For Teachers

What are teacher responsibilities?

Teachers choose their own curriculum, plan lessons, communicate with parents, and purchase materials. Teachers are expected to maintain a safe, orderly classroom and to ensure students do not leave class without notifying the teacher. If teaching a core class, please provide a syllabus and assign weekly homework to support learning between co-op days.

How do I determine the cost of my class?

When setting the fee for your class, start by calculating the cost of materials per student:

• Books (including shipping)

• Supplies (art materials, science kits, copies, etc.)

• Activity costs (snacks, project materials, etc.)

• Extra expenses (optional). We recommend budgeting a little extra for an end-of-year activity or other unexpected expenses. It's much easier to refund a few dollars at the end of the year than to ask families for additional money later.

You are also welcome to include a modest amount for your time and preparation, especially if your class requires significant planning. However, keep in mind that if your class becomes too expensive, it may discourage enrollment, no matter how great the content is.

Do I have to give grades?

No, formal grades are not required, but we do strongly encourage teachers to keep records of student progress to help parents assign grades if they wish. This could include tracking attendance, participation, completed assignments, test scores, or other indicators of effort and achievement.

Also, please be aware that some parents may need proof of coursework for online platforms, homeschool reporting, or extracurricular eligibility. At a minimum, we encourage teachers to offer a pass/fail assessment and to keep a simple record of any quizzes, projects, or assignments you give.

Clear communication with parents goes a long way in helping them meet their family’s unique educational needs.

Is help available for supplies?

Yes. A classroom supply closet is available for basic school supplies such as pencils, notebooks, folders, crayons, etc. at no cost to the teacher. Before purchasing supplies, please check the supply closet. There's a good chance we already have what you need.

Who supervises students?

Teachers are responsible for their students during class time. Students are not allowed to leave class without communication and permission from the teacher. Students who are on site during a class period are expected to be in the class they registered for. They may not loiter in the kitchen, hallways, bathrooms, or elsewhere on the property during class time.

Students may briefly visit with friends between classes but may not remain on site when they are not scheduled for a class unless supervision has been arranged with a hall monitor. Hall monitors are available to supervise students between classes by prior arrangement and to assist with behavior or safety concerns as needed. 

Is there childcare for teachers?

Yes. A nursery will be available at the cabin on Tuesdays and Thursdays during teaching hours for teachers and staff only. Details about the daycare will be posted on the website under the "daycare" class setting, and parents are asked to sign their children up for the daycare if they expect to use it. Contact Marcy Foster at 435-262-9988 for additional details.

Why should I consider teaching at the co-op?

Teaching is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to our community—and it comes with great benefits:

• Early registration: Teachers get to register for classes before general enrollment opens, giving your family first choice of classes.
   
• Custom-fit learning: You can offer the classes you want your own children to have, even if they’re not otherwise available. Also, your children get to take the class with other students, which often increases motivation, participation, and joy.
   
• Meaningful Service: Teaching is a powerful way to bless the lives of other children and to share your talents, testimony, and love of learning.
   
• Community building: The co-op only exists because parents are willing to teach. If we don’t have teachers, we don’t have classes.

You don’t have to be a professional educator—just someone with a willing heart and something to offer. Whether you teach core subjects, art, life skills, or a unique hobby, your contribution is invaluable.