power) for both parents and teachers.
Parents feel valued for their competence, and teachers are supported by external expertise.
Well-being increases through the recognition of individual strengths.

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Use and Learning Outcomes

  • 1. Appreciation of parental competencies beyond their role as parents.
  • 2. Practical enrichment of lessons through real-world connections.
  • 3. Support for teachers during projects or specialized lectures.
  • 4. Promotion of mutual respect between school and home.
  • 5. Building a vibrant school network.
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Wellbeing References

Basic Needs

❤️ Belonging 🏆 Power

Quality Dimensions

Lesson design Social interactions Parent involvement
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Details & Preparation

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Room Requirements

No special requirements (usually digital or a physical folder).

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Time for preparation

30 minutes

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Preparation

Create a short survey form (analog or digital, e.g., Google Forms/MS Forms).
Beware of data protection (consent for storage).

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Materials

Questionnaire template
Database structure (Excel or folder)
Invitation letter

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Sequence of Steps

1

"Talent Check"

⏱ 5 minutes per parent
At the start of the year, parents receive a short form to fill in:
* Would you be willing to spend a school lesson sharing your knowledge, your interests, etc. with our class?
* What is your professional background, or which hobby could you introduce to the pupils?
* What specific skills and/or abilities could you share?
2

Database Creation

⏱ 30 minutes
Returns are sorted by category (e.g., Crafts, IT, Nature, Arts, Finance) and made accessible in the staff room or intranet.
3

Search for the Match

⏱ 10 minutes
When a teacher is planning a topic (e.g. ‘How does a bank work?’), they look through the list of suggestions from parents and then make non-committal contact with a parent who has put forward that topic.
4

Integration into lessons

⏱ 1 school hour
The parent visits the class (in person or via video call).
The teacher moderates, the parent is the "expert."
5

The "Thank You"

⏱ 5 minutes
The expert receives a small token of appreciation (e.g., a thank-you card from the children).
This reinforces the need for recognition.
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Reflection & Tips

Reflection

How did the classroom dynamics change when a "real expert" was present?
Did we reach parents who usually stay in the background?

Tips for Implementation

Voluntariness is key.
It must be clear that parents are not "substitute teachers" but occasional impulse providers.