No matter how big or small a job may seem, every student needs to have one to be included in the classroom economy.
The Essential Jobs
No matter how many students you have in the class, these are the vital jobs to help a classroom economy run smoothly.
1. Banker
This person runs the class bank. They need to be a trusted individual because they will have access to everyone’s money. I made students get a letter of recommendation from a grownup (parent, teacher, coach, etc.) in addition to their job application. This is the only job that required one.
2. Teacher’s Assistant
This student is the one that I have pass out and collect papers. They assist me in any small tasks I need completed.
Additionally, if I have a planned absence, the teacher’s assistant with help the substitute teacher. Whether it’s finding certain papers, questions about procedures, the TA will get the job done.
3. Messenger
This is a COVETED job because this student gets to run the errands outside the classroom. Left papers on the copier? Messenger gets them. Need extra whiteboard markers from the office? Messenger gets them.
4. Bracket Leader
This job is in reference to the bell ringer attendance brackets I do! At the start of every class, this student conducts the daily vote and records the votes for each item.
5. Attendance Monitor
This is different than the attendance bracket leader. The role this person has is informally taking attendance at the start of class.
On the side of my desk, I have rosters for each class in a dry erase sleeve. The attendance monitor will put a check mark for “present” and “T” for tardy. Absent students are left blank.
The "Nice to Have" Jobs
6. Secretary
- Keeps records and takes notes as needed (example: points for a game, etc.)
- Tracks special occasions and records them on the board (i.e. birthdays, holidays, events, etc)
7. Technology Assistant
- Helps with the check out and check in of classroom Chromebooks
- Inspect Chromebooks for damage when they are returned
- Same goes with the Chromebook chargers
- If needed, I break this job into two jobs:
- For check out: One will keep track of who obtains which Chromebook, while the other passes them out.
- For check in: One will inspect for damage, while the other plug them into the Chromebook cart.
8. Desk Patrol
- This person patrols the classroom to check desks and space around desks
- Relays citations to the banker for people who have trash in their desk or left a mess
9. Supply Manager
- Make sure supply area is neat and organized
- Keep track of supplies and request more if necessary
- Pass out supplies when needed
10. Merchant
When you run a classroom store, this job is extremely helpful.
- Runs class store on designated days
- Keeps track of store inventory & purchases
- Works with Banker to insure deductions are made
11. Substitute
- Completes the job of any student who is absent
- Must have good attendance
- If needed, I will have up to three students per class period in this role.
12. Pencil Manager
- Keep track of who rents the pencils and make sure they return them at the end of class
- Sharpens the rental pencils
- Dump out pencil shavings from the pencil sharpeners
13. Banker’s Assistant
The banker role can be overwhelming with it’s many tasks. I like to help them divide the roles by having the assistant be in charge of paper records and the banker do the online transactions.
Typically, if I have more than one student apply for the banker role, one becomes the banker’s assistant.
The "Use as Needed" Roles
14. Secretary
- Keeps records and takes notes as needed (example: points for a game, etc.)
- Jots down the gist of each day ( later used to support students who are absent)
- Tracks special occasions that students have added to the class calendar
15. Absentee Helper
- Keeps the “Absent Work” section up to date
- When absent students return, works with the secretary to fill the previously absent student in on what happened
- Good attendance is helpful
16. Classroom Inspector
This role is similar to the Desk Patrol, but focuses on a broader view of the classroom.
- Makes sure the desks are in the correct location and chairs are tucked in
- Clears whiteboards when needed
- Organizes the Turn-in Tower
17. Custodian
- Wipes down a set of desks per day or week
- Dusts counters and visible surfaces
- Makes sure students throw away or recycle properly
18. Property Manager
In my classroom economy, students rent their desks and pay utilities. Students can opt to buy their desk, instead of rent. The property manager will broker the deal and issue a “house deed”.
When students buy another students desk (can only happen after they buy their own desk), the property manager keeps track of it in a given ledger.
The "Yikes, I Need More" Jobs
Typically, these jobs are paid about 10% less in my classroom economy. They are not as time consuming or intense as others, meaning I compensate them less unless they petition and prove the need or desire for a raise.
19. Brain Break Leader
- Choose the brain break of the day (or as needed)
- Must be willing to stand in front of the class to help with any demonstrations of the brain break
20. Merchant’s Assistant
- Helps the Merchant on shop days
21. Light Manager
- Turns light on and off for videos, “Starbucks Mode”, or when needed
- For the last class of the day, turn off the string lights at the end of the class period.
22. Classroom DJ
- Make a playlist of songs for work time in class (no explicit lyrics)
- Take recommendations once every two weeks from students and compile a list
During “Starbucks Mode” or group work times, we will have music playing from the TV.
23. Window Manager
- Opens and closes windows and blinds as needed
- For the last class of the day, make sure all the windows are closed and blinds are pulled down at the end of the period
24. Chair Manager
- For the first class, takes all the remaining chairs off the desks at the end of the period.
- For the last class, make sure all the chairs get put up at the end of the period.
If you need even more...
Here are some jobs you can break apart or double up on!
- Technology Assistant
- Substitute
- You could even expand the roles and do specifics for the Essential Jobs: Banker Substitute, Attendance Monitor Substitute, etc.
- Custodian
Another job…that isn’t necessarily a paid role, is this:
25. Entrepreneur
I have had students come up with fabulous ideas for classroom businesses. Disclaimer: All transactions were made using the classroom currency, not real money.
I’ve had kids sell pencils, stickers, candy, art or drawings, etc.
All together, that can give you up to 32 – 35 jobs!
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