Common Questions

Who can apply for a Speakers in the Schools program?

How can a Speakers lecture be used in my school?
Does it cost anything to apply?
How long are the lectures?
Can I ask the Speaker to change his or her presentation for my needs?
How do I know if the lecture is appropriate for my students?
How can I prepare my students for the lecture?
How is the Speaker paid?
When are applications due?
When will I find out if my request has been approved?
What happens after my lecture is approved?
Can I apply for more than one lecture at a time?
Is there a limit to the number of Speakers in the Schools lectures that I may host?
What are my responsibilities as the Lecture Coordinator?
How should I introduce the Speaker?
May a fee be charged for the Speaker program?
What if I need to cancel or reschedule an event?
What are my responsibilities after the event ?
Can I invite community members and parents to the lecture?

Who can apply for a Speakers in the Schools program?
Any teacher or administrator from a New York State public or private high school may apply to host a Speakers in the Schools lecture. Parochial and other religious schools are considered private schools by the Council and are also eligible.

How can a Speakers lecture be used in my school?

Speakers can receive only one (1) honorarium per day for Speakers in the Schools bookings.  Speakers typically receive their honorarium for a 90-minute lecture, including time for Q&A.

To make the most of your Speakers in the Schools event, try to utilize the time of the Speaker to the fullest.  The Speakers in the Schools program can be used in various formats including: classroom, assembly, after-school club meetings, school wide/community events, and teachers’ professional development.  To maximize your Speaker’s time, consider combining two-40 minute class sessions for one speaking engagement, or coordinating a school assembly to gather a larger audience for a longer amount of time. 

It is very important to have clear lecture guidelines and timeframes established with your Speaker before applying to host a lecture.  You should also follow up with the Speaker prior to the event to be sure you both understand the parameters of the program.

Other formats may be acceptable as well. If you would like to use another format please contact the Council at sischools@nyhumanities. org or (212) 233-1131. Please note that a Speaker can only present one lecture per visit to a host school.

Does it cost anything to apply?
No. If your application is accepted, the Council covers the Speaker’s honorarium and travel expenses.

How long are the lectures?
Speakers programs, including the lecture, arranged discussion or Q&A period, last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the time available for the presentation. Speakers can tailor their presentation length so please discuss your needs with the Speaker when booking your lecture.

Can I ask the Speaker to change his or her presentation for my needs?
Generally Speaker’s lectures are set, but often they are willing to make minor adjustments to their presentations to address particular topics or issues you feel are important to your group. This should be discussed with the Speaker when you are booking your lecture.

How do I know if the lecture is appropriate for my students or school group?
All of the Speakers in the Schools lecturers are self-selected from our larger pool of Speakers in the Humanities lecturers. This means they have expressed an interest in working with a school audience, although some may have more experience with high school students than others. Please share anything you would like the Speaker to know about your school group ahead of time.

How can I prepare high school students for a lecture presentation?
Visit our Planning Tips for suggestions on how to prepare students for the lecture, as well as follow-up ideas.

How is the Speaker paid?
All Speakers are paid directly by the Council.

When are applications due?
The Council must receive applications for Speakers in the Schools lectures at least five (5) weeks prior to the date of your proposed lecture.

When will I find out if my request has been approved?
You and your requested Speaker will receive a response from the Council advising you of the status of your request within three (3) weeks of the Council’s receipt of your application.

What happens after my lecture is approved?
Confirmation of your request by either email or letter will be sent to both you and your requested Speaker. At this time, you should contact the Speaker to confirm arrangements, including any necessary travel assistance.

Can I apply for more than one lecture at a time?
No. An individual Lecture Coordinator may only apply for one lecture at a time.

Is there a limit to the number of Speakers in the Schools lectures that I may host?
Yes. An individual Lecture Coordinator may host up to three (3) lectures per academic year. However, there is no limit on the number of lectures hosted by a school.

What are my responsibilities as the Lecture Coordinator?
As the Lecture Coordinator you are responsible for:

• Providing a suitable space for the lecture (classroom, lecture hall, auditorium, etc.).
• Furnishing any equipment agreed upon in advance with the Speaker, including media equipment.
• Informing your Speaker about the exact nature of his or her audience, and discussing the format and time allotted for the presentation.
• Assisting the Speaker with local travel arrangements, if necessary.
• Providing check-in procedure information and notifying appropriate school staff of the Speaker’s arrival.
• Introducing the Speaker and crediting The New York Council for the Humanities for support and funding of the Speakers in the Schools program.
• Returning your Lecture Coordinator Evaluation within three (3) weeks of the presentation.

How should I introduce the Speaker?
Brief biographical information about each Speaker is available on the Speaker's Directory so that you can say a few words of introduction. You must also credit Council funding in your announcement. Standard language for this credit is “This event was made possible through the New York Council for the Humanities’ Speakers in the Schools program.” In addition, if you prepare any printed materials about the lecture such as flyers, the same credit should be used in written form.

May a fee be charged for the event?
No.  A fee may not be charged for a Speakers in the Schools program, nor may it be used for any type of fundraising activity.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule an event?
In the event of cancellation or rescheduling, it is your responsibility to contact both the Council and the Speaker immediately, in writing. Please include the reason for the cancellation and any plans you have to reschedule the program.

What are my responsibilities after the event?
You are required to complete and return the Lecture Coordinator Evaluation within three (3) weeks after the event has taken place. We also welcome your students’ comments. .

Can I invite community members and parents to the lecture?
Speakers in the Schools lectures are intended primarily for school audiences but may be attended by members of your greater school community: administrators, fellow teachers, students and family members. They are not, however, open to the public. If you have questions about whether a planned lecture falls within these guidelines, please call (212) 233-1131, ext. 23.