The rules we hold ourselves to.
A short, public document so schools, families, and future team members know exactly what they're signing up for.
Mission
Teach and Reach exists to help elementary students build a healthy, lifelong relationship with curiosity through free, hands-on STEM experiences delivered in their own classrooms.
Principles
Kids first
Every decision is judged by whether it actually makes a kid more curious.
Safe by default
Volunteers are trained, supervised, and never alone with students.
Free, always
Partner schools never see an invoice. Period.
Wonder over winning
We measure success in questions asked, not answers given.
Built by students
The team is student-led — and intentionally so. Mentorship goes both ways.
Open by design
Our lesson plans and operating notes are shareable so other groups can run them too.
Operating Commitments
- 1. Cost. All visits, materials, planning, and volunteer time are provided free of charge to partner schools.
- 2. Supervision. A school staff member is present for every visit. Volunteers are never alone with students.
- 3. Safety. Every experiment is reviewed and rehearsed before it ever enters a classroom. Age-appropriate materials only.
- 4. Curriculum. Lessons are designed to align with what teachers already cover, not to replace it.
- 5. Transparency. We publish an annual impact report with real numbers — schools, students, hours.
- 6. Continuity. Leadership transitions are planned each year so the program outlasts any one cohort.
Governance
TAR is led by an Executive Director and a Director of Curriculum, with directors for Outreach, Operations, Partnerships, Communications, Finance, and Events. Major decisions are made by the leadership team together. A faculty advisor reviews all partnerships and safety protocols.