STAFF – Internal Policies

Hello team!

Bellow is an overview of our internal policies for all staff. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about our internal policies. If you would like to review the policies related to students at Orrett Music Academy (“external policies”), please read those HERE.

Thank you!

 

 

Orrett Music Academy – Internal Policies

August 15th, 2024 – Subject to change

 

Orrett Internal Policies are confidential and should not be shared with anyone other than Orrett staff for any reason. They are designed to help increase the success of students, parents, and teachers, as well as to ensure consistency, efficiency, quality, and fairness for everyone.



All staff must…

 

Re: GENERAL

  1. Arrive at least 10 minutes early before their first lesson.

  2. Finish speaking with the parents of the last student and then go back to their room to collect their things before leaving.

  3. Minimize use of cellphone during lessons (use a clock or laptop for timekeeping and laptop for multimedia use).

  4. Minimize food consumption during lessons (no food consumption in group lessons).

  5. Maintain a professional appearance at all times. No crop-tops, low-cut tops, controversial slogans, ripped jeans, short shorts, or hats.

  6. Respond to e-mails from admin in a timely manner.

  7. Orrett Music Academy provides and pays for a personalized professional Orrett e-mail to all teachers through Gmail. The password is not to be changed by the teacher. If Google forces the teacher to change their password, Orrett administrative staff must be informed of the updated password immediately. Additionally, to ensure Orrett has access to the teacher’s e-mail at all times, two-step verification must be turned off in the settings.


Re: MODULES

  1. Be fully trained on use of their Teacher Modules including Student Info, Attendance, Rescheduling Tab, and links. Training videos are posted online to help.

  2. Keep their Attendance AND Rescheduling Tab up-to-date at all times.

  3. Complete the staff questionnaire by the 20th of each month.

 

 

Re: TRIAL LESSONS

  1. Read teaching notes and other relevant data BEFORE a trial lesson to get to know your trial student.

  2. Greet student AND parent in the waiting room in a friendly manner and ask AT LEAST one question to each of the student AND the parent BEFORE asking a student to come into the lesson.

  3. Invite the parent to sit in on the first part of the trial. If they do not wish to, then suggest the last 5 minutes or a lengthier chat in the waiting room noting that chats in teaching rooms are more private and effective.

  4. Ensure that trial lessons include some “get to know you” as well as some teaching and a confident plan moving forward communicated to student and parent. It is recommended to always act as though the student will sign up. Note that trial lessons are discounted for students in part to ensure that you, the teacher, aren’t pressured to “teach” for the entire lesson.

  5. Follow up after the trial lesson with an e-mail on the same day. Templates may be used.

  6. Call trial students from the school landline who are 5 minutes late.




 

Re: REGULAR LESSONS

  1. Start each lesson on time. Stay on time.

  2. Complete one teaching sheet per lesson, attempting to complete as many sections as possible and place it in the student’s binder.

  3. Ensure students know about (and are encouraged to participate in) Practicing Prizes and the Practicing Challenge, and the difference between them.

  4. Encourage students to participate in school activities including, but not limited to, Mini-Recitals, SOUNDFEST, Monthly Spirit Activities, Duets (Songs of the Month), Student Achievement Board, etc..

  5. Come out 2-3 minutes BEFORE the end of the lesson to talk to parents.

  6. Answer e-mails from parents in a reasonable timeframe (less than 72 hours). For any questions you cannot answer in full, or for any requests for permanent scheduling changes, please forward to admin and we would be happy to assist.

  7. Proactively reach out to parents verbally and/or in writing to discuss both concerns and successes.

 

 

Re: ROOM MAINTENANCE

 

  1. Keep their teaching room tidy and presentable.

  2. Have frequently used supplies ready to avoid lesson disruptions.

  3. Not dim lights too much during lessons and turn them off fully at the end.

  4. If applicable, turn off fans and close blinds in the teaching room.

  5. Leave their door fully open at the end of the teaching shift so that Sharkira the cleaning robot can get in.


 

SUGGESTIONS (Not Policies)

 

  • Support fellow staff as often as possible.

  • Participate in the group WhatsApp chat.

  • Come to staff socials and help us bond and celebrate

  • Stay up to date on current music and teaching ideas. We will post resources to help you.

  • Think outside the box. How could I be more creative and engaging as a teacher?

  • Maintain a personal connection with students and families. Get to know them on a professionally appropriate personal level to maximize engagement and community experience for everyone.

  • Lead the lesson. Be aspirational.

  • Read the newsletter. It will help you keep up with everything happening.