Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the cost of the Right Start program?

The non-refundable registration fee is $200. Included in this registration fee is a single-occupancy room, some meals, and program materials.

Transportation to and from the program site, including all expenses associated with travel, are the responsibility of the participant.

Please note that you must submit your registration payment before you are considered officially enrolled; if you complete the online registration form without payment, your spot will not be held.

Stipends are offered for this program (see How Stipends are Awarded below).

 

Who should attend the Right Start program?

The Right Start in Teaching Economics curriculum is geared toward new and beginning teachers of middle school and high school economics.

 

Where do participants stay while at Right Start?

Out-of-town participants stay in hotel accommodations in a single-occupancy room, unless otherwise requested. If you would like to bring a guest to the program and share a room, there is an additional $100 fee. Participants may also request to stay an additional room night at their own expense. Please contact Don Fell dfell@fte.org to make these arrangements.

Program sessions are strictly for registered participants only; family/friends may not join participants during the day.

 

What is the program schedule for the week?

The Right Start program runs for four days. Program check-in is from approximately 12:30 – 1 PM the first afternoon, with sessions starting immediately afterwards. The program will conclude in the afternoon at approximately 12:30 PM on the last day.

Program sessions are strictly for registered participants only; family/friends may not join participants during the day.

 

When do I need to arrive at the program site?

The Right Start check-in and program registration will start at 12:30 PM on the first day. All participants, including commuters, need to check in at that time.

 

I’ll need to arrive a little late, leave early and/or miss a couple of sessions during the week. Is this OK, and can I still get the university credit and stipends?

No. Everyone who participates in FTE programs is expected to be present for the entire program. Participants must be in attendance at all sessions to be eligible for university credit and stipends. Please plan your travel and your schedule accordingly.

If you leave early or do not attend all scheduled sessions, you will be ineligible to receive the optional graduate credit, stipends, and fail to receive your course completion certificate.

 

How do I register for graduate credit for the Right Start program?

Information and instructions on how to register for the graduate credits through the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs will be provided by the instructor. You can also click here to learn more about registering for credit for an additional fee.

 

How are stipends awarded?

There are two types of stipends available for teacher programs – participation and commuter stipends.

To earn the $600 participation stipend, participants must attend and actively participate in all sessions. There is no need to apply for the participant stipend.

Commuter stipends are available for local participants who commute to the program site each day of the program (not staying in the hotel). To earn the $150 commuter stipend, participants must attend and actively participate in all sessions. There is no need to apply for the commuter stipend.

All stipends for the summer programs will be processed at the end of the summer (after programs are completed), and mailed by mid-September.

 

The website says the program is closed to further enrollment. Does the FTE maintain a wait list for closed programs?

Wait lists are kept for some, but not all, site locations. Please reach out to either Lisa Chang at lchang@fte.org to find out the latest status of the program registrations.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

The registration fee will be refunded 50% for cancellations made prior to December 8, 2023. After December 8, no refunds will be issued.