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Standards for Excellent Teachers

To ensure the highest quality education for our students and clear expectations for our teachers, we have created the Standards for Excellent Teachers (SETs). Our SETs outline unacceptable behaviors for our teachers and the consequences for any repeated behavior that goes against our SETs. You can read in detail about each here. On this page, you will find brief highlights and examples of our SETs.

We ensure our teachers follow these standards by regularly reviewing class recordings and through our automatic attendance system.

3 SET Categories

SET 1

Teaching Quality

SET 2

Behavior and Conduct

SET 3

Attendance and Communication

If a teacher violates one of our Standards of Excellent Teachers they will be contacted by our teacher operations team. SET violations are typically observed in class recording reviews, Educational Consultant trial class observations, student and parent feedback, or is automatically logged in our system. If a teacher receives two SET violations within one month they will be issued a strike and are at risk for contract termination. With any questions regarding our SET Policies you can email us at teacher-support@classup.com and you can review our Strike procedure here.

SET 1: Teaching Quality - Getting the most out of your ClassUp classroom!

SET 1 is all about creating the best possible classroom experience for our students. Standards in this SET focus on making sure teachers are effectively engaging with the ClassUp interface, managing their time well in class, completing learning objectives from students and parents, and minimizing distractions. Each standard will include examples of situations in violation of that standard, but this is not an exhaustive list of examples and may be amended at any time.

1. Demonstrated mastery of your subject

ClassUp Teachers are expected to demonstrate mastery of their subject material and foster that mastery in their students. We select our teachers based on a strict standard of excellence - if you are a ClassUp educator, it is because you are truly an expert in your subjects. We expect our teachers to hold themselves to the highest standard of content expertise. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

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Making more than a single significant content mistake or arithmetic error during your lesson

Making several small content mistakes or arithmetic errors during your lesson

Failing to correct an obvious student mistake while completing work during your lesson

2. Use of ClassUp's Tools and Resources

ClassUp Teachers are expected to use the tools and resources provided in the ClassUp Classroom. Resources like the ClassUp White Board, text interaction tools, screen sharing, file uploading, and image editing are all powerful ways for us to make teaching more effective for our students. Of course, every tool is not needed in every lesson, but we expect our teachers to use ClassUp's tools when it makes sense to do so. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Failure to encourage students to complete work using ClassUp Classroom resources (using handwritten notes instead, etc) for more than 10% of the lesson

Failure to remind students to enable their cameras and microphones during the lesson if they are not doing so

3. Use the ClassUp Method

ClassUp Teachers are expected to teach the "ClassUp Method", using ClassUp's proprietary lesson materials if provided, and supplementing classes with outside resources if needed. One of the most powerful tools we have as ClassUp educators is the wealth of materials at our disposal. Whether it is a lesson plan from our own ClassUp curriculum or a carefully-curated worksheet from your own collection, we expect our teachers to use educational materials to the benefit of their students - no one learns from an empty white board! Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

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Failure to review a student's assessment report and personalized learning plan before a trial class

Failure to use ClassUp's pre-prepared lesson modules (Personalized Learning Plans, Courseware, Practice, etc) when provided

In lieu of provided materials, failing to upload lesson materials of your own design to the classroom before the start of class, or failure to provide prepared materials via screen share

Spending classroom time searching for materials, rather than uploading and/or selecting materials before the class begins (last-minute student/parent requests not included).

Failure to participate in Monthly Recap and Renewal Recap conversations with Long-Term students

Common Teaching Quality SET Violations

Doesn't use ClassUp's materials or Personalized Learning Plan in a Trial Class
Has student completing work outside of the digital classroom for a majority of the lesson
Is not prepared for class with materials ready

SET 2: Behavior and Conduct - Prioritizing Professionalism and Safety!

SET 2 focuses on how ClassUp defines professionalism in the classroom. We want our teachers to do everything in their power to provide a productive, safe, and engaging environment for our students to learn and grow. Standards in this SET focus on on-camera behaviors and professionalism in the online workplace. Each standard will include examples of situations in violation of that standard, but this is not an exhaustive list of examples and may be amended at any time.

1. Professional, Controlled, and Distraction Free Environment

ClassUp Teachers are expected to present themselves in a professional, controlled, and distraction-free environment. We understand that ClassUp's flexibile online classroom empowers you to work from many different places, but we want to provide a high level of professional excellence for our students and parents. We expect our teachers to limit any distractions in their field of view and present themselves in a professional manner of dress, speech, and etiquette in front of their students. Remember: If it has the chance to distract a 2nd Grader, it does not belong in your lesson! Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

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Distracting lights, objects, or other visuals in the fore or background of a lesson

Teaching a lesson in a distracting environment, such as a car, restaurant, public area, or bathroom

Family members or other individuals in the fore or background of a lesson

Inappropriate classroom dress, including (but not limited to): low-cut or off-shoulder tops, baseball caps, hoods, distracting/unprofessional makeup or body piercings

2. Professional Behavior and Speech

ClassUp Teachers are expected to speak and behave in a professional manner, and to avoid activities not related to teaching their lessons. At ClassUp, our flexible scheduling system allows you to build in breaks and personal time into your daily work schedule. Because of this, there is no reason for personal activities to make their way into your classes or in front of your students. We expect our teachers to avoid behaviors like eating/cooking, playing games, chewing gum, using their phones or personal electronic devices in a non-educational capacity, tending to pets or other chores, or leaving the video frame for extended periods of time. If you need personal time throughout your day, ClassUp empowers you to make those scheduling choices for yourself, but don't bring it with you to class! Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Distracting behavior that could easily be taken care of outside of class, like eating, cooking, or pet care.

Failing to present a professional demeanor or appearance, including sitting up straight, centering the camera, and avoiding lounging or lying down while teaching.

Making phone calls, sending text messages, emails, or otherwise communicating in a distracting manner with anyone outside of your lesson.

Appearing visibly tired, lethargic, falling asleep during your lesson, or demonstrating other cognitive impairment during class.

3. Functional Technology

ClassUp Teachers are expected to keep their cameras and microphones on during the duration of their lessons, and ensure that their techology is functional. No student wants to be taught by an empty video window! A huge amount of communicaion happens with facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, and we expect our teachers to present themselves as they would in an in-person classroom. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

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Turning off your camera or microphone during a lesson, or stepping away from the camera (excluding emergencies or restroom breaks)

Consistently using a video or audio connection with significant lag, stuttering, or connectivity issues

Writing illegibly on the ClassUp White Board without the use of a synced writing pad

4. Manage Classroom Time Effectively

ClassUp Teachers are expected to manage classroom time effectively, avoiding "dead time" during lessons. Our students come to their lessons expecting to engage and work with their teachers dynamically - they can get a lecture from their teacher at school! At ClassUp, we expect our teachers to engage with their students beyond simply assigning a reading passage or a set of problems - while completing assignments is an important part of class, try to avoid extended periods of "dead time" with no one talking in the room for more than a few minutes at a time. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Any period of "Dead Time" for more than five consecutive minutes.

Any period of off-topic chatting for more than 5 consecutive minutes.

A total of 50% of the lesson composed of "Dead Time", even if the time is not sequential.

5. Professional Communication

ClassUp Teachers are expected to avoid profanity, discriminatory remarks, or communication that would be inappropriate for a student on a zero-tolerance basis. Simply put: we do not tolerate dangerous or offensive communication at ClassUp. Anything that could put a student's safety or experience at risk will be addressed immediately by our team - remember, all ClassUp lessons are recorded for parental review, so don't say anything or do anything with a student that you do not want a parent to see. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Any use of vulgar words, phrases, or symbolism

Any age-inappropriate content shown or uploaded in class

Any mention, suggestion, implication, or innuendo related to age-inappropriate content in any context whatsoever

6. Responsive to Parent and Student Requests

ClassUp Teachers are expected to respond to feedback from students and parents, and to adjust their lessons accordingly. Our students and parents are our most direct resource when it comes to improving our practices and the experience in the ClassUp classroom. If a parent or student leaves feedback on a lesson, ClassUp teachers are expected to take note of and incorporate that feedback into subsequent lessons, and to work with their Learning Partners to make any necessary adjustments. Remember, if a strategy doesn’t work with one of your students, it does not reflect poorly on you as a teacher—every teaching experience is unique! Below are examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Ignoring a student's or parent's requests to modify or adjust a lesson's content

Ignoring a student or parent's request to provide after-lesson homework options, within reason

Failing to refer to a student's Personalized Learning Plan or Student Profile

Failing to respond to coaching or feedback from our Teacher Support specialists in the event of a SET violation

Failure to read and/or incorporate notes left by an Educational Consultant or Learning Partner into lessons

Common Behavior and Conduct SET Violations

Turning off your camera or leaving the screen at any time
Consistent technology issues over several classes
Failure to incorporate teacher support coaching feedback
Lack of a professional environment
Use of cell phones, eating, or other distracting behavior

SET 3: Attendance and Communication - On Time, On Schedule, Everyday!

SET 3 focuses on our policies around lesson attendance, cancellation etiquette, and communicating effectively with students, parents, and ClassUp staff members. Lesson attendance is an extremely powerful tool to demonstrate value to students and parents, and ClassUp teachers are held to a high standard of timeliness, attendance, and communication skills. Each standard will include examples of situations in violation of that standard, but this is not an exhaustive list of examples and may be amended at any time.

As communication is key to success, we require our teachers to provide and stay abreast of communication from ClassUp via phone, email, text, and our online community platform (the "Hub"). Upon becoming a teacher at ClassUp, you will be emailed an invitation to join the Hub. It is our online home for teachers, providing a plethora of valuable information and connection for new and old teachers alike. We aim to provide teachers with an abundance of support throughout your ClassUp journey. Ensuring the lines of communication are open, and notifications preferences are turned on, helps set up all ClassUp teachers for success.

1. Timely Attendance - Come to class on time!

ClassUp Teachers are expected to log in on time for all of their scheduled lessons, and teach all 50 minutes of each lesson as scheduled, without exception. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Failing to be logged in, present, and prepared for class at the start time of each lesson.

Ending a lesson before the scheduled 50-minute class timer has ended.

2. Perfect Attendance - Attend every scheduled class

ClassUp Teachers are expected to attend all lessons that are scheduled on their calendars, without exception. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Failing to attend a lesson that has been scheduled on your calendar

Frequently canceling lessons for the same student without 7 days' notice.

Attempting to reschedule lessons on behalf of a parent using your own ClassUp App

3. Adhere to Schedule - Minimize Cancellations

If a lesson must be cancelled, ClassUp Teachers are expected to provide a minimum of 24 hours notice and facilitate the rescheduling process by offering make-up opportunities for Long-Term students. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Failing to open sufficient time slots on your Recurring Class calendar to accommodate your students

Refusing to offer rescheduling options

Frequently failing to notify at least 7 days in advance of rescheduling or canceling a lesson (when possible).

4. Full class duration

ClassUp Teachers are expected to attend all 50 minutes of each scheduled lesson, and to follow posted policies in the event of Student Lateness or No Shows. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Failing to remain in the classroom for 10 minutes in the event of a Trial Lesson No Show

Failing to remain in the classroom for 50 minutes for a Long-Term No Show

5. Exclusive ClassUp App Communication

ClassUp Teachers are expected to communicate with students and parents exclusively through the ClassUp App, and to never share their personal contact information with their students. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Sharing your phone number, email address, or social media contact information with a student or a parent

Attempting to contact a student or parent via your own personal communication devices

Sharing your email address for Google Drive document shares. Instead, please use screen sharing during virtual sessions or send files directly through the group chat in the ClassUp App.

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6. Timely Communication

ClassUp Teachers are expected to actively communicate with their Students, Parents, and ClassUp staff members about schedule changes, cancellations, and other matters related to their work. Below are some examples of situations that do not meet this standard of excellence:

Failure to respond to student messages in the ClassUp Chat in a timely manner

Failure to communicate about upcoming schedule changes through the ClassUp Chat, such as rescheduling a lesson, personal travel, or holidays.

Failure to work with a student to coordinate reliable lesson times.

7. Accurate Calendar

Failing to ensure that your calendar accurately reflects your availability

Failing to open time slots on your calendar

Cancelling lessons in excess of five lessons per month

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Most common Attendance and Communication SET Violations:

Giving any form of personal communication information
Failure to keep your calendar up to date
Canceling lessons in excess
Logging into class after the start time

SET FAQs

Who should I contact if I have questions about the SET rules?

For any inquiries, please reach out to us at teacher-support@classup.com.

What does SETs stand for and what does it mean?

SETs stands for Standards for Excellent Teachers. These standards are categorized into three areas: Teaching Quality, Behavior and Conduct, and Attendance and Communication. SETs represent our company's commitment to excellence, outlining the expected conduct, professionalism, and teaching guidelines we aim to achieve in every lesson.

My scheduled class falls around dinner time or when I need to participate in another task. Can I work on other tasks while the student is working?

At ClassUp, our flexible scheduling system allows you to build in breaks and personal time into your daily work schedule. Because of this, there is no reason for personal activities to make their way into your classes or in front of your students.

We finished the lesson early. Am I allowed to log off before the 50 minutes?

ClassUp Teachers are expected to log in on time for all of their scheduled lessons, and teach all 50 minutes of each lesson as scheduled.

The parent requested that I cancel a long-term class they cannot attend. Can I do this in my app?

Please do not attempt to reschedule or cancel lessons on behalf of a parent using your own ClassUp App. Parents must cancel or reschedule from their app. If you have any questions regarding scheduling and attendance policies, please contact teacher-support@classup.com.

Can I give the parent my personal contact information such as an email and/or phone number to communicate about upcoming classes, schedule changes, or homework?

ClassUp Teachers are expected to communicate with students and parents exclusively through the ClassUp App, and are to never share their personal contact information with their students.