Homeschool Educator Employment Agreement

What a good one includes

• Scope of teaching duties specifying the exact subjects, grade levels, and curriculum standards the educator is responsible for delivering.
• Schedule and instructional hours defining the weekly teaching timetable, prep time allocations, and policies for handling makeup lessons.
• Compensation and benefits detailing the hourly rate or salary, payment schedule, tax withholding arrangements, and paid time off.
• Expense and supply management outlining the budget for teaching materials, textbooks, field trips, and the process for reimbursement.
• Confidentiality and privacy clauses to protect your family's personal life, home security, and child's academic records.
• Termination and notice terms establishing a clear procedure for ending the agreement, including required notice periods for both parties.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Misclassifying the educator as an independent contractor (1099) instead of a household employee (W-2), which can lead to severe tax penalties.
• Failing to specify who selects and pays for the curriculum, or neglecting to compensate the educator for mandatory lesson planning time.
• Neglecting to define boundaries around personal device use and screen time during instructional hours.
• Forgetting to outline how the contract can be amicably dissolved midway through the school year, leaving both parties vulnerable.

Frequently asked questions