This is what we use at First Parish in Cambridge. It goes in their initial teacher packets and I go over it briefly at the orientation, but I don't have them sign it. If I ever had an issue with someone's teaching, I could say, "remember the expectations we went over at the orientation?"

FIRST PARISH IN CAMBRIDGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHER EXPECTATIONS

SCHEDULING

1. I will confer with my teaching team partners and the minister of religious education to schedule a 1 ½ hour planning session early in the season.
2. I will coordinate with all members of my teaching team to be sure each Sunday is planned and covered. Our teaching schedule will be worked out in writing by the second Sunday morning in our teaching season. I understand that my weekly Teacher's Communication form must be regularly completed and left in our class notebook.
3. When scheduled to be teaching/assisting on Sundays, I will be in my classroom and prepared for parents to drop off early arrivals by 10:15 a.m. My class period with the children/youth is to cover the entire period between 10:30 -- 11:45 a.m. If I have planned an outdoor activity, or have taken my class to a different location in the church building, I will tell the MRE, the RE Assistant and the RE Committee member who is serving as greeter, and I will leave a large, clear note for later-arriving class members informing them of our location and time of return.
4. I will not plan on leaving my classroom area until noon. Earlier departure is possible only after all children have been picked up, the classroom has been cleaned up and my RE class notebook is returned to the RE Office. Any child still in my care at noon is to be handed over to his/her parent(s) or to the RE assistant so that I may be free to leave.
5. On the first Sunday of each month, all children in kindergarten and older are to go directly to the Meetinghouse from 10:30 - 10:50 a.m. for intergenerational worship. Either I or my assistant will be present in the service to leave with the group at the appropriate time.
6. Any activity (e.g. field trip, party, or sleepover), which is to be scheduled outside of regular Sunday morning Church School program hours or space must be cleared at least two weeks ahead of time with the MRE. If the church building will be used, the availability of space must be checked first with the church administrator, Linda Baker. If additional typing or mailing is desired to support an activity of any type, check with Linda.

ABSENCES

1. If I am planning to be away on a previously scheduled Sunday, I will find my own substitute from the grade level's roster of teachers. Plans will be left in advance for this substitute, and the Church Office and RE Office will be notified of the change.
2. If I am ill on Sunday morning, I will call a second member of my teaching team and the church office. If neither can be reached, I will call my RE Committee liaison.

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

1. I will be responsible for the attractiveness of my teaching area, and I will speak to a member of the RE Committee if there are long-term items needed that would enhance the workability or "ambience" of the setting.
2. I will check well in advance of my class to be sure necessary supplies are available for upcoming class crafts/projects. I understand I may be reimbursed for the purchase of extra supplies IF the amount is $15.00 or less and I will attach the receipt to a Request for Payment form and leave it on the MRE's desk. The expenditure of a larger amount should be cleared (in advance, if possible) with the MRE.
3. I understand that while I am teaching I am relieved of being signed up for the Nursery Care Volunteer List. If I am mistakenly assigned, I will call the coordinator immediately to clarify my primary responsibility as an RE teacher.
4. I realize that the contents of the RE Library, UU curricula, and equipment belonging to the church have all been purchased for teacher support. I will carefully sign out books or curricula, and promptly return all items to the RE Office.

CODE OF ETHICS

1. I will abide by the Code of Ethics as established by the Unitarian Universalist Association and accepted by this congregation.
2. If I have concerns regarding the behavior of any individuals who are in contact with children/youth in this parish, I will consult with the minister of religious education or the RE chair.

CODE OF ETHICS FOR ADULTS AND OLDER YOUTH WHO ARE ENGAGED IN LEADERSHIP ROLES WITH CHILDREN/YOUTH

"Adults and older youth who are in leadership roles are in a position of stewardship and play a key role in fostering spiritual development of both individuals and the community. It is, therefore, especially important that those in leadership positions be well qualified to provide the special nurture, care and support that will enable children and youth to develop a positive sense of self and a spirit of independence and responsibility.

"The relationship between young people and their leaders must be one of mutual respect if the positive potential is to be realized. There are no more important areas of growth than those of self-worth and the development of a healthy identity as a sexual being. Adults play a key role in assisting children and youth in these area of growth. Wisdom dictates that children, youth and adults suffer damaging effects when leaders become sexually involved with young persons in their care; therefore leaders shall refrain from engaging in sexual, seductive, or erotic behavior with children and youth. Neither shall they sexually harass or engage in behavior with youth which constitutes verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.

"Leaders shall be informed of the Code of Ethics and agree to it before assuming their role. In case of violation of this code, appropriate action will be taken."