Compass Instructor Contractor Agreement
This Agreement is entered into between Compass Path, Inc. ("Compass") and the undersigned individual ("Contractor" or "Instructor") on the date indicated below.
1. Term of Agreement
This Agreement begins on January 1, 2026, and ends on December 31, 2026. Renewal may be offered at Compass’s sole discretion. Renewal is not guaranteed.
2. At-Will Status & Termination
The Contractor is engaged as an at-will independent contractor. Compass may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause or notice. The Contractor may also terminate this Agreement with reasonable written notice.
Compass upholds the highest standards of conduct and professionalism for all Instructors. In addition to the behavioral violations listed in Section 6, Compass reserves the right to terminate this Agreement at its sole discretion due to any concerns regarding performance, alignment, or appropriateness for the role.
3. Independent Contractor Relationship & Representation
The Contractor is not an employee of Compass and is solely responsible for all taxes, insurance, and financial obligations related to compensation received. This Agreement does not entitle the Contractor to any Compass benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, unemployment, workers’ comp, retirement, or paid leave.
The Contractor shall not sign agreements or incur obligations on behalf of Compass.
However, while actively serving on a Compass program, the Contractor is expected to represent Compass professionally and may identify themselves as a Compass Instructor or staff representative. This is similar to:
Adjunct professors, who represent a college but remain independent;
Freelance journalists, who carry press credentials while not employed;
Trip leaders for educational travel companies, who represent the company while maintaining contractor status.
4. Equal Opportunity Commitment
Compass is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
5. Compass Staff Community and Contractor Status
Instructors are vital to Compass’s mission. While legally independent, they are considered core members of our field staff and are expected to model leadership, mentorship, and presence throughout the trip.
This flexibility allows Instructors to engage meaningfully while preserving independence in tax and legal obligations.
6. Code of Conduct and Grounds for Dismissal
Grounds for Immediate Dismissal include:
Possession or use of illegal substances or alcohol (including airport purchases)
Unauthorized use of prescription drugs
Smoking or vaping during program activities
Flagrant abandonment of the program
Theft or unauthorized transportation
Sexual harassment or misconduct
Threats, violence, or property destruction
Possession of weapons
Grounds for Review and Possible Dismissal include:
Leaving group activities without notice
Bigoted or discriminatory remarks
Disrespect to Compass or partner staff
Lewd or inappropriate conversation
Boundary violations (e.g., cell phone misuse, oversharing, contact sharing)
Repeated disregard for Compass policies
Compass leadership retains full discretion in interpreting and responding to behavior.
7. Program Expectations
The Contractor agrees to:
Facilitate trips in accordance with Compass’s mission and safety protocols
Communicate clearly and promptly
Maintain professionalism and uphold Compass’s faith-informed ethos
Follow incident reporting and documentation procedures
Complete Compass training and use provided curriculum
8. Trip Commitment and Scheduling
Contractor commits to leading at least two trips per calendar year. Compass will provide as much advance notice as possible—ideally three (3) months or more. Any exceptions to this expectation must be made prior to hiring with the Executive Director.
Trips may be canceled due to enrollment or external factors. If Compass cancels a confirmed trip fewer than 90 days prior, a partial stipend may be offered at Compass’s discretion.
9. Cancellation by Contractor
If the Contractor cancels a confirmed trip fewer than 60 days before departure without a valid emergency or medical reason, Compass may seek reimbursement for direct losses, such as:
Airfare changes
Lodging
Replacement staffing
Other nonrefundable costs
Compass may waive reimbursement at its discretion.
10. Confidentiality and Media Use
The Contractor agrees not to disclose or distribute confidential Compass information, including but not limited to participant data, internal communications, or program structure.
Any media (photos, videos, written stories, or reflections) captured during Compass programs:
May not be posted to personal social media accounts without explicit permission from all participants who appear in the media.
May not include any minors, regardless of consent or context.
Must tag Compass Path using the official handle @compasspath when posted on approved platforms.
May not be used for personal promotion or public storytelling (blogs, portfolios, newsletters, etc.) without written approval from Compass.
Compass reserves the right to request removal of any content that violates these terms or compromises participant safety, privacy, or the integrity of our programs.
11. Payment and Reimbursement
Compass will pay a daily stipend or flat trip fee, as outlined in your assignment confirmation. Payment is made within 15 business days of trip completion and after receipt of any required reports or materials.
Compass covers all travel-related program costs (flights, housing, meals, ground transport). Personal expenses are the Contractor’s responsibility. Reimbursements must be submitted within 10 business days of trip completion, with itemized receipts.
12. Health Disclosure
The Contractor agrees to disclose, in confidence, any medical, physical, or mental health condition, medication use, or recent injury that could impact their ability to lead a Compass trip safely and effectively. This includes conditions that may affect stamina, stress response, mental focus, or interpersonal engagement.
Disclosure is required as a condition of this agreement. Non-disclosure of a condition that could reasonably impede leadership duties or trip success will be treated as dishonesty and a breach of contract.
If Compass becomes aware of a non-disclosed condition—through admission or evidence—that actively hinders the trip, Compass reserves the right to seek reimbursement from the Contractor for any and all associated trip expenses. Additionally, the Contractor will be financially responsible for their own return travel arrangements if early departure becomes necessary due to the non-disclosed issue.
This disclosure is used solely for participant and instructor safety and will be handled confidentially.
13. Required Documentation
The following are required before assignment:
Valid passport
Driver’s license (if applicable)
CORI background check
W-9 form
Proof of international phone access (not just Wi-Fi)
14. Optional Media Release
Unless otherwise indicated in writing, the Contractor grants Compass permission to use photos, video, and audio recordings of them captured during program activities for marketing, training, development, and fundraising purposes.
This includes—but is not limited to—use in digital media, printed materials, donor reports, social media, and grant applications.
Contractors may opt out of this release by submitting a written request to Compass before the start of their assignment.
15. Acknowledgment and Acceptance
By submitting this form electronically, you affirm:
You have read and understood the full agreement
You agree to the terms and expectations
Your electronic signature is legally binding