No matter how big or small a job may seem, every student needs to have one to be included in the classroom economy.
No matter how many students you have in the class, these are the vital jobs to help a classroom economy run smoothly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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When you run a classroom store, this job is extremely helpful.
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.
This role is similar to the Desk Patrol, but focuses on a broader view of the classroom.
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.
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.
During “Starbucks Mode” or group work times, we will have music playing from the TV.
Here are some jobs you can break apart or double up on!
Another job…that isn’t necessarily a paid role, is this:
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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