Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline

Oregon department of education top 10 tips for working with schools

1 The best times to approach schools would be the months of October, late January, February and early May.
2 If possible, approach a school with an internal partner, for example a teacher or parent you already have a relationship with. This will legitimatize you even more!
3 Working with schools should be a partnership. Explain what you can offer and why you benefit from working with schools.
4 Ask yourself- “Why Should They Care?” When you share your thirty-second spiel over the phone or with a person in the hallway, you need to be to the point. Why are your prevention services important?
5 Use local (school or county) data if possible to talk about prevention in their school.
6 Know the education language. The word “standards” to someone in public health means something very different to a teacher.
7 Align what you are offering to curriculum standards, school policies, raising test scores, increasing attendance, etc.
8 Understand that many teachers and other school staff are overwhelmed. Don’t add something to their plate. Consider having them do what they do, but in a different way.
9 Schools are stressed. There is overall a lack of funding, support, resources and pressure to raise test scores. If you can offer a solution (for example, be a resource) you’re in!
10 Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, explain that you come from a different perspective and schools are a different beast!