Teacher Resources
Welcome to your one-stop shop for all things Trailblazers teachers might need.
All teachers are required to sign the Teachers Agreement on the first link below.
You can also find PE Resources, the Supplies List, links to Class Lists, rules, FAQs, and more. Let us know if you can't find something you need.
What We Expect of Our Teachers
We expect you to keep consistent class discipline. Please refer to the Classroom Rules and Discipline Procedure sections below and be prepared to follow our simple three-step procedure, should any child misbehave in your class.
We expect you to plan and prepare lessons and activities, or use an existing curriculum, to lead engaging, enriching classes. These may be academic, artistic, creative, educational, fun, and all the things in between. We exist as a co-op to support each other as homeschool families. Think about the kinds of classes you would like your kids to benefit from or have a chance to enjoy, and have fun planning!
Classes last for one semester only, either Fall or Spring. The number of weeks varies slightly, depending on the calendar, where holidays fall, etc.
Communicate as early as you can when you will need to be absent from co-op. We have a Substitute Coordinator who helps arrange substitutes, but we need to know as soon as you know, to give us plenty of time to work on this.
Have your TA help with activities, class discipline, supervising bathroom breaks, etc. You are not alone! Every class will have a TA for extra helping hands, accountability, and discipline support.
Let the Leadership Team know as soon as you can, if there is a serious issue in your class (such as disruptive/violent behavior), especially if you feel you need advice, or it is beyond your authority or capacity to handle.
Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below for more answers and helpful information.
Classroom Rules
1. Do not talk when the teacher is talking, and be respectful to other students while they are talking. Phones must be put away or left with parents.
2. Raise your hand in class and during group meetings.
3. Appropriate speech is required - no potty talk, foul language, or talk about graphic video games/movies.
4. Keep hands and feet to yourself. We have a zero tolerance policy for violence.
5. Participation during class and in class activities is required. This includes possible age-appropriate homework that may be given in some classes.
6. Please keep bathrooms clean and help clean up the building after co-op is finished. If you see trash, pick it up. Leave things better than you found them.
7. Respect the building and items in the building and on the grounds.
Discipline Procedures
We understand that disciplinary actions sometimes need to take place. If a child does not follow the rules, teachers are asked to follow this simple three-step procedure, moving to the next step if the child continues misbehaving:
1. Teacher will give the child a warning.
2. Child sits by the teacher.
3. Parent must sit with the child in class, or the child will be taken to the parent.
Step 3 will most often be taken care of by the Teacher’s Assistant (TA), so that the teacher may continue with class, although teachers may enforce these steps as well. Hall Monitors may also be part of this process. We're all in this together!
Teacher FAQs
1. What if I need to print something or make copies for my class?
If you are unable to print or make your own copies, Susan Haines has the co-op printer at her house and can copy or print anything in black & white for your class, with advance notice. Last minute (i.e. Thursday morning) requests cannot be guaranteed. Talk with Susan if you need help with color copies.
2. Do we have supplies like paper, pencils, and crayons?
We do! All basic classroom & craft supplies are available weekly. View the Supplies List here. We do our best to keep this current.
3. What do I do if a kid just won’t listen when corrected?
Follow the simple three-step class discipline procedure outlined above.
4. I am willing to teach, but I am not sure what to teach.
We have previous class schedules available upon request to give you ideas. We also have a few curriculums available you may use. Talking to other moms in co-op is a great way to get ideas of what works well with our group and for our purposes. We want classes to be educational but also fun and enjoyable. We are not accredited and do not offer credit for classes. We are a supplemental, social co-op.
5. Can I be reimbursed if I spend money for my class?
You are welcome to spend your own money on resources or supplies. However, you must get prior approval, if you would like to be reimbursed.
6. Does the co-op have funds to purchase curriculum or other supplies I might want to acquire?
There are some funds to purchase resources and supplies as needed. Please let us know what you need, and we will do our best to accommodate those needs, within our budget.
7. Do Trailblazers teachers get paid?
No. All parents participate as volunteers to keep our wonderful co-op going.
8. Do I have to teach a class?
Not everybody has to teach every semester. (We’d have too many teachers, if we did!) However, we encourage all parents to teach at some point, because that is how this group works. We are parent-led in every respect. If you do not volunteer to teach for several semesters, we will likely reach out to you and ask you to consider what you can offer as a class to our co-op.
9. What if we have to miss a class day?
As soon as you know you will be gone from co-op for a Thursday class day, post in our “Subs Needed” GroupMe chat. Our Substitute Coordinator will work on finding a sub for your co-op assignments, whether that is teaching, TA, hall monitor, or even vacuuming.
10. Can my TA sub for me if I’m gone?
Yes. Talk with your TA early in the semester, or if you know in advance when you need to be gone. This is the best option in most cases, because they are familiar with your topic and the students. If your TA subs for you, let the Substitute Coordinator know to find a substitute TA to help them.
11. Since we are a Christian co-op, can I teach a Bible or theology class?
Because we are home to a wide variety of Christian groups and denominations, we do not offer Bible or theology classes as a general rule. It would be impossible to offer something that satisfied all groups. We do, however, ask teachers to abide by the Christian standards outlined in the Teacher’s Agreement.
12. Can I bring in a special speaker for my class?
Yes. Please clear this with the Leadership Team in advance. We take security very seriously and want to know who is present with us.
13. Can I or do I need to give homework?
Homework is not required in our classes. But teachers are allowed to give homework or a project to work on at home. We encourage teachers to keep homework to a minimum, as we are all homeschooling on the other days of the week as well. We never want homework to be a burden to the student or simply busy work, but an enriching activity that enhances their experience in class each week.
14. I have little ones to drop off in the nursery area. How does this work if I teach first period?
Let us know if this is the case. It is always understood that your little ones need to be dropped off before you teach your class. TAs, leaders, other moms, etc are available to stay with your class before you arrive. We just need to communicate to coordinate these details.
15. How long are classes?
Classes are 40 minutes, plus 5 minutes of transition/clean up time. This is the Thursday morning schedule:
10:00-10:40 first period
10:40-10:45 passing period
10:45-11:25 second period
11:25-11:30 passing period
11:30-12:10 third period
12:10-12:15 clean-up time
16. Do I teach my class all year or just one semester?
Classes last for one semester, Fall or Spring. The number of weeks varies depending on calendar, like when holidays fall, etc.
17. If I am the last teacher of the day, what do I do when class is over?
You will need to change the trash bag out, reset the room (if needed), and clean up any messes. Students need to help with clean up and gather their things, including any take-home items from classes, water bottles, and backpacks. Except for nursery, 3 yr olds, and PreK, walk the class back to the assembly area for parents to retrieve their children. These younger classes will wait for their parents to come get them, whenever possible.
18. I feel fine teaching on my own. Do I have to have a TA?
Yes. We now require TAs in every class, for extra helping hands, accountability, and for disciplinary support.
19. Can I bring snacks for my class?
Yes. Please check your class list for any allergies or food sensitivities listed. Also, a courtesy note to parents would be good. This can be an email to them or a note in GroupMe.
20. Where can I find…. Class schedule? Class lists? Calendar?
ALL DOCUMENTS you need for anything regarding Trailblazers can be found here in the Members Area of our website. If it is between semesters, please be patient as we update documents. Below are some quick links.