Teacher/TA/Class Helper Handbook

RUSC Handbook

For Teachers, Teachers Aids, and Class Helpers

 

Teacher Guidelines

 

Commitment

·       Teachers are to be committed for the entire semester or year depending on the class submitted. Teachers are required to read and sign the commitment that is located at the bottom of the class description form.  

·       Class submissions are considered final once teacher registration opens. Prior to this, changes in class description wording, supply list, etc… can be made. 

·       Please be sure you do not overcommit. We want you to enjoy your classes and avoid burnout. A limit of 3 classes per teacher is generally enforced. 

 

Remuneration

·       Teachers receive a $10 class credit per class taught each semester. There is a sliding scale for online classes that will be discussed and agreed upon between teacher and BOD before commitment. 

 

Absence Policy

·       If you have a planned absence, it is your responsibility to make sure the class is taken care of during that absence.  Work with your Teacher’s Aid to get this planned as far in advance as possible.  

·       In case of an emergency absence, please call or text the co-op number (636-542-8893).  Call as soon as possible. A Facebook post is not sufficient communication. We may not see it.  Also, contact your Teacher’s Aid to let them know that you will not be there. The Teacher’s Aid will use the on-file “emergency lesson plan” that you have submitted.  

 

Tardiness

·       Teachers are to be in class ready to begin at the start of each hour. Please consider your daily/morning routine when choosing class times on your submission form. 

·       If you are running late call or text (636-486-6605) as soon as you know you will be tardy. 

 

Preparation

·       Class descriptions filled out on the class submission form will be available to  parents when making registration decisions. Be as accurate as possible regarding content, homework requirements, etc. and adhere to that during the semester. 

·       Carefully consider the appropriate age range for your classes. Typically classes are limited to combining 2 age ranges. Range of social, academic ability, and requirements should be considered when choosing age group. 

·       Lesson plans and preparation  are the responsibility of the teacher. Class budget (see below) can be used to purchase curriculum. Please contact the ET coordinator to find out what content RUSC already owns.

·       An emergency lesson plan must be submitted to the ET coordinator or front desk at the beginning of the semester. This should be something simple that can be taught by anyone in case of last-minute absences. 

 

Class Content

·       All materials should be morally-based and age-appropriate.  If the board deems material/class topic to be inappropriate, we will require that you pull it from your curriculum. BOD has the final say on content. 

·       Teachers should be sensitive to families from other or non religious backgrounds in their descriptions. 

·       Classes can have Christian content, but please understand that specific theologies should not be presented as irrefutable unless clearly outlined in the class description. If the parent has a concern, please contact the ET coordinator prior to registering for classes.

 

Class Budget and Supplies

·       A budget of $10 per student is available for class-specific supplies or curriculum.

·       An additional supply fee may be charged per student if necessary. This must be included on the class submission form. If requested budget exceeds 50% of the original class cost, the extra fees must be approved by the finance committee. 

·       Expenses must have prior approval to be eligible for reimbursement. Any expenses that did not receive prior approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

·       Expense approval forms, as well as reimbursement forms can be found and filled out under the “Forms” section at www.riseup-sc.org

·       Expenses reimbursement happens on the first Monday of each month that co-op is in session, with checks being delivered on the following Thursday. 

·       Reimbursemnt requests must be turned in during the semester that the expense was incurred to be elgible. 

·       RUSC has many extra supplies available for use. Please check with the ET coordinator about common craft and classroom supplies before requesting budget/purchase approval. 

·       Any items purchased with RUSC funds that are reusable or not sent home with students must be left with RUSC when the class is concluded. 

 

Printing - RUSC has a small printer that cannot accommodate all teachers each hour. In light of this plus the expense, we ask that teachers choose from the following if they have printing needs for their class(es):

·       Send print projects that are less than 10 pages and no color required to print@riseup-sc.org by Tuesday at 12:00 pm and your requested papers will be at co-op the following Thursday class.  A charge of $0.30 per sheet will be taken from your class budget. 

·       Send one (1) Expense Request for the class, and upon approval turn in receipts from print service (such as FedEx) under the Reimbursement Request (both requests can be found under the "Forms" tab. 

 

A/V and Other Equipment

·       AV equipment is sometimes available for checkout by teachers. You may reserve these items in advance at the front desk.

·       If a specific item will be needed on a weekly basis please inform the ET coordinator before the start of the semester to ensure it will be made available. 

 

Be sure to print in advance when possible.

·       WIFI is available. The password can be attained at the front desk.

 

Help for Teachers

·       A Teacher’s Assistant will be assigned to each class. This person is responsible to fill in as a substitute when the teacher is absent and ‘assist’ in running the class. 

·       An additional helper may be assigned to all PK-2nd grade classes.

·       The teacher is responsible to delegate to the assistant and helpers and utilize them in whatever way is most beneficial.Communicate your needs. Work as a team. 

·       Communication with helpers during and outside classes is key. Be sure you exchange contact information. 

·       Additional help is available if you feel it is needed, please see the class coordinator.

·       If any problems arise with TA or helper the ET coordinator will help resolve those. 

 

Other Adults in the Class

·       Additional adults may be present in class to observe or assist with their child.

·       Visitors may sit in class if they have been approved by the board and have a name tag.

 

Communicating with Parents

·       The RUSC website provides class dashboards for each teacher and student. Communication posted here will be automatically e-mailed to parents. 

·       Teachers are responsible for communicating necessary information regarding class requirements or assignment reminders using the dashboard feature of the website, not personal email.

·       If a student is absent, it is the parent's or student’s responsibility to contact the teacher for make-up work. Please reply to these requests in a timely fashion.

·       Communicate any behavior issues to parents immediately and fill out an incident report (under the “Forms” section of the website). Ongoing issues will be dealt with in conjunction with the policy committee.

-     Students will be eligible to enroll in classes according to their age level. Allowances for one year above age level with BOD and teacher approval will be made available. When this is agreed upon, BOD will check in with the teacher after the first, third, and fifth weeks of class, as well as upon completion to ensure that the fit remains appropriate. If it does not, a meeting will be called with the parents to resolve the issue, either by finding a replacement class or facilitating learning at home to bridge any gaps. 

 

 

Classroom Conduct Expectations

·       Respect others

·       Respect the property of the church, RUSC and other members (See RUSC handbook for specific behavior policy and expectations).

·       Students must be with their classes for the entire 50 minute period unless using the restroom. No loitering in hallways.mNo early dismissal.

·       Pk-k students must be accompanied by an adult between classes.

·       Only children registered in a class may attend that class unless accompanying their parent who is a registered assistant or helper in that class and only with approval from the teacher.  

 

 Discipline Policy

·       If a student is causing minor disruption in the classroom by not following directions, talking out of turn, or distracting other students please inform the parent and ask them about strategies to keep the child engaged. 

·       If the problem persists, inform the ET coordinator who will work with you to find a resolution. 

·       If you do not feel comfortable addressing a parent, the ET coordinator is available to assist.

·       Any act of violence or bullying must result in removal from classes for the day, an incident report, and review by the policy committee and parents. 

The following action steps are to be followed when a student is being disrespectful or disruptive and cannot be redirected:

·       First: The TA or helper will accompany the student to the front desk where the board member there will notify the parent of the situation. The child will remain with the parent for the rest of the class period. An incident report will be put on file.

·       Second: The parent will be asked to sit in on the class with the child to assist in redirection for a specified number of weeks. 

·       Finally: The student may be removed from the class if problems persist.

 No adult, aside from the child’s own parent, will be responsible for implementing discipline strategies (i.e. sitting in corner) 

 

 

Cell phones

·       Refrain from playing on or using cell phones during class time. 

·       If it is necessary to take an important call step out of the classroom to do so.

·       Students are not to use cell phones during class unless directed to do so by the teacher. 

 

Attendance Sheets

·       Attendance is to be taken at the beginning of each class period. Attendance sheets are on clipboards in each classroom.

·       In case of an emergency evacuation, the attendance should be brought with the class and used to ensure that every student is out of the building and with the group. 

·       Student allergies, learning disabilities, and photo limitations are on the attendance sheets.  

 

Allergies

·       Please take note of all students with allergies in your classroom.

·       If food or other items that may cause reactions will be brought in to class, check with parents to be sure no allergies exist (ie latex, animals, etc…)

 

 

 

Classroom Helper Guidelines

 

Commitment

·       This position is a semester long commitment

·       The TA should be in class in time to assist teacher with set up and ready to start class on the hour

 

Absence Policy

·       If you have a planned absence, it is your responsibility to inform the classroom teacher ahead of time as well as the call or text (636-486-6605) so a replacement can be in place. 

·       In case of an emergency absence, call or text (636-486-6605) as soon as possible

 

Responsibilities

·       Assist the teacher with whatever class responsibilities are delegated to you. 

·       Communicate and work as a team to help the class run smoothly.

·       Substitute duties are the responsibility of the TA when the teacher is absent. The teacher is to have a lesson plan in place. The TA will implement this plan. 

·       Assist in classroom management and redirecting students who are being disruptive. 

·       Ensure students are respectful of others as well as the property of the church, RUSC and other members (See RUSC handbook for specific behavior policy and expectations).

·       Notify ET coordinator with any concerns regarding students, other adults, or classes

 

Cell phones

·       Be engaged! Refrain from playing on or using cell phone during class time. 

·       If it is necessary to take an important call step out of the classroom to do so.