Hello, I do snake presentations for the Salem Public School system here in Massachusetts. My daughter is going into 3rd grade this year and I've done it for the past 4 years. I've had great responses. I originally just did my daughters kindergarten class and the kids and the science teacher enjoyed it so much she asked if I could do all the classes individually. I've also done their annual science night for the past 4 years and I'm told by her science teacher that the other schools in Salem want me to come to their schools. I'm now in the process of setting up schedules for the other schools. Her school alone is 25 or so classes so it is turning into a pretty large collection of presentations. After finding out how much the other reptiles people charge them I'm able to do it for great money and still charge FAR less then the other presenters. I'm now known by all the kids in her school as "The snake man!" LOL. With much research I was finally able to find an insurance company that does live animal presentations. The other thing you may need is a "COREY" test, which is basically a background check on you to make sure your not a pedophile In the four years I've been doing this I've seen a huge difference in peoples attitude towards my snakes (including the teachers!) I've never had an incident involving any snake bites. The whole key there is knowing your snakes and keeping an eye at all times on their attitude at the time. Some of my snakes are off limits to being handled by the children while others are more than tolerant of the 'excited' children. I'm told that 'snake day' in each class is the highlight of their school year, constantly asking the science teacher when I'll be at their class. One of my main purposes for doing these shows is to try to catch the future generation before they've learned to 'fear' snakes. It seems to be working. The talking to the science teacher right now about having a 'permanent' snake in their science class, which I'm donating as well as building a custon enclosure for it. I've also offered to come once a week for feeding and cage cleaning. I'm going to be donating a baby ball python (which is one of the kids favorites.) This way they will be able to actually see their own snake grow from a baby to an adult. I will be taking care of the snake during summer vacation, which of course was a concern for the teacher. I'm fotunate enough to have a very understanding science teacher to deal with. There's nothing better than getting paid for something you absolutely "love" doing. If you have any furthur questions, just ask. I'm always more than happy talk about my favorite thing to do with my snakes. Take care and good luck, Scott.
-----
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

"In any civilized society, it is every citizen's responsibility to obey just laws.
But at the same time, it is every citizen's responsibility to disobey unjust laws."
—Martin Luther King Jr

[ Show Entire Thread ]