CLASS Classroom Observer

Teachstone Overview 

Teachstone® was founded in 2008 to deliver the Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®) nationwide and around the globe. Developed through years of research, the CLASS observation tool measures the interactions between teachers and children, which have been shown to drive learning and lifelong achievement. Teachstone helps organizations conduct classroom observations and provides professional development so that teachers improve and children learn more. Our online subscription service, myTeachstone, simplifies CLASS implementation by combining observation data with a robust library of CLASS resources and professional development.

At Teachstone, everything we do is about improving the ways teachers interact with their students. We train coaches and observers, build and deliver online support programs, and design professional development – all of it grounded in one proven fact: the interactions teachers have with students have a lasting impact on their academic and developmental success. By helping educators describe, measure, and improve their interactions and relationships with students, Teachstone is transforming education nationwide, one interaction at a time. 

Teachstone engages qualified independent contractors to provide project-based observation services in support of client needs.

Project Overview

Teachstone is seeking qualified independent contractors to provide supplemental project-based Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observation services in support of specific client engagements in Infant, Toddler, and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms across the State of Virginia, subject to project needs and contractor availability. Preferred contractors will hold current CLASS certification and reliability for the applicable age level. Contractors who do not currently hold required certification may be considered only if certification requirements are satisfied before services begin, as approved by Teachstone. 

Contractors are responsible for maintaining any required CLASS certification or reliability status during the engagement and for meeting applicable project quality requirements. Qualified contractors should demonstrate professional communication, attention to detail, and experience providing observation or assessment-related services in educational settings. Observation assignments may require travel within an agreed geographic radius, and contractors are responsible for arranging their own transportation.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an independent contractor opportunity. It is not an employment position. Engagements are project-based, and there is no guarantee of assignments, hours, or ongoing work. This engagement is limited to the specified project term and does not create any expectation of renewal, continuation, or future engagement.***

Scope of Services

Project Availability and Assignment Acceptance:

• Contractors may be offered observation assignments within an agreed geographic area between October 2026 and May 2027. Contractors may accept or decline assignments based on their availability, subject to project needs and applicable deadlines.

• Participate in project orientation regarding client requirements, deliverable expectations, platform access, and administrative processes before accepting assignments.

• Participate in reasonable project coordination communications as needed to confirm assignment logistics, deliverable requirements, and project updates.

• Submit agreed deliverables, including required data entry and post-observation documentation, within project-specified deadlines.

Certification, Fidelity, and Data Collection:

• Current Pre-K, Toddler, and/or Infant CLASS certification is preferred.  If certification is required for a specific project, the contractor must satisfy applicable certification requirements before performing services.

• Maintain required reliability standards and complete quality assurance steps required by applicable CLASS standards, client contracts, or regulatory requirements to confirm deliverable consistency and data integrity.

• Submit completed observation deliverables , including online data entry, within the applicable project deadline.

• Provide services consistent with applicable CLASS standards, client requirements, and project deliverable specifications.

• Maintain professional and courteous communication with client site personnel while performing accepted assignments.

• Use designated project communication, deliverable submission, and invoicing tools as reasonably necessary for accepted assignments. Any platform orientation will be limited to access, submission, and administrative processes.

Preferred Contractor Qualifications:

• B.A. degree in a relevant field, Child Development or Education preferred

• Coursework in early childhood education and/or classroom experience preferred

• Prior experience using the CLASS tool to conduct live observations is preferred

• Prior experience conducting observations or administering assessments in school settings

• Experience in quantitative or qualitative data collection

• Fluent in English, also seeking Spanish, Korean, Turkish, ASL, and Amharic

• Excellent attention to detail, punctuality, and organization

• Professional written and verbal communication skills

• Preference will be given to contractors operating through an established business entity (e.g., LLC, S-Corp, or similar structure)

This is an independent contractor opportunity and not an employment position. Contractors are responsible for determining the manner and means of performing accepted assignments, subject to applicable deliverable requirements, client site rules, and CLASS standards. Engagement is project-based. Teachstone does not guarantee any minimum number of assignments, hours, or compensation. Contractors may accept or decline offered assignments based on availability and project needs. Contractors are responsible for their own tools, equipment, transportation, taxes, insurance, and ordinary business expenses, except to the extent specific expenses are approved for reimbursement in writing. Contractors are expected to maintain an independent practice and are free to provide services to other clients simultaneously, provided those services do not create a conflict of interest with accepted Teachstone assignments.

Accepted assignments may include conducting CLASS observations, completing required observation documentation, entering observation data, submitting invoices, and completing project-specific deliverables within agreed deadlines. Deliverables and deadlines will be specified by project requirements, applicable client obligations, and any applicable statement of work or contractor agreement. Compensation for accepted assignments will be specified in the applicable statement of work or contractor agreement. Contractors may negotiate rates on a per-project or per-assignment basis.

Contractors are not eligible for Teachstone employee benefits, including paid time off, health benefits, retirement benefits, unemployment insurance, or workers’ compensation coverage. Teachstone will not withhold federal, state, or local taxes from contractor payments. Contractors are responsible for all applicable tax reporting and payment obligations.

Contractor may be required to provide a certificate of insurance evidencing coverage reasonably required for the engagement, or otherwise satisfy Teachstone’s contractor insurance requirements before performing services. Contractors may, with prior written approval, engage qualified subcontractors to perform accepted assignments, provided that such subcontractors meet applicable CLASS certification and project requirements.

Contractors are expected to provide the equipment and resources necessary to perform accepted assignments, including reliable internet access, computer access, and transportation to accepted observation locations.

Any project orientation will be limited to client requirements, deliverable expectations, platform access, administrative processes, and applicable CLASS standards. Contractors are engaged based on their independent qualifications and are responsible for determining the manner and means of performing accepted assignments.

Teachstone is committed to equal opportunity in its contractor engagement process and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by law.