
Launching Cooperatives in our Schools Program
Steps to Successfully Launching in your Community
Step 1: Select a representative from your cooperative board or cooperative manager to meet with a school district representative such as the superintendent, principal or curriculum director.
Step 2: Explain the concept using the program brochure and video.
Step 3: Once the school has accepted the idea, ask for the names of their best substitute teachers. Contact the substitute, or ask that the school district contact him/her on your behalf. For larger districts, you may need to train two or three substitutes.
Step 4: Once you’ve secured the substitute, give him/her the unit plan and then set up a training time with Federated Youth Foundation.
Step 5: Select a grade level. Fifth or sixth grade is recommended because of the age of the students and the structure of their daily schedule.
Step 6: Keep in contact with your school principal(s) to ensure that he/she remembers to schedule your substitute into those classrooms two times throughout the year.
Step 7: Work with your school district’s business office to reimburse the school for the sub costs.
Costs to the Cooperative
Yearly Costs
Substitute costs: $100/day x 2 days = $200 per class
Material Costs $2/student (folder, handouts)
One-Time Costs
$300/day for initial training of the substitute which include $100 for the sub and $200 for the training + travel expenses
Contact Information
Mike Schaefer at 715-678-2411 x224
Contact School in the Program
Medford School District has piloted a Unit for the 5th Grade Level for more info contact:
Superintendent: Pat Sullivan 715-748-44620, ext. 523
Curriculum Director: Laura Lundy 715-748-4620, ext. 525