JA BizTown Educator Resources

You’re Registered! Now What?

We’re excited to welcome you and your students to JA BizTown!

Your JA BizTown experience starts in the classroom. This page has everything you need to prepare for Simulation Day, including teacher training, curriculum resources, student preparation, volunteer information, and important reminders.

Bookmark this page and check back often as your simulation date approaches!

Teacher Trainings

Sign Up for Training Options

Kickoff Call
Best for returning teachers, but helpful for new teachers, too. The meeting link was included in your welcome email sent in early September. Contact your Site Manager if you need a recording.

September 24 | 3:30–4:00 p.m.

Open House — New This Year!
Stop by your JA BizTown location to tour the facility, meet JA staff and other educators, and pick up your materials. All educators who attend will be entered into raffles and eligible to win other fun prizes!

• Portland: October 15 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.

• Hillsboro: October 22 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Virtual Teacher Trainings
Virtual trainings will be held on Zoom and recorded. The meeting link will be sent a few weeks before each training. Contact your Site Manager if you cannot attend and need a recording.

• October 1 | 3:30–5:00 p.m.

• January 14 | 3:30–5:00 p.m.

• March 11 | 3:30–5:00 p.m.

Prepare Your Students

JA BizTown begins in your classroom! The lessons students complete before their visit are an important part of preparing them for Simulation Day.

Use your JA BizTown resources to:

• Access your digital teacher curriculum and locate your printed teacher binder.

• Distribute student workbooks and money trackers. These materials are consumable.

• Complete the required JA BizTown lessons.

• Assign student jobs using the updated job assignment sheet provided by your Site Manager.

• Complete all pages of the BizPrep packet.

• Complete student money trackers, including names, account numbers, first paycheck deposits, cash back amounts, $1.50 savings transfers, and current balances.

• Place completed money trackers and BizPrep packets in manila envelopes labeled with the business name.

• Create student name tags.

• Bring copies of Guardian Consent Forms.

• Return any unused student materials.

• Review the Simulation Day schedule and expectations with your students located in the visit tab of your teacher binder.

What Should Students Bring?

Students only need to bring:

• Lunch

• Water bottle

• No backpacks are needed.

• Dress: Business casual is recommended. Students may dress to match their assigned role, but this is optional. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.

Volunteers Make JA BizTown Possible

Each JA BizTown simulation requires 23–38 volunteers to help students successfully operate their businesses.

Volunteers serve as business coaches, working with small groups of students throughout the simulation. No business expertise is required—JA provides the training and resources volunteers need.

Start Recruiting Early!

Need help recruiting volunteers? Contact your JA Site Manager at least 60 days before your simulation date so we can help you plan for a successful Simulation Day.