Melissa Burghardt Participates in Great American Teach-In at Douglas J. Jamerson Elementary School
Melissa Burghardt joined the 2nd and 4th grade classes at Douglas J. Jamerson Elementary School in St. Petersburg, Florida on November 15 to share about her experience as an attorney.
Melissa prepared a presentation for the students that defined the responsibilities of a lawyer, outlined the process of becoming an attorney and even talked about several famous lawyers that the students may have recognized, and some they may not.
At the end of the presentation, Melissa engaged the students in a learning exercise by showing them a law—a sign prohibiting vehicles in the park—and asking them how they would revise the law to better reflect the intent of the people who created it.
The students enjoyed the presentation and had many questions for Melissa. The 2nd graders wanted to know whether law students were allowed to take breaks during the two-day bar exam, while the 4thgraders were shocked by the amount of schooling required to become an attorney.
The Great American Teach-In provides an opportunity for parents and members of the community to come in and speak with students about their occupations, hobbies, or areas of interest. This year, the Great American Teach-In was observed on November 15 in Pinellas and Pasco County Schools and November 16 in Hillsborough and Sarasota County Schools.
Melissa M. Burghardt