DECA Advisor Mentoring Network Playbook

KEY CONTACTS

Mentee:

School:

E-Mail: Phone: Planning Time:

Mentor:

School:

E-Mail: Phone:

Planning Time:

Chartered Association Advisor:

E-Mail: Phone:

DISCUSSION LOG

Note: Each chartered association (state/provincial association) has its own guidelines and deadlines, so while you may see a variety of ideas in this global online community, make sure that it is relevant to your chartered association. If in doubt, please contact your chartered association advisor.

Dear Mentoring Program Participant:

Congratulations on beginning your journey as a DECA chapter advisor! You are now part of a network of 5,000 educators who bring their classrooms to life by incorporating DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program into their daily instruction. It is our pleasure to introduce you to one of the most powerful teaching and learning tools that you’ll ever find for your courses. DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program is aligned to Career Clusters®, National Curriculum Standards and 21st Century Skills, demonstrating its relevance and support of educational initiatives.

As a DECA chapter advisor, you have access to some of the most innovative, rigorous and relevant classroom resources to enhance your students’ learning. DECA’s Comprehensive Learning program, which includes DECA’s competitive events, emerging leader series, online challenges and more, will engage and motivate your students in unparalleled ways. As a result of participating in DECA, our student members become academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders.

We know that navigating your role as a DECA chapter advisor while also serving as a classroom teacher may seem overwhelming at the beginning, but you’ll quickly notice that many of the specific responsibilities of serving as a DECA chapter advisor support the work you are already doing as a classroom teacher. Furthermore, our DECA Advisor Mentoring Network is designed to provide you with one-on-one support to supplement the resources DECA provides to help enhance your teaching as you integrate DECA into the classroom.

On behalf of the DECA Inc. staff, we are here to support you in getting the most out of DECA for yourself and your students. There’s no doubt with the tools and resources available to you, as well as your dedication, you’ll quickly learn “how we do DECA.”

Sincerely,

Executive Director Chief Program Officer DECA Inc. DECA Inc.

Christy Rutherford Education Manager DECA Inc.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

DECA Inc. is committed to creating and maintaining a healthy and respectful environment for all of our emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. Our philosophy is to ensure all members, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status, are treated equally and respectfully. Any behavior in the form of discrimination, harassment or bullying will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of all members to uphold and contribute to this climate.

MENTEE ROLE

The journey of serving as a chapter advisor can be made easier by joining our mentoring network. You will be paired with an amazing experienced chapter advisor who can help answer all your DECA related questions.

BENEFITS OF MENTORING

• Providing new advisors with access to a network and support system to facilitate professional and career development within DECA

• Providing an opportunity for new advisors to engage in meaningful DECA professional development activities

• Linking new advisors with experienced advisors to facilitate local “knowledge sharing” and to answer association-specific questions

• Continuity of support

ATTRIBUTES OF AN ENGAGED MENTEE

• Be open to receiving feedback and coaching

• Take responsibility for your own professional growth and development

• Seek challenging assignments and new responsibilities

• Keep commitments agreed to with your mentor

• Renegotiate the mentoring relationship when your needs change

EXPECTATIONS OF A MENTEE

• Meet on a regular basis with your mentor. First-year advisors should conference monthly with their mentor. Discuss with your mentor the best communication platforms to stay in contact.

• Be respectful of your mentor’s time, and stay focused during your conversations.

• Prepare the goals and objectives you have for your chapter. Be prepared to ask for specific guidance and advice on your goals, plans and strategic ideas. The more specific you can be, the easier it will be for your mentor to help you.

• Be responsible for your own DECA chapter and planning Your mentor is a resource and guide for you but is a busy professional too.

• Bring questions, confusions, concerns and problems. But also bring successes, alternatives and ideas. You may have a fresh way of doing something that your mentor has not tried before.

• Don’t expect your mentor to know everything or be able to help in every situation. But do check with your mentor early on when you need help.

MENTOR ROLE

Do you remember how you felt as a first-year DECA advisor? We are looking for experienced chapter advisors to help new advisors transition to the ins and outs of DECA more seamlessly. We encourage you to consider becoming a mentor for your association and help our organization grow stronger.

BENEFITS OF MENTORING

• Providing new advisors with access to a network and support system to facilitate professional and career development within DECA

• Providing an opportunity for new advisors to engage in meaningful DECA professional development activities

• Linking new advisors with experienced advisors to facilitate local “knowledge sharing” and to answer association-specific questions

• Continuity of support

ATTRIBUTES OF AN EFFECTIVE MENTOR

• DECA advisor with more than four-years of experience

• Serve as a timely source of accurate advice, information and resources

• The mentor shares his/her experiences and feedback with the mentee regarding DECA knowledge, organizational relationships and tips for success

• By passing on lessons learned, the mentor has the opportunity to give back to DECA, and the mentee is able to further his/her professional development

• An effective mentor listens, gathers information, provides honest and constructive feedback and motivates an individual to action

• The mentor realizes the collaboration and effectiveness with the mentee ultimately benefits student members of both chapters there is a high degree of reciprocity

EXPECTATIONS OF A MENTOR

• Commit to mentor a new advisor for one school year and provide them with guidance.

• Commit to monthly meetings (for first-year advisor) to answer questions, review their progress, and help them with goal setting.

• Provide help, offer suggestions and ideas, advice on goals, and be a sounding board for issues relating to DECA.

• Be a catalyst for mentee developing his or her own network. Point to others he or she might reach out to and engage.

• Help your mentee set realistic expectations. Also, if you know you will be unavailable because of business or personal travel, let them know.

KICK OFF

FORGING THE RELATIONSHIP

A strong mentor-mentee relationship is key to a successful mentorship. Take this opportunity to get to know each other – both professionally and personally. Talk through your organizational, scheduling and personal communication preferences. Discuss what each of you can contribute to make this a successful mentorship.

TIP | DECA advisors can take the DECA Styles assessment tool at decastyles.com Discuss your results.

SETTING EXPECTATIONS AND OUTCOMES

Start your mentorship by defining expectations and outcomes. Discussing key points about communication methods and timeframes, ground rules and strategies to make the discussions productive will help maximize your time together, whether it’s in person or virtual.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

p What’s your background and current teaching assignment?

p What’s considered a win and a loss for you?

p In three years, what would you like to be doing?

p What are your favorite passions?

p What is your ideal mentor/mentee?

p What are your greatest strengths and areas of opportunity?

p What’s the #1 thing you want to get out of the mentoring relationship?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

p What are our ground rules?

p What channel of communication is most preferred?

p What time in our schedule is most opportune for communicating?

p How often will we meet and/or communicate?

p What will make our discussions productive?

p Would a school visit/observation be helpful?

p In addition to DECA topics, are there other areas of need such as classroom management or use of technology?

CONSIDERING YOUR PHILOSOPHY

Developing a philosophy of teaching allows you to gather your beliefs about the importance of teaching and learning. One of your first responsibilities in serving as a DECA advisor is giving thought to how you will integrate DECA in your classroom. Develop a personal philosophy that incorporates the purpose of DECA, your role as a teacher-advisor and the role and responsibilities of student members. Use this philosophy as your guide as you advise your chapter and integrate DECA into your classroom. We’ll revisit it at the end of the school year.

DEVELOPING YOUR PLAN

You’ll want to develop key deliverables for your mentorship experience. Consider areas that are of high priority during this academic year, and develop a productive plan that results in desirable results. Ideally, the mentee and mentor can identify a few activities to implement this year that will enhance the DECA chapter.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

p What do you mean by learning?

p What happens in a successful learning situation?

p What are your values, beliefs and aspirations as a teacher?

p What is your role as a teacher?

p What are your goals for students?

p How do you assess student growth and learning?

p How can your teaching philosophy serve as a guide to integrate DECA into the classroom?

p Who should know about your philosophy?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

p What are main concerns or areas of focus the mentee has about DECA for the upcoming year?

p What strategies are available to position the mentee and the DECA program for greatest effectiveness?

p What deliverables can be achieved this academic year?

p What resources are needed to be successful this year?

ACTION

INSTRUCTIONS

Give thought to each of the questions below. You may wish to consult your mentor for discussion and as a springboard to bounce ideas with After you’ve completed the questions, you may wish to compile them into a one- or two-page written philosophy.

How are you preparing members for college and careers both now and in the future?

How will you integrate DECA into the classroom and apply learning?

How will you incorporate aspects in your program to prepare members to become academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders?

How will your program align with your local school’s philosophy and state and national initiatives?

How do you plan to connect to business?

What relationship will you foster with postsecondary institutions?

How will you brand and promote your program?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR ONE

• Implement a sound chapter fiscal management system, including financial policies and procedures and an annual budget. (GO! #3, pg. 15 & 21)

• Identify roles and responsibilities for key student leaders that have a purpose in supporting the overall mission and goals of a chapter. (GO! # 6, pg. 16-17)

• Engage members in DECA’s Chapter Campaigns. (GO! #8, pg. 8)

• Use social media to promote the activities and outcomes of the DECA chapter. (GO! #8, pg. 21)

• Utilize business professionals and organizations to promote engagement through activities such as competitive events coaching, mentoring, guest

INSTRUCTIONS

Develop your Action Plan to identify experiences you wish to accomplish during the school year. This plan can be revised at any time during the year and should be reviewed with your mentor. The goal is to plan activities to implement this year that will support the work of the mentee and enhance the DECA chapter. A list of suggested activities is provided.

1. Let’s Talk About DECA

2. Get Connected

3. Understand Advisor Roles + Responsibilities

4. Recruit Members

5. Submit Your Roster

6. Select Student Leadership Team

7. Develop a Program of Leadership

8. Implement a Program of Leadership through meetings + activities

9. Integrate Competitive Events into the Classroom

10. Attend Educational Conferences

speakers, internships, field trips and more. (GO! #8, pg. 20-21)

• Enter student members into competitive events and coach them to be prepared. (GO! #9, pg. 10-11)

• Use DECA’s role-plays and case studies as teaching tools to provide relevant, meaningful problems to solve. (GO! #9, pg. 10-11)

• Use online business simulations (Virtual Business Challenges) for members to compete against other members. (GO! #9, pg. 10-11)

• Participate in an association-specific activity.

Page numbers refer to the “This Is How We Do DECA” ultimate advisor guidebook.

GATHER YOUR RESOURCES

Make sure that you have the essential tools to get started. Start by reading the “This Is How We Do DECA” ultimate advisor guidebook. The DECA Guide is your annual go-to resource. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the deca.org and decadirect.org websites

TIP | Access the Classroom Hub at deca.org/classroom and Advisor Resource Center at deca.org/resources. These two sites bring together lots of information, resources and samples.

INTRODUCE DECA TO YOUR MEMBERS + MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT

Start by showing this year’s membership video to your potential DECA members. You’ll want your chapter to be affiliated through your chartered association and DECA Inc. so your student members can participate in all DECA events. Members must be on a paid roster in order to attend conferences, compete in all levels of competition (district, association and international) and proudly proclaim they are DECA members. DECA Inc. dues are $8, and your chartered association has its own dues. You may want to assess chapter dues to cover local activities or a chapter t-shirt.

TIP | Login early to deca.org/register to begin your chapter’s membership. If you need assistance, ask your mentor, call (703) 860-5000 or e-mail membership@deca.org.

CHAPTER STRATEGY

Effective DECA advisors use strategy to develop an intentional plan or method to create a strong DECA chapter. Just as you plan your lesson plans, your DECA chapter should have its own plan – a Program of Leadership. Led by your chapter officer team, this monthly calendar sets the foundation for your chapter’s activities throughout the year. DECA has resources available to help you map your year in our DECA Chapter Strategy at deca.org/elevate.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• School-based Enterprise Procedures (if applicable)

• Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Survey

• Association-level Professional Organizations

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

TIP | Use the code NEWADVISOR at checkout at shopdeca.org to get 15% off your first purchase until September 30.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Explain resources you find most helpful and how you use them. Make sure your mentee received the “This Is How We Do DECA” box of materials, including the DECA Guide.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What resources specific to our association are needed to be successful?

p What are the highlights of our association’s website?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share your philosophy on your chapter dues and membership. Explain membership eligibility guidelines within your association and how you’ve built your chapter’s membership.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What are our association’s dues?

p When is the deadline for submitting membership?

p How do you introduce DECA to your students?

p What are effective strategies for membership recruitment?

p What are best practices for collecting dues and submitting my chapter’s membership?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share how your chapter selects its leadership team and develops its program of leadership.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What suggestions do you have for officer positions, the selection process and accountability?

p Is it okay to let members run with the Program of Leadership? What if they aren’t successful?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Connect or reconnect with local DECA leaders, your association advisor and new advisors.

p Introduce DECA to your students.

p Meet with the chapter leadership team to develop the annual program of leadership.

p Verify your information in the online membership system.

COOL IDEAS

COOL IDEA

ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEM TIMELINE

SEPTEMBER

ADVISOR ROLES + RESPONSIBILITIES

You’ll quickly notice that many of the specific responsibilities of serving as a DECA advisor support the work you are already doing as a classroom teacher. Take a few moments to review the Advisor Roles + Responsibilities on pages 14-15 in the “This Is How We Do DECA” ultimate advisor guidebook. These include: Leader, Promoter, Fundraiser, Connector, Competitor, Travel Agent and Professional.

TIP | Check out the Advisor Resource Center at deca.org/resources for a variety of models, samples and templates for each of the roles.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share any insight or resources you may have to help your mentee with these roles. Explain how these roles and responsibilities support the work an advisor does as a classroom teacher. Questions to ask:

p Do you receive DECA Direct Weekly e-mails each Tuesday and DECA Classroom e-mails on Thursday?

p Do you receive information from our association?

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Which roles do you find easiest? Why?

p Which roles do you find most challenging? Why?

p Which roles do you think are most important? Why?

p Which roles do you find the most rewarding? Why?

INTRODUCE COMPETITIVE EVENTS

One of the best methods to introduce competitive events in the classroom is by having members experience a DECA role-play event before knowing exactly what it is. Using competitive events promotes student learning and exposes students to DECA – as a teaching tool

TIP | Download a lesson plan at deca.org/ceinclassroom to introduce DECA’s competitive events into the classroom.

FALL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES

Fall leadership conferences and events are excellent opportunities for members to experience DECA beyond your local chapter and rally excitement for upcoming events. There may be a variety of fall leadership conferences and events within your association in addition to fall regional conferences that bring together members from multiple chartered associations.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• New Member Week

• Chapter Campaigns, including the Promotional Campaign

• Begin Work on Written Events (if applicable)

• How to Complete DECA Online Membership Roster

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share your process and resources for introducing competitive events to your members.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Should my chapter start with just one category of competitive events? What would you suggest?

p What are guidelines specific to our association for competitive events?

p How do I help my members select district/association competitive events that are best for them?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share your recommendations for fall leadership experiences in your association and beyond.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What logistics do I need to consider when taking students to an event?

p What is the benefit of these experiences, and how do I present those benefits to my administration?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SEPTEMBER NOTES

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Begin chapter campaigns, show the membership video and recruit student, alumni and professional members.

p Introduce DECA’s Competitive Events Program to your members and begin work on written events.

p Log in to the online membership system and submit members’ names.

p Participate in DECA’s online events and activities.

p Plan participation in DECA’s Promotional Campaign.

p Register to attend DECA conferences.

COOL IDEAS

COOL IDEA

ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEM

TIMELINE

OCTOBER

DECA CONNECTS

The DECA experience starts in the classroom where students learn business concepts in preparation for college and careers. A powerful instructional component, DECA brings the classroom to life by empowering the teacher-advisor to make learning relevant with educational programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition. Take a few moments to review pages 6-7 in the “This Is How We Do DECA” ultimate advisor guidebook.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS

By October 1, DECA posts the primary instructional area(s) assessed in each of the district level scenarios at decadirect.org to help advisors and members prepare for district competitions more effectively. By receiving the instructional areas in advance, members can focus on the instructional areas on which they’ll be assessed at their first level of competition each school year. Instructional areas for all other levels of competition will not be announced prior

TIP | Visit deca.org/ceinclassroom to find sample role-plays and case studies organized by instructional area. These can help introduce your competitors to sample role-plays and performance indicators.

DECA MONTH PLANNING

DECA Month is celebrated in November. The activities start the first day of the month so it’s important to get a jump start on planning! DECA Month allows members to share their passion for DECA and connect with other members. It’s also a great reason to engage current and potential members and recognize key stakeholders who support your DECA chapter. Check out DECA’s Chapter Campaigns to help guide your activities while earning recognition!

TIP | Each year, DECA posts a daily social media challenge on decadirect.org for members to engage with DECA Month.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• Virtual Business Challenge – Round 1

• School-based Enterprise Week and Certification Program

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share how your DECA chapter connects to your curriculum and instructional goals of your classes.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What components of DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program have you found are best for integrating into classroom instruction?

p Do you have an example of a DECA activity that has helped your members apply learning?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Show your mentee where the instructional areas have been announced on decadirect.org and explain how they connect to competitive events. Discuss performance indicator lists.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What is an instructional area?

p What is a performance indicator? Where can I find them?

p How can I use this information to help prepare my members for competition?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share your previous activities for DECA Month as well as pointers as to what worked and what needs improvement.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Where can I find information about DECA Month?

p How can chapter campaigns support DECA Month?

p Can I use DECA Month to support classroom learning?

p Is there any additional recognition by our association for participating in DECA Month?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Continue working on your program of leadership goals.

p Ask your association advisor about the competitive events process and how to qualify to attend your association career development conference.

p Plan participation in DECA’s Community Service Campaign.

ACTION ITEMS

USING BUSINESS PARTNERS IN YOUR CLASSROOM

Business professionals in your community can play a crucial role in the success of your chapter. They can provide insight into current industry trends as guest speakers in your classroom, help prepare members for competition by practicing role-play scenarios, provide guidance and support as partners with members for a written event and be resources for work-based learning, employment, internships, mentoring and much more!

COMPETITIVE EVENTS EXAM PREPARATION

DECA’s exams are rigorous, industry-validated, multiple-choice, 100item exams based on National Curriculum Standards. DECA currently uses seven exams for our competitive events. Each exam item represents a specific performance indicator from the respective national curriculum standards.

TIP | Exam blueprints that show the number of exam items by instructional area are included in the DECA Guide.

DECA MONTH + CHAPTER CAMPAIGNS

DECA offers five unique Chapter Campaigns that will help you grow your chapter and build lasting partnerships within your school and community. There are also great awards for DECA chapters that attain recognition through DECA’s Chapter Campaigns. These campaigns include: Membership, Promotion, Community Service, Ethical Leadership and Advocacy (takes place in February)

TIP | DECA provides a Chapter Campaigns Guidebook at deca.org/campaigns to help chapters navigate the process and connect the activities to National Curriculum Standards.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• Online Membership Initial Dues Deadline

• Global Entrepreneurship Week

• Giving Back – Community Service

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share a few examples of how you have used business partners in your classroom and to support your DECA chapter.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What successes and challenges have you encountered when working with business partners?

p How do you recognize your business partners?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Help your mentee connect each competitive event to its corresponding exam. Share strategies for preparation.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Do exams get more difficult at each level of competition?

p Where can I find additional exam preparation resources?

p What do I need to know about online testing?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share your experience with DECA’s Chapter Campaigns and brainstorm some ideas easy to implement for year one.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p If my chapter wants to participate in the Promotional Campaign and Community Service Campaign, what could we during November?

p What’s the value in participating in DECA’s Chapter Campaigns?

p How do I submit my Chapter Campaign submissions?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Celebrate DECA Month.

p Attend DECA’s educational or regional conferences.

p Continue training and practice for competitive events.

p Participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week.

NOVEMBER NOTES

COOL IDEAS

COOL IDEA

ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEM

TIMELINE

DECEMBER

TEACH CAREER READINESS TO YOUR MEMBERS

Preparing DECA members for careers is a key element of DECA’s mission. Help your members understand key career readiness skills such as professional etiquette, appropriate business attire, professional networking and conversations, ethical leadership, and how to prepare a cover letter, résumé and LinkedIn profile. In addition to promoting career readiness, all of these activities also promote preparation for scholarship application processes. DECA members can apply for scholarships in January.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS PREPARATION

While effective DECA advisors incorporate DECA’s competitive events into classroom instruction, many advisors and members spend time outside of class to study more in-depth and polish presentations. Provide your members with suggested assignments or study materials during the extended break and encourage them to continue preparing. Send members home with performance indicator lists, sample role-plays and sample exams during the break.

TIP | There are many resources at decadirect.org/compete to help your DECA members prepare for competition tips and tricks from fellow competitors, how to choose the right event and industry resources

BREATHE + GET READY FOR SECOND SEMESTER

Use December and your break to evaluate your first semester. Come up for air, and step back to see where you stand with your goals for this year. Review your chapter’s program of leadership with your leadership team. Consider where you may need to make adjustments in your teaching. The second semester is full of DECA excitement with the competitive events season coming full steam.

TIP | January is a busy month of deadlines! Take a look at the calendar so you’re aware and prepared for the upcoming month.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• DECA Scholarship Program

• Chapter Social Activity

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Provide examples of how you teach career readiness to your DECA members.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p How do you engage business professionals in this process?

p How can members apply for DECA scholarships?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share strategies for helping DECA members take their competition preparation up a notch.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What preparation activities could DECA members do on their own?

p What is your strategy for helping DECA members prepare outside of class? Do you have after-school preparation periods?

p If we are doing written events, what do we need to know about Penalty Points?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Explain how you recharge and rejuvenate after the first half of the year, and how you prepare for the second half.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p How do you evaluate your chapter’s program of leadership mid-year?

p What are the two or three major areas I should focus on during the start of the new calendar year?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

DECEMBER NOTES

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Begin working with your members to gather information to complete scholarship applications.

p Conduct a mid-year evaluation of your chapter’s progress.

p Plan and execute a chapter social activity.

p Touch base with your association advisor to determine registration procedures for your association’s career development conference.

COOL IDEAS

COOL IDEA

ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEM

TIMELINE

ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE PREPARATION

Using a travel opportunity as a learning activity allows you to demonstrate how it aligns with your curriculum. As you prepare to travel with DECA members, think through all aspects of student travel while also being prepared for that possible surprise! Develop an understanding of school policies for student travel, obtain appropriate permissions, and of course, organize all aspects of travel. When traveling, your members are representatives of your chapter, school, community and DECA.

TIP | Use a checklist of items to cover before, during and after the conference. Setting expectations and communicating them to your members, their parents and your administration is a proactive measure that can make for a remarkable educational experience for everyone.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS PREPARATION

After months of practice exams, sample role-plays, research and rewrites, your members have used their knowledge from your class to prepare to participate in competitive events. Almost ready to face competitors from schools across your chartered association, now is the time to perfect their presentation skills so they exert confidence, expertise and passion when presenting to the judges.

TIP | Schedule time with business professionals, your principal and counselors for your DECA members to practice their presentation skills. This also allows members to showcase your program to these groups

SECOND SEMESTER MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT

If students have joined your classes this semester, encourage them to become DECA members. The power of DECA membership is that it can be unique to each member.

TIP | The eligibility deadline for ICDC competitors at deca.org/register is February 15, but chartered associations may have earlier deadlines. Review your roster to double-check that it includes all your members

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• Virtual Business Challenge – Round 2

• DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award

• DECA Scholarship Program

• Competitive Events Conferences

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share the processes and tips and tricks for registering for registering and preparing for your association conference.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What are the rules and regulations of our association conference?

p What processes do I need to be aware of for competitive events registration?

p What guidance and best practices do you have for a novice advisor traveling with students?

p What responsibilities are there of DECA advisors at our association conference?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Explain how your chapter prepares its competitors during the final countdown before your association conference.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What are presentation guidelines for role-play events?

p What are presentation guidelines for prepared events thoughts on technology vs. no technology?

p What is the dress code for presenting in front of a judge at the association conference?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Explain how you recruit members in the second semester.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What can members joining second semester get out of their experience?

p When is our association’s deadline?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Ask business professionals to help your members prepare for competitive events.

p Log in to the online membership system and submit members’ names by your association’s deadline.

p Make plans to attend your association’s career development conference.

p Participate in DECA’s online events and activities.

p Polish and submit student scholarship applications.

p Recruit members who have joined your class during the second semester.

p Submit DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award applications.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH®

Career and Technical Education Month® is a great opportunity to advocate for your program. Let important decision makers know about the impact DECA makes in your community, school and lives of your members. CTE Month is also a time to participate in DECA’s Advocacy Campaign!

TIP | CTE Month® efforts are spearheaded by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Learn more and access resources at ctemonth.org. You can also access CTSO information at ctsos.org.

PROMOTE YOUR PROGRAM: RECRUIT FOR NEXT YEAR

It’s true: the school year isn’t nearly over. However, as counselors begin enrolling students in courses for the upcoming year, it’s a good time to enlist your current DECA members to help with recruitment strategies to build your program and DECA chapter. This is a prime promotional opportunity to explain the benefits of your courses and DECA to your counselors and prospective students. Develop strategies to recruit students who aspire to achieve success.

FOCUS ON THE VICTORY

With association conferences happening in February and March, this is the time to focus on last-minute preparation for a competitive events victory.

TIP | DECA members must be on a paid roster to participate in DECA’s Competitive Events Program. Be aware of your association’s deadlines to ensure your members’ eligibility.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Survey

• Advocacy Campaign

• Alumni Week

• Competitive Events Conferences

• ICDC Registration Process

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share how you bring visibility to your program and demonstrate the value of CTSOs.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Which stakeholders do you target most during CTE Month?

p How do you incorporate CTE Month into an already busy February for DECA?

p How do we participate in DECA’s Advocacy Campaign?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Explain the importance of recruiting students for your program, rather than just recruiting students for DECA from those who sign up for your program.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What are methods for building a brand for a program and DECA chapter that connects with students?

p What are some effective recruitment strategies?

p How can upperclassmen help recruit?

p How do you promote DECA to your counselors?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Explain last-minute competition preparation strategies.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p How do you motivate your members to prepare, prepare, prepare and get to the next level?

p What are strategies for competition preparation while on-site at the conference?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

COOL IDEAS

COOL IDEA

ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEM

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Celebrate Career and Technical Education Month.

p Participate in DECA’s Advocacy Campaign.

p Promote DECA for next year’s class registration.

p Verify that all DECA members are on a paid roster.

TIMELINE

MARCH

ADVISOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Increase your power as a DECA advisor by planning your participation in DECA’s Advisor Professional Learning Series. DECA provides a variety of e-learning and in-person professional learning opportunities that focus on student-centered learning using DECA’s comprehensive learning programs and chapter strategy. Explore local and association-level professional development opportunities between now and the start of the school year to create a plan.

TIP | Check with your administration to see if there is any financial support for teacher professional development.

NEW ROLE-PLAYS AND EXAMS AT DECA.ORG

Each March, the district-level role-plays and exams are posted as samples at deca.org. These are great resources for your competitors to review while preparing for future competition. In addition, they are available to integrate into your classroom instructional and add to your resource bank for DECA preparation.

TIP | Learn how to integrate role-plays and case studies in the classroom and access a library of samples at deca.org/ceinclassroom.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS FRAMEWORK

Now that you’ve had an opportunity to familiarize yourself with DECA’s Competitive Events Program, take a few moments to learn about its connection to curriculum and its framework. Check out pages 36-37 in the DECA Guide.

TIP | Learn more about National Curriculum Standards at mbaresearch.org under Teaching Resources and BA Standards.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• Competitive Events Conferences

• ICDC Registration Process (continued)

• DECA Advisor Scholarships

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Explain your personal DECA advisor professional development strategy. Share how serving as an event assistant at an association conference can be a meaningful professional development opportunity.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Where do you find the best professional development for DECA?

p What professional development opportunities are there locally and within our association?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share how you use these newly released roleplays and exams as part of your DECA preparation and in the classroom.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Where do you find the best professional development for DECA?

p What professional development opportunities are available locally and within our association?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Review this information with your mentee, and explain how it relates to your association’s standards and curriculum.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What does it mean that National Curriculum Standards and performance indicators are industryvalidated?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Make plans now to attend advisor professional learning activities in the summer by submitting requests, securing funding and applying for scholarships.

p Continue preparing to attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference by arranging travel, raising funds and ensuring competitors have official DECA blazers.

APRIL

CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

The DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is the culmination of the DECA year. More than 20,000 high school students, teacher-advisors, business professionals and alumni gather for several days of DECA excitement. Whether or not your chapter attends, support your association’s delegation.

TIP | Experience the excitement of DECA ICDC by engaging on social media using the official hashtag: #DECAICDC.

ICDC COMPETITIVE EVENTS PREPARATION

If your members qualified to compete at ICDC, congratulations! As the competition becomes fiercer, help your members be as prepared as possible. Push them to perfect their presentations and test-taking strategies and broaden their knowledge and skills. Encourage them to reflect on their performance at your association conference and continue to practice and improve each day between now and ICDC.

TIP | Access articles about preparing for ICDC competition at decadirect.org, and check deca.org/icdc regularly for information.

ELEVATE YOUR CHAPTER LEADERS

Many chapters select their chapter leaders for the upcoming year before summer begins. Start by assessing your chapter’s performance and considering enhancements to your chapter’s strategy. DECA’s Elevate modules are designed to showcase the core elements of a high-performing DECA chapter and provide the framework and resources to develop a chapter in a business-like context, helping members apply learning.

TIP | Learn more about mission-based chapter leadership positions and access additional resources at deca.org/elevate.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share your favorite ICDC experience, and share how you involve your DECA members who didn’t qualify.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p How can I help my members understand the educational value of participating in ICDC?

p What opportunities are available for DECA advisors at ICDC?

p What association activities take place at ICDC?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Explain the process of competitive events (specific to your mentee’s qualifiers) at ICDC.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p How is the process for competitive events at ICDC different than and the same as our association conference?

p What travel tips should I be aware of for ICDC?

p What is the ICDC dress code?

p What responsibilities are there of DECA advisors at ICDC?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Engage in a conversation reflecting on the successes and opportunities of the mentee’s chapter officer team this year.

^ MENTEE | Based on your success and opportunities this year, ask your mentor for feedback on how you might modify your selection process, change officer positions and/or roles and responsibilities, or guide your chapter’s program of leadership differently.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference, including the Advisor Professional Learning Series.

p Celebrate success from ICDC.

p Thank sponsors and mentors for their contributions to your members who attended ICDC.

COOL IDEAS

COOL IDEA

ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEM TIMELINE

MAY

CELEBRATE SUCCESS

Recognize outstanding achievements of your members by holding a year-end celebratory event. Celebrate your outgoing leaders and congratulate your student leaders selected to serve the upcoming year. Make a “pride points” list of all the accomplishments of your members and chapter. Try to use quantitative data that includes measurable figures. Share it with your students and their parents, your administration, counselors, school board and the media. Post it in your classroom for all to be proud!

USING INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN EVENTS IN THE CLASSROOM

DECA’s Integrated Marketing Campaign Events are prepared competitive events that make a perfect introduction to written events because they only allow a maximum of 10 pages and can easily be integrated into a unit on integrated marketing. Dive into these events now to consider how you can integrate them into your instruction during the upcoming school year.

TIP | DECA provides a resource guide at deca.org/resources to help DECA advisors use these events in the classroom.

GAINING SUPPORT

This is the time to shine by sharing measurable figures about your members’ achievements to key stakeholders. Show how your program supports your school’s overall mission. Make a list of all of those that have helped you this year – business partners, judges, counselors, administrators, parents, fellow teachers. Recognize them whether it’s with a gift, thank you note or banquet. You can never say thank you enough.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• Put DECA dates on your school calendar as soon as you can

• Encourage graduating seniors to explore Collegiate DECA

• End of year suggested activities

• Closing your School-based enterprise for year-end

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share your chapter’s way of celebrating a successful DECA year.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What are some ideas for year-end celebratory events?

p What recognition do you provide for graduating senior DECA members?

p If you’re hosting an event, what guests should you invite?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Discuss the Integrated Marketing Campaign Events guidelines.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p What strategies have you found successful for managing these events as a class project?

p How can I engage business professionals in these events?

p If I make this a class project, how do I decide who gets to enter the events in DECA competition?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Share effective methods for gaining support from a variety of stakeholders within the school and beyond the school.

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Is it okay to promote your program and DECA chapter?

p Why is it important to gain support of your program?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Conduct an annual evaluation of your DECA chapter with your chapter leadership team.

p Encourage graduating DECA members to explore Collegiate DECA.

p Recognize business and community partners.

p Recognize members’ contributions and achievements.

p Download DECA transcripts for ICDC competitors.

p Select new chapter leadership team members.

COOL IDEA

JUNE

REFLECT ON YOUR YEAR

One great element of teaching is that each year you get a fresh start with a new group of students, new challenges and new opportunities. However, to grow and perfect, you have to reflect on lessons learned and successes experienced so you can enhance your teaching going forward. Areas of reflection may include classroom management, organization, curriculum and instruction, evaluation, how to integrate DECA, working relationships with students, parents and colleagues, what caused stress and what caused inspiration, and what you consider your greatest accomplishments.

REVISIT YOUR PHILOSOPHY

Refer to your philosophy developed at the beginning of the year. Has it changed? Does it reflect your beliefs about the importance of teaching and learning after year one? Does your philosophy of teaching still allow you to easily articulate your beliefs and expectations for learning to others? Does it reflect your current thoughts on DECA? Take this moment to think through your philosophy, and revise it as necessary. Your philosophy will no doubt be a living document as you continue to learn and grow as a DECA advisor and teacher.

SET GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

After your reflections and now with this year behind you, identify areas that will be of importance during the upcoming academic year. Those areas may be completely different from the areas you focused on this year, or they may be revisiting a select few to enhance or improve upon them. Make sure you have a balance of goals for your teaching and instruction, your DECA chapter and yourself as a professional.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

• Chapter leadership training

• Suggested activities for summer months

• Summer advisor professional learning

• Association-specific Topics/Activities

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What would you consider your biggest successes?

p What would you consider your biggest opportunities?

p What are your initial thoughts for next year?

p How could I have been of more assistance?

^ MENTEE | Share your initial thoughts with your mentor. Questions to ask:

p What do you think are some of my successes?

p Where do you think I could improve next year?

p What suggestions do you have for me?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p How has your philosophy changed and/or remained the same this year?

p How will this reflection inform or influence your upcoming year?

p What was the most valuable lesson you learned this year?

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p How has your philosophy changed and/or remained the same from when you started teaching?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p In addition to goals for next year, what are some midterm and long-term goals?

^ MENTEE | Questions to ask:

p Are there any other goals I should prioritize for the upcoming year?

p What goals do you think are most important for the upcoming year?

DISCUSSION TOPICS

^ MENTOR | Questions to ask:

p What other challenges are you having?

p What successes have you experienced?

p What’s your progress on your personal plan?

^ MENTEE | Question to ask:

p What should I know that I may not know to ask?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

p Schedule a meeting with your outgoing and incoming chapter leadership teams for a training and transition session.

p Send an end-of-year report and pride points to faculty, counselors, administrators and business partners.

p Train new chapter leadership team members.

COOL IDEAS

COOL IDEA

ACTION ITEMS

QUICK LINKS

DECA Classroom Hub

§ deca.org/classroom

DECA Advisor Resource Center

§ deca.org/resources

DECA Brand Strategy Center

§ deca.org/brand

DECA Online Membership System

§ deca.org/register

DECA Direct Online

§ decadirect.org

DECA Competitive Events

§ deca.org/compete

DECA Role-Plays and Case Studies in the Classroom

§ deca.org/ceinclassroom

DECA Chapter Strategy

§ deca.org/elevate

Shop DECA

§ shopdeca.org