The Long-Term Rewards of a Guest Speaker Series

Bringing real-world experiences into the high school classroom can be a game changer for students. A well-organized guest speaker series can inspire, motivate, and provide networking opportunities that extend beyond high school. By creating a structured program, educators can connect students with accomplished professionals across various fields, offering valuable insights into career pathways and leadership.

If you’re interested in starting a speaker series at your school, here’s a step-by-step guide based on my experience launching and running a similar program.

Garner Teacher Input and Buy-In

A successful speaker series requires collaboration and support from other high school faculty members. Meet with teachers early in the planning process to brainstorm potential speakers, discuss how the series can complement their curriculum, and address any logistical concerns. Getting teachers involved ensures that sessions are relevant and well-attended.

When we started our speaker series, I spent time with each department, asking what insights their students needed and how bringing in different speakers could support their classes. Teachers provided valuable input and speaker suggestions, and these conversations also gave me a chance to sell the program to them and get buy-in. As our program started to grow and develop a reputation, we even had students begin to suggest potential speakers!

For example, our business teacher expressed interest in speakers who could provide real-world insights for her entrepreneurship class. This led us to make connections to our local entrepreneurs’ center, hear from real business owners, set up a number of internships, and even gain access to a scholarship for students to start their own business.

Identify Your Goals and Vision

Before reaching out to speakers, define what you want students to gain from the series. Are you focusing on career exploration, leadership development, or industry-specific insights? Establishing a clear mission will guide your speaker selection and program structure, ensuring meaningful learning experiences for students.

You don’t have to have everything figured out from the start, but being able to share a vision with potential speakers helps them tailor their message to your students’ needs.

Build a List of Potential Speakers and Reach Out

Start by brainstorming professionals who could share valuable insights. Tap into your school’s alumni network, parent community, and local business leaders. I personally reached out to over 100 professionals, from true crime podcast hosts to musicians, sending personalized invitations to ensure an engaging and diverse lineup.

Don’t be afraid to ask! It’s surprising how many people are willing to share their time and expertise with students. While I had a few personal connections, most of my outreach consisted of cold emails. I introduced the program, asked for an hour of their time, and invited them to speak about their careers and leadership experiences.

One of the most exciting responses came from a federal judge who lives in our district. He was incredibly generous with his time, sharing his academic and professional journey, as well as his judicial appointment process, and gave students an inside look at the legal system. The ability to network with him even provided some of our aspiring law students with internship opportunities.

Plan the Logistics

Consider the format and structure of your speaker series. Will sessions be held during class periods, during lunch hours, or after school? Will they be in person, virtual, or a mix of both? Scheduling sessions during the school day can maximize student participation.

It’s also crucial to coordinate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to secure a venue, manage schedules, and ensure smooth execution. We scheduled our speaker series during our hourlong open lunch period, but I know most schools don’t have that kind of built-in time. You may need to be creative with your scheduling and available spaces.

Promote the Program

A speaker series is only successful if students show up and engage. Use multiple communication channels like morning announcements, flyers, school emails, and social media to generate excitement. Work with teachers to integrate sessions into class discussions so that students see the relevance to their coursework.

Direct teacher endorsements and word of mouth can significantly boost student turnout, so having faculty on board is crucial.

Make It Interactive

Encourage students to ask questions and engage with speakers beyond just listening. Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and small group conversations make sessions more dynamic. Providing students with background information on each speaker beforehand can help them come prepared with thoughtful questions.

We scheduled each session for an hour, with speakers presenting for about 30 minutes. That left 15 minutes for Q&A and 15 minutes for informal meet-and-greet time. Most sessions ran right up until the bell, with students asking thoughtful, pertinent questions. I never felt the need to screen questions ahead of time, though it might be something you should consider as you gauge your audience and speakers. I always had a few questions prepared ahead of time in case I needed to get the conversation going.

Follow Up and Build Connections

After each event, have students reflect on what they learned and how it applies to their interests. Encourage them to connect with speakers on LinkedIn or follow up with emails if appropriate. Some students in our program have secured summer internships and gained valuable mentorships through these connections.

Speakers often have networks of their own. For example, after one of our corporate leadership speakers visited, they introduced us to another CEO from a well-known food brand, who then agreed to speak with our students. That perspective alone expanded our program’s reach and gave our students additional perspectives of leadership and business growth.

Show Appreciation

Building long-term relationships with speakers is key to sustaining the program. Send thank-you emails or handwritten notes, highlight speakers on school social media, and invite them to future school events. Recognizing their contributions makes them more likely to return or recommend other professionals for your series.

Launching a speaker series takes effort, but the payoff is invaluable. Students gain career insights, networking experience, and a broader perspective on their future possibilities. If your goal is to connect students with real-world opportunities, a guest speaker series is a powerful way to make learning meaningful and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Just remember, it doesn’t need to be completely planned and structured at first. It will grow as you move through the school year. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get the ball rolling.