For Coordinators

You must receive an invitation to access these resources. Make a request by emailing judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov

View Requests

This binder was prepared by the outreach team at Butte County Superior Court. It contains print versions of the resources posted on this website. Volunteers and coordinators may choose to print the binder in its entirety, or parts of it to create their own binder of resources to grab, copy, and go!

New! The following videos demonstrate how to access and use the Judges in the Classroom "View Requests" and "Volunteer" dashboards. In under 15 minutes, you can learn how this resource is meant to make your job easier. You do need access as it is password-protected. Request by emailing judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov.

Volunteer Roster (3 min)

Learn how to access the roster of judges from your court volunteering for visits. Also, see how designated court staff are notified when new volunteers register.

Requests Dashboard (5:42 min)

Here is where coordinators will find all requests. Tabs across the top are available for every county that has a named coordinator. PLEASE update your workflow status as matches are made. This video shows you how.

To name a coordinator and gain access to this resource, email judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov

Notifications (1:46 min)

Every time a request is submitted or a volunteer registers in your county, the coordinator from the court will be notified. Here's how.

To name a coordinator and gain access to this resource, email judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov

Share this Registration Link with Judges

Six Steps to Success:

Onboard Volunteers

Invite Your Bench to Join the program (see template text below, registration link above). When they join, their name is added to the statewide portal of volunteers.
Share the Judges in the Classroom program website with court staff so they're familiar with the program. This is the public program site.
Invite all court staff to share the website with teachers in your community.

Sample Template E-Mail for Recruiting Judges

Hello:

Judges and teachers alike are celebrating the success of California's Judges in the Classroom program.

Our county is beginning to see requests from local teachers K-12. If you have time in your schedule, think about volunteering this year.

If you have an hour or two to spend with a classroom, sign-up and you'll receive more information, including a link to a volunteer community website containing grab-and-go lessons with talking points and optional scripts for presenting.

I look forward to our court doing what we can to help teachers in our community this school-year.

E-mail Message to Welcome New JUDGES

Judge ___________,

Thank you for volunteering for Judges in the Classroom. You are now a part of our court's JIC directory of bench volunteers. As requests come in, I will be contacting volunteers and coordinating matches.

I encourage you to view materials posted here: https://sites.google.com/view/judges-in-the-classroom
The site contains lessons with talking points, tips, and other materials to help prepare your visit once a match has been made.

If you'd like to assist with getting the word out, please send information to any teachers or schools in your immediate community. Please invite them to participate by sending them this link:
http://www.judgesintheclassroom.org

Thank you for your participation,

2. Connect with Schools

Every court should have established connections with local schools as part of their community outreach function. Also, don't forget to reach out to:

Teachers who bring students to your court for tours
Schools or educators involved with collaborative court programs, Mock Trial programs, etc.
Use your social media accounts to get the word out!

E-Mail Inviting Educators to the Program

Hello:

I'd like to share with you this exciting opportunity to connect your classroom(s) with California's Judges in the Classroom program. In its first year, more than 200 classrooms hosted visits for lessons from judges on civics.

You may get started by asking a judge to visit your classroom virtually or in-person. There are also opportunities to invite a judge to speak to your students about careers in law and pathways to the bench. Learn all about it here at http://www.judgesintheclassroom.org

Lessons are available in Spanish and Mandarin. If you have special needs, let us know.

If you have any questions, please e-mail _____________.

3. Collect Forms

When a teacher or a judge submits a form, it is sent to the court coordinator for that county. Judicial Council support staff are copied.

Use the buttons at the top of this page to view volunteers and requests. Please note where you are in the matching process so Council staff can offer assistance, where needed. This table also helps staff prepare reports about the program. These reports are shared with court leaders and the California Department of Education.

E-Mail to Teacher (once they’ve submitted a request)

Hello _________:

We received your request for a Judges in the Classroom visit. I’m reviewing your request and will let you know if I have any questions.

Once a match is confirmed, I will send a message connecting you with the judge volunteering for the visit. The two of you will need to talk/meet briefly to discuss the needs of your class.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to change your request, please refer to your confirmation email or you may email me directly.

Thank you, again.

4. Make Your Match

E-Mail to Judge and Teacher (when a match is made)

Hello:

Great news, we have a match!

Below you’ll find details about the request. [PASTE DETAILS]

[Insert teacher's name], please suggest a few openings in your schedule to meet with [Insert judge's name]. The meeting may be held via telephone. If this visit is virtual, meeting on the classroom's platform is best.

Please be sure to copy me on your communication so I may keep track, and assist where needed.

Thank you,

5. Prepare Judge for the Visit

Follow the communication between the volunteer and teacher. If the visit is in-person, the volunteer may need copies made of handouts. If it is remote, help them test their camera and mic beforehand. If the judge is using a laptop with a camera, help them set it up in their courtroom. Kids like to see what the view from the bench looks like!

6. Gather Feedback

Feedback is important! Be sure to share feedback forms with all parties:

For Teachers | For Students | For Judges

CONTACTS:

The following counties have officially adopted Judges in the Classroom as part of their ongoing community outreach operations. If your court would like to do the same, contact: judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov, or 415-865-4546. Council staff will provide information on how to make matches, outreach to schools, and onboard volunteers.