Author Online Courses for High School and Middle School

Overview

BYU Independent Study seeks high school teachers or course authors to help write online middle school and high school courses for a worldwide audience. This is meaningful, important work that requires existing curriculum development skills. Course authors must be able to simplify educational content and make it relevant through writing, finding, or creating short instructional videos, graphic organizers, activities, and other tactics, ensuring student engagement, all while adhering to content standards.

Course students sign up and complete the curriculum autonomously, with access to a teacher and teaching assistants (TAs) who can help them as needed. This means the online content must be scaffolded well and easily digested by individuals of various academic levels and backgrounds.

Requirements

The following skills:

Teaching or authoring a high- or middle-school academic course, as well as an online course.
Writing course content at a fifth to eighth grade reading level.
Creating content with a global perspective, considering students of all academic levels and backgrounds, while also being culturally sensitive and mindful of a diverse audience beyond a US-centric focus.
Making content relevant to real life, writing with a “teacher voice” so students feel supported, and giving students options in their assessments so they can choose how to demonstrate they have met the standards.
Developing scaffolding content into cognitively manageable pieces, so online students are not overwhelmed.

For reference, please review some of our existing courses:

View Middle School Courses

View High School Courses

Application Process

Submit your application and attach a sample lesson. As courses come up on our design schedule over the next year or two, we will review the list of interested authors and contact you as needed. If selected, you can work as an independent contractor.

Use our template to create and submit your sample lesson. We will be looking for the following:

clear learning outcomes
clarity and simplicity in your writing
how you add relevance and meaning
how you choose to assess students

Sample Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan Template

Submit Information and Lesson Plan

View All Open Positions on Our Job Center

Are you interested in being a counselor at FSY? Wondering if you can work at BYU Education Week? We also need current BYU students for part-time positions within our Student Success Center, customer support, and other areas. Find positions through our job center.

View Open Positions

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out—we will be happy to help.

(800) 914-8931

Resources for Current Proctors

View tutorials, guidelines or submit a Proctor Address Change Request

Proctor Guidelines

Students may not be tutored and proctored by the same staff member.
Exams must be administered at the educational facility where you are employed. Exams will never be mailed to your home address.
Proctors must verify the identity of the student with a photo ID and read all of the exam instructions to the student before they begin the exam.
Exams must be administered on the proctor’s computers. Students may never use their own technology during the exam.
Online exam access codes should never be used until the student is ready to take the exam and should never be in the student's possession. The paper exams must remain sealed until the student is ready to take it; the exam should never be in the student’s possession except when they are taking it.
The exam must be taken in one sitting. If the student has not scheduled properly to give appropriate time to complete his or her exam, the student cannot come back another day to complete the exam. Please send the exam back to our office if the student was unable to complete it.
The student must remain under the supervision of the proctor for the duration of the exam. Proctors must remain in the room with the student or must be able to observe the student and the student’s screen at all times while the student is taking the exam. If the student is uncomfortable with the proctoring situation (e.g., the setting is one-on-one with the proctor) a parent, friend, or chaperone may be present, along with the proctor, so long as the student does not interact with that person during the exam. Receiving assistance from any person during the exam is considered academic misconduct and is grounds for receiving a failing grade for the course.
Students cannot take the exam with unauthorized books, notes, reference aids, or navigate away from the exam to other windows or sites of any kind unless specified on the exam instructions. Students cannot take notes on the exam or have any part of it to study after taking it. The student or the proctor cannot duplicate the exam in any way.
Proctors must collect all papers and questions at the conclusion of the exam. Online exams: Shred any scratch paper. Paper Exams: All materials, including exam questions, signed coversheet, and any scratch paper must be sealed and mailed back by the proctor in the envelope provided.
If the requested proctor is unable to proctor the exam, please call the Independent Study office to certify another proctor. Do not hand over the exam to another person or the student.
If the student is suspected of academic misconduct, please call the Independent Study office as soon as possible.

BYU Independent Study reserves the right to deny or revoke proctor certification should any of these policies not be followed, or for any other reason that Independent Study deems necessary under the circumstances.

How Exams Work

Proctors

Online courses include exams that must be monitored by a proctor from a certified testing center. The proctor’s job is to watch as students take exams to make sure all requirements are met. When you request an exam through your course exam page, you will select a proctor to oversee your exam. While a few courses require that exams be completed in writing on paper, most BYU Independent Study courses now offer online proctoring.

Online Exams

When you request an exam with online proctoring (if available), you can take the exam at home and as your schedule allows. Make sure you have a clean testing space, as the online proctor will require you to use your computer camera to show your space to ensure that no cheating can take place. Be sure to schedule your exam time at least 24 hours in advance. Follow these steps to request an online exam:

Sign into your course.
Go to the exam folder or page in your course and request the exam. If you are requesting a final exam, make sure you have completed all previous course requirements.
Select the option to take the exam online in your own home.
Create a profile and make an appointment.

Paper Exams

Some courses have exams that require students to show their work or write answers on paper. These typically include math courses and certain world language courses but may include other types of courses. Check your course syllabus to see if your exams are only available on paper.

If you need or want paper exams, please plan for shipping time to receive the exam and mail it back to BYU Independent Study. When you request a paper exam in your course, it will be shipped to your local proctor, who will then administer the exam at the certified testing center where they work. If you are enrolled in a class that requires paper exams and you cannot find a local proctor location, please call us at (800) 914-8931 for assistance.

Grading

Online exams that do not include any instructor-graded sections are graded upon submission. For mailed paper exams, submission occurs on the day we receive the completed exam in our office. Receiving the grade on the day of submission is dependent on all proctor and exam policies and procedures being completed correctly. Exams with instructor-graded sections are given to instructors on the day of submission. From that date, instructors are given two weeks to grade your exam.

Exams

Most courses will allow one exam retake for a $15 fee. Because not all courses offer an exam retake option, please refer to your course syllabus to make sure your course allows exam retakes. All coursework including assignments, exams, and retakes must be completed before course expiration. If requesting paper exams, please account for round-trip shipping time and reprint fees on exams requested more than once.

All coursework must be completed prior to requesting the final exam, including all other exams. No assignment resubmissions are allowed after the final exam has been requested. Final exams and available retakes must be requested and taken prior to the course expiration date. You must pass the final exam in order to pass the course.

Please plan to take your final by at least three weeks before any deadlines (e.g., end of a semester) to ensure your final exam is graded well before your deadline.

Become a Certified

BYU Independent Study Proctor

Proctor Roles

BYU Independent Study has contracted an online proctoring service, so most exams for our courses can be taken from home with no fee. Therefore, we don't have a great need to certify local individuals as proctors. However, special circumstances may require an in-person proctor. Ideal candidates for certification are full-time employees of local high schools that would like the ability to proctor their own students.

Requirements for In-Person Proctoring

We require our exams be taken in a supervised setting with an approved proctor at their official place of employment. Certified proctors must comply with the following:

The proctor must provide a secure and reasonably distraction-free location where the exam can be taken.
The proctor must verify the identity of the student with a government-issued photo ID.
Paper exams must be securely stored in a safe location prior to and following the exam, preferably in a locked drawer or cabinet. They may not be duplicated in any way. Following the exam, the materials may not be turned over to the student for any reason, including for the purpose of mailing them back to our office. It is the proctor’s responsibility to return them.
Online exams must be administered on computers belonging to the proctor’s organization. (Students may not use their own computers to take an exam.) These computers must be free from keyloggers, spyware, or other security compromising issues. They also may not be Chromebooks, cell phones, or similar devices.
Online exam access codes may not be given to the student or anyone else. The proctor must maintain and enter them in such a way that they cannot be seen by the students at any time.
The student, the exam materials, and the screen of any computer used to take the exam must remain visible to the proctor for the entire duration of the exam.
The student may not leave the room during the exam, except for an emergency. If a student does leave the room for any reason, the proctor must notify the BYU Independent Study office and share all details that could be relevant in the event of an investigation into potential cheating.
If a proctor is unable to administer an exam after having received it, the proctor may not turn it over to anyone else, including the student. Instead, they must call the BYU Independent Study office at 1-800-914-8931.
If a proctor observes or has any reason to suspect cheating, the proctor must call the BYU Independent Study Office at 1-800-914-8931.

Unlimited Right to Deny or Revoke Certification

BYU Independent Study reserves the right to deny or revoke proctor certification for any reason, at any time, and at the sole discretion of BYU Independent Study. Some examples of circumstances under which BYU Independent Study invokes this right include, but are not limited to the following:

A proctor or potential proctor has a vested interest in the student’s ability to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics.
A proctor or potential proctor is a relative, friend, employer, professor, tutor, or ecclesiastical leader of the student.
A proctor or potential proctor is not able to proctor without violating laws or regulations in the proctor’s country or locality or policies of the proctor’s employer.
Circumstances prevent BYU Independent Study from adequate opportunity to vet the proctor or potential proctor and/or the proposed proctoring location, at BYU Independent Study’s sole discretion.

How to Apply to Become a Certified Proctor

First, click the "Create a Net ID" button below to setup a network account in our system. Then, please return to this page and click on the "Apply" button to submit an application to be certified as a proctor.

Create a Net ID Apply

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Course Enrollment/Extension

STEP 1 of 4

Current Page 1
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NOTE: Please submit a separate form for each student needing an enrollment or extension.

Customer Number

Enter your 6 digit customer number.

PO Number

Organization

May be different than the student's school.

Purchaser's Name

An authorized agent of the institution funding the course.

Purchaser's Email

A confirmation email containing a copy of this form will be sent here.

Request Type

Select whether you are requesting an enrollment in a new course or an extension in an existing course.

Enrollment

Extension ($20)

Student Support Agreement

Our school agrees to have an individual (e.g., administrator, academic advisor, counselor, or teacher) support each student in their Independent Study course as a single point of contact. This individual will monitor student progress, proactively offer assistance, and advocate for success in their course.

I agree to the terms of the Student Support Agreement

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out—we will be happy to help.

(801) 422-6885

ispo@byu.edu

Request Submitted

Thank you for your request. Our team will review it and get in touch if we need any more details from you.

Start Over

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out—we will be happy to help.

(800) 914-8931

Contact Us

Business Hours

Monday–Friday (except holidays)
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Closed Tuesdays 11:00 a.m.–noon

Local: 801-422-2868
Toll-free: 1-800-914-8931

Street Address

Harman Continuing Education Building
770 E University Pkwy
Provo, UT 84602

Registration Office Address

BYU Independent Study
229 HCEB 
770 E University Pkwy
Provo UT 84602

Course Enrollment FAQs

Do I need to be enrolled in BYU to take these online courses?

No, you do not need to be enrolled in BYU to take our online courses. Our platform is designed to allow anyone to access high-quality courses independently, whether you're a high school student, university student, or lifelong learner. You can sign up and start learning at any time.

Can I start my course at any time?

Yes! Our online courses are designed to be flexible. You can start learning whenever you’re ready. There's no need to wait for a semester or fixed enrollment period. Once you purchase a course, you’ll have immediate access to the materials, and you can study at your own pace.

How are these online courses different from traditional classes?

While our online courses are taught by the same expert instructors and based on the same academic rigor found at BYU or other institutions, they are more flexible. You can take them at your own pace, from anywhere, and they are offered independently of university enrollment or high school enrollment, meaning you can choose to take just one course or multiple, depending on your interests and needs.

Will these courses count for academic credit for high school or university?

Yes! All courses are eligible for academic credit and in most cases can be transferred to or accepted by the educational institution of your choice.

How much time will I need to commit to these courses?

The time commitment depends on the course you choose. Each course will provide a recommended weekly workload, but because you’re learning at your own pace, you can progress as quickly or slowly as you like. You’ll also have access to the materials and any online support for 1 year after purchasing the course.

Will I receive a certificate or transcript upon completing the course?

You will receive a transcript upon successfully completing a course, which allows you to transfer credit to your high school or university.

Are the courses self-paced, or do I need to join live classes?

All our courses are self-paced, allowing you to complete them at your own convenience. Many courses feature video lectures from instructors that you can watch as often as you’d like, whenever it suits you.

What if I’m not satisfied with the course I purchase?

We want you to feel confident about your purchase. If you’re not satisfied with the course within the first 14 days of purchase, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Additionally, we offer limited refunds up to 60 days after purchase. View our tuition and withdrawal policy for more details.

How do I know if the course content is up to date?

Our courses are regularly reviewed and updated by BYU faculty and in-house subject matter experts to ensure they reflect the latest trends, research, and best practices. Course descriptions will outline the most current version and any updates that have been made.

How do I enroll or purchase a course?

Enrolling in a course is simple! Just browse our course catalog, select the course you’re interested in, and follow the checkout process to make your purchase. Once the payment is processed, you’ll gain immediate access to the course materials.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept a variety of major credit cards including Mastercard, Visa and American Express. All transactions are processed through our secure online platform.

Can I speak to someone before purchasing a course?

Absolutely! Our customer support team is available to answer any questions you may have before you make a purchase. You can reach out via our Contact Us form, by emailing us at indstudy@byu.edu, by calling 1-800-914-8931, or via live chat during business hours.

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out—we will be happy to help.

(800) 914-8931

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes (KSA) Curriculum

A course model that develops college and career readiness.

Improved knowledge retention
Academic excellence
21st-century skills
Character development

View KSA Courses

How the KSA course model helps

Enhanced Employability | Personal Growth | Preparation for Higher Education

A Parent Perspective

A Student Perspective

Help students learn skills and attributes that prepare them for the real world

Courses are designed to challenge students by having them apply concepts in a way they may need in the real world. Challenging students to use new skills while learning improves knowledge retention. The success of our students is essential to us, and our students agree.

Knowledge

Gain mastery of a subject while using innovative methods to ensure retention.

Skills

While mastering a subject, you are tasked with a myriad of real-world challenges that enable you to learn new skills in the areas of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

These skills are essential to excel outside of the classroom.

Attributes

Attributes are soft skills that improve social and emotional learning.

Our courses include deep questions and challenge students to apply knowledge in ways that help students become more emotionally resilient and prosperous—personally and professionally.

View KSA Courses

Students will acquire skills that help them grow

Collaboration

Flexibility
Leadership and Initiative
Collaborate Using Digital Media
Responsiveness and Constructive Feedback
Cooperation
Responsibility and Productivity

Communication

Deliver Presentations
Communicate Using Digital Media
Engage in Conversations and Discussions
Communicate in Diverse Environments
Communicate Using Writing
Effective Listening

Creativity

Work Creatively with Others
Openness and Courage to Explore
Creative Production and Innovation
Idea Design and Refinement
Idea Generation

Critical Thinking

Constructing Arguments
Information and Discovery
Interpretation and Analysis
Problem Solving
Reasoning
Design Thinking

Students earn tangible Skill Credentials

Based on course performance, students can earn Skill Credentials that they can share as digital badges on job applications, resumes, and social media channels to verify their gained proficiencies. These Skill Credentials help our students stand out among their peers.

Flexibility

Leadership and Initiative

Cooperation

Responsiveness and Constructive Feedback

Collaborate Using Digital Media

Communicate Using Writing

Deliver Presentations

Engage in Conversations and Discussions

Effective Listening

Communicate Using Digital Media

Flexibility

Leadership and Initiative

Cooperation

Responsiveness and Constructive Feedback

Collaborate Using Digital Media

Communicate Using Writing

Deliver Presentations

Engage in Conversations and Discussions

Effective Listening

Communicate Using Digital Media

Idea Design and Refinement

Openness and Courage to Explore

Idea Generation

Creative Production and Innovation

Interpretation and Analysis

Problem Solving

Reasoning

Design Thinking

Idea Design and Refinement

Openness and Courage to Explore

Idea Generation

Creative Production and Innovation

Interpretation and Analysis

Problem Solving

Reasoning

Design Thinking

How credentials are infused into courses

Each course has a badge representing a skill and attribute that students can earn.

How credentials are earned

To earn credentials, students opt in and complete challenges in addition to their regular coursework.

For example, in the 9th-grade world geography course, students can earn the respect attribute and communications skill by presenting to a family member something they admire about another culture.

College and Career Readiness

Skills and attribute credentials offer tangible evidence of capabilities to colleges and employers. These credentials set our students apart from other applicants by showing they have successfully mastered desirable skills that benefit the organization.

Take a look at our KSA Courses

View KSA Courses

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