Teacher Guide: Confirming Courses with New Students
Updated: 25/10/2024 – Teacher Guide
Welcome to Talk and Chalk!
This guide has been carefully designed to support our teachers in delivering a consistent, high-quality experience when starting a course with a new student. It outlines the key procedures, expectations, and best practices to follow from the moment a course is confirmed.
We kindly ask that you read this document thoroughly and apply these guidelines throughout your collaboration with us. Your role is essential in ensuring both student satisfaction and the overall success of our programs.
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE
Clear communication, professionalism, and organization are fundamental to maintaining the quality standards of Talk and Chalk. The following steps are mandatory and must be followed carefully.
First Steps
Initial Contact
It is essential to contact the student as soon as possible after receiving the course confirmation. Early communication helps establish trust, creates a positive first impression, and reduces the risk of delays or misunderstandings.
When reaching out:
- Introduce yourself clearly
- Confirm the student’s availability
- Reinforce the agreed schedule
If the student does not respond within 48 hours, you must inform the Talk and Chalk team immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.
First Lesson Confirmation
The first lesson is a critical step in the student’s journey. Please ensure that:
- The lesson takes place as scheduled
- The student joins successfully
- Any technical or organizational issues are addressed
If the lesson cannot take place for any reason, report it to us as soon as possible with a clear explanation.
Schedule Validation
During the first session, take time to confirm that the planned schedule (days and times) matches the student’s expectations and availability.
You should:
- Reconfirm all agreed time slots
- Ensure the student fully understands the schedule
- Emphasize the importance of punctuality and consistency
A well-aligned schedule helps prevent future cancellations and ensures smoother course progression.
Assessment Test
The assessment (placement) test plays a key role in defining the student’s level and structuring the course effectively.
- Correct the test carefully and objectively
- Send the results to the Talk and Chalk team before the end of the training
- Use the results to adapt your teaching approach and lesson planning
If the student has not completed the test prior to the first lesson:
- Allocate time during the initial session to complete it together
- Ensure the student understands the purpose of the test
This step is crucial for delivering a personalized and effective learning experience.
Hour Management
Respecting the agreed number of lesson hours is essential for maintaining transparency and fairness.
- Do not exceed the allocated hours without prior approval
- Keep track of completed lessons
- Ensure that all sessions correspond to the agreed package
Any deviation must be discussed and approved in advance.
Commitment and Professionalism
As a teacher, you represent Talk and Chalk. Your attitude and approach directly impact the student’s experience.
We expect you to:
- Demonstrate professionalism at all times
- Show enthusiasm and engagement
- Be punctual and well-prepared for each lesson
- Adapt your teaching style to the student’s needs
Your mission is not only to teach but also to motivate and guide the student toward achieving their personal and professional goals.
Lesson Validation
Lesson validation is a critical administrative step and must be handled with care.
- Validate lessons regularly in the system
- Ensure all sessions are correctly recorded
- Complete validations before the end of each month to allow timely payment processing
If there are any changes to the schedule:
- Update them directly in the system, or
- Contact the Talk and Chalk team for assistance
It is essential that the system accurately reflects the lessons that were actually delivered.
COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY
Important Reminders
- Students receive an automatic reminder email 24 hours before each lesson
- All lessons are considered confirmed unless a cancellation is communicated
Clear communication between teacher, student, and Talk and Chalk is essential.
Cancellation Rules
Cancellations within 0–24 hours
If a student cancels within this time frame:
- You may cancel the lesson in the system
- You are allowed to register up to 1 hour maximum
- You must inform both the student and the Talk and Chalk team immediately
Timely communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings.
Cancellations more than 24 hours in advance
For cancellations made sufficiently in advance:
- No penalty will apply for cancellations made at least 12 hours before the lesson
- Remind the student of the importance of respecting the agreed schedule
If cancellations become frequent:
- Inform the Talk and Chalk team as soon as possible
- Repeated cancellations may lead to course suspension without prior notice
Billing for Cancelled Hours
Transparency is non-negotiable.
- Any lesson marked as cancelled and billed without proper communication
to both the student and Talk and Chalk will not be paid
Always ensure:
- The student is aware of the cancellation
- The team has been informed Teacher Guide
- The system reflects the correct situation
Communication and Responsibility
Maintaining clear and proactive communication is one of the most important aspects of your role.
You are expected to:
- Inform us of any issues or irregularities
- Report unresponsive students
- Communicate schedule changes promptly
Being proactive helps us resolve situations quickly and maintain a high standard of service.
Teacher’s Mission
Your primary mission is to provide a meaningful, engaging, and effective learning experience. Teacher Guide
You play a key role in helping students:
- Build confidence
- Develop their language skills
- Achieve personal and professional goals
Your dedication, organization, and teaching quality are essential to their success.
Final Note
It is always better to suspend a poorly organized or inconsistent course than to validate lessons that were not properly conducted.
Our priority is quality, transparency, and the satisfaction of both students and teachers. Teacher Guide
