FACULTY POLICIES

Effective Date: August 1, 2023

Objective:

The objective of this policy is to ensure timely responses to Admin posts on Google Chat ,  email, and other online platforms, promoting efficient communication and collaboration within the educational institution. By adhering to this policy, we aim to enhance productivity, maintain transparency, and streamline administrative communication and tasks.

Policy Details:

Response Time Requirement:

All teachers are required to respond to Admin posts  within 12 hours of the original post being made.

Business Days:

The response time of 12 hours applies to regular business days, excluding weekends and official holidays. If an Admin post is made on a weekend or public holiday, the response time will begin from the start of the next business day.

Admin Post Definition:

An Admin post refers to any communication initiated by the school administrators, academic coordinators, or higher management on Asana, clearly marked as important or requiring acknowledgment.

Penalty for Failure to Comply:

In the event that a teacher fails to reply to an Admin post within the stipulated 12-hour timeframe, they will be subject to a penalty of 25 pesos.

Penalty Implementation:

The penalty will be automatically deducted from the teacher's next salary payment following the infraction. The Business Office department will handle the deduction process and ensure transparency in its implementation.

Exceptions and Mitigating Circumstances:

In exceptional cases where a teacher encounters valid reasons for the delay, such as illness or unforeseen emergencies, they must promptly inform their department head or supervisor about the situation. Based on the merits of the case, the department head may decide to waive the penalty.

Policy Acknowledgment:

All teachers are required to read and sign this policy as an acknowledgment of their understanding and commitment to comply with the requirements stated herein. The signed policy will be kept in the employee's personnel file.

Implementation:

This policy will be effective starting from the beginning of the upcoming academic year. All teachers will receive a copy of the policy, and they will be required to sign the acknowledgment form before the specified deadline.

Effective Date: June 1, 2025

Policy Statement:
At Immanuel Adventist Academy, the Faculty Morning Devotional is an essential part of our daily routine that fosters spiritual growth, unity, and a Christ-centered atmosphere. This policy outlines the expectations and guidelines for faculty attendance and punctuality during the morning devotional.

1. Schedule and Reporting Time:

• The Faculty Morning Devotional begins promptly at 7:00 AM.

• Teachers are expected to be present on or before 7:00 AM.

• Arrival after 7:00 AM will be considered late.

• The official work hours remain from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

2. Tardiness Policy:

• A ₱25 penalty will be charged for each instance of late arrival to the morning devotional.

• Teachers arriving after 7:00 AM will be marked late, regardless of how minimal the delay.

3. Absences in Morning Devotionals:

• Failure to attend the morning devotional will be considered an absence.

• Valid reasons for excused absence or tardiness include:

  • Illness

  • Menstrual period (for women)

  • Lack of water due to power outage or water service interruption

• Faculty must inform the Principal or immediate supervisor in advance or as soon as possible in case of an excused absence or tardiness.

4. Disciplinary Guidelines for Repeated Tardiness or Absence:

Unexcused absences or repeated tardiness without valid reason may lead to:

• • A verbal warning (after 3 instances of unexcused tardiness in a month)

  • A written warning (second occurrence)

  • A formal disciplinary meeting (third occurrence)

• Persistent disregard of the devotional attendance policy may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

5. Monitoring and Records:

• Devotional attendance will be recorded daily by the Academic Office.

• Monthly summaries will be reviewed by the Principal to ensure accountability and fairness in enforcement.
  
  

This policy revision reflects our commitment to nurturing both the professional and spiritual life of our faculty, in line with the values of Immanuel Adventist Academy.

Effective Date: June 1, 2025

Policy Statement:

At Immanuel Adventist Academy, we uphold a high standard of professionalism, integrity, and student-centered instruction. This policy establishes the expectations for faculty presence in the classroom and outlines consequences for failure to meet these expectations. Teachers are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that students are engaged, supervised, and guided throughout scheduled class periods.

1. Timeliness and Presence During Class:

• Teachers are expected to report to their assigned classes on time, based on the official class schedule.

• Teachers must remain in the classroom for the entire duration of the class unless officially excused or in case of emergency.

• Leaving students unsupervised during a scheduled class period is strictly prohibited.

2. Violations and Penalties:

• Any teacher caught arriving late to class or leaving students unattended during class hours shall be considered in serious neglect of duty.

• Each violation will incur a ₱100 penalty per incident.

• Repeated offenses will result in:

  • • A formal written warning upon the second offense.

    • A disciplinary meeting upon the third offense.

    • Further disciplinary actions, which may include suspension or termination, depending on the frequency and severity of the neglect.

3. Monitoring and Reporting:

• Classroom attendance and supervision will be monitored by the Academic Office and the Principal through regular walk-throughs and student feedback.

• Teachers may be required to provide an explanation for any instance of tardiness or early departure from class.

• Reports from students, parents, or staff regarding unsupervised classrooms will be investigated promptly and treated with confidentiality.

4. Commitment to Student Welfare:

This policy underscores our mission to provide students with a safe, consistent, and well-supervised learning environment. Every teacher is expected to model responsibility and dedication to their duties as a part of the IAA community.

Social Media Policy: Faculty and Staff

Effective Date: August 1, 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and expectations for faculty and staff regarding the use of social media platforms concerning school-related issues and problems. This policy aims to promote a respectful, professional, and unified communication approach while protecting the reputation and privacy of the school community.

Scope:

This policy applies to all faculty and staff members of Immanuel Adventist Academy Alegria, Inc.

Policy:

Prohibition on Social Media Posts:

Faculty and staff members are strictly prohibited from posting on any public social media platform about school-related issues, concerns, or problems. This includes, but is not limited to, complaints, grievances, confidential matters, or any discussions that could harm the reputation of the school, students, parents, or colleagues.

Confidentiality and Privacy:

Faculty and staff are reminded to uphold the utmost respect for the confidentiality and privacy of students, parents, and other employees. Under no circumstances should any personally identifiable information or sensitive data be shared on social media platforms.

Official Communication Channels:

Official school communication channels, such as the school website, email, newsletters, and designated social media accounts, should be utilized for any information or updates related to school matters. Faculty and staff are encouraged to use these platforms for professional announcements, events, and other school-related information.

Social Media Best Practices:

While the use of social media for personal purposes is allowed, faculty and staff are reminded to exercise good judgment and follow these best practices:

• Refrain from posting content that could be construed as offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate.

• Avoid discussing or commenting on contentious issues, politics, or any subject that could cause division within the school community.

• Be cautious when posting content related to their personal life that might reflect negatively on the school's reputation.

Consequences of Policy Violation:

Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including, but not limited to, verbal or written warnings, suspension, or termination of employment, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.

Training and Awareness:

The school administration will provide training sessions to ensure that all faculty and staff members are aware of this policy and its implications. Regular reminders will also be sent to reinforce the importance of adhering to these guidelines.

Review and Amendments:

This policy will be subject to periodic review to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Amendments may be made to the policy with the approval of the school administration.

By adhering to this policy, faculty and staff members can help maintain a positive and professional environment within the school community while upholding its reputation and values.

Policy Prohibiting Teacher-Student Relationships

1. Introduction:

This policy is designed to establish clear guidelines and standards that prohibit any form of romantic or intimate relationships between teachers and students in Immanuel Adventist Academy. Its purpose is to maintain a safe, respectful, and professional environment conducive to the academic and personal development of students.

1. Scope:

This policy applies to all teachers, including full-time, part-time, and substitute teachers, employed in Immanuel Adventist Academy. It covers all students enrolled in the respective junior and senior high school.

1. Prohibited Relationships:

2. Romantic or intimate relationships between teachers and students are strictly prohibited. This includes any form of dating, courting, or engaging in a romantic relationship, regardless of the student's age or consent.

3. The policy applies to current students and extends to former students for a reasonable period after their graduation or departure from Immanuel Adventist Academy. Any romantic or intimate relationship between a teacher and a former student must be avoided until a significant amount of time has passed, typically a minimum of two years.

4.  Physical Contact:

1. In addition to prohibiting romantic or intimate relationships, this policy strictly prohibits any form of inappropriate physical contact between teachers and students, including but not limited to touching, hugging, or holding hands.

2. Physical contact between teachers and students should be limited to situations that are necessary for educational or safety purposes, and it should always be conducted in a professional and respectful manner.

3. Teachers should exercise caution and sensitivity to cultural norms and individual boundaries, ensuring that physical contact does not make any student uncomfortable or violate their personal space.

4. Teachers:

i. Teachers must maintain professional boundaries and avoid any actions that may be perceived as favoritism or impropriety.

ii. Teachers should report any inappropriate conduct or suspicions of a teacher-student relationship to the appropriate authorities within the school, such as the principal or designated school administrator.

1. School Administration:

   1. The school administration is responsible for disseminating and enforcing this policy among all faculty and staff members.

   2. The administration should provide regular training and awareness programs regarding appropriate professional conduct and the importance of maintaining a safe learning environment.

   3. The administration must promptly investigate any reported violations of this policy and take appropriate disciplinary actions, including termination of employment if necessary.

2. Reporting Procedures:

   1. Students, parents, or staff members who witness or suspect a teacher-student relationship should report the matter to the school administration immediately.

   2. Students, parents, or staff members who witness or experience inappropriate physical contact between a teacher and a student should report the incident immediately to the school administration.

   3. The reporting process should guarantee confidentiality and protection against retaliation for those who report in good faith.

3. Consequences of Policy Violation:

   1. If a teacher is found to be involved in a prohibited relationship with a student, disciplinary actions will be taken, which may include, but are not limited to, suspension, termination, and legal consequences.

   2. If a teacher is found to have engaged in inappropriate physical contact with a student, disciplinary actions will be taken, which may include, but are not limited to, suspension, termination, and legal consequences.

   3. Students who willingly participate in a romantic or intimate relationship with a teacher may also face disciplinary action, which could include counseling, transfer to another school, or suspension, depending on the circumstances.

   4. Students who engage in inappropriate physical contact with a teacher may also face disciplinary action, which could include counseling, transfer to another class or school, or suspension, depending on the circumstances.

4. Policy Review:

This policy should be reviewed periodically, at least once every two years, to ensure its effectiveness and to incorporate any necessary updates or changes.

1. Dissemination:

This policy shall be made readily accessible to all teachers, students, parents, and staff members. It should be included in the school handbook, posted on the school's website, and communicated through staff meetings and parent-teacher conferences.

Policy Statement:
Immanuel Adventist Academy promotes the consistent use of the English language within school grounds to strengthen language proficiency, enhance communication skills, and prepare students for global engagement. As role models of academic and linguistic excellence, all faculty members are expected to demonstrate the consistent use of English during instructional hours and school-related activities.

1. Scope of Implementation:

• The English Speaking Program (ESP) is enforced from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

• The policy applies to all conversations between faculty and students conducted:

  • Inside the classroom

  • Outside the classroom within school premises

  • During school-organized activities, even if held off-campus

2. Expected Language Use:

• All teachers are required to speak in English when communicating with students during the instructional hours mentioned above.

• Subjects officially taught in Filipino (such as Filipino, Araling Panlipunan, etc.) are exempted, and teachers of these subjects may use Filipino as the medium of instruction during their class sessions.

• Use of Cebuano or other local dialects when speaking with students during instructional hours is not allowed, unless in emergency or contextually sensitive situations that require clear understanding (e.g. counseling or critical instructions for safety).

3. Violations and Penalty:

• Teachers caught speaking Cebuano to students during instructional hours will be subject to a ₱50 penalty per incident.

• Reports can be submitted by:

  • Students

  • School guards / Campus supervisors

  • ESP Coordinator (assigned by the Principal)

• All reports must be submitted directly to the Principal or the ESP Coordinator for verification and record-keeping.

4. Enforcement and Monitoring:

• Regular monitoring will be conducted by the ESP Coordinator and Academic Office.

• Reports will be confidentially reviewed and validated before any penalty is applied.

• Repeat violations may lead to further disciplinary action if deemed willful non-compliance.

5. Rationale and Commitment:
This policy is rooted in our commitment to raise English language competence and cultivate an academic culture of professionalism and preparedness. Teachers are expected to lead by example and uphold the values and vision of Immanuel Adventist Academy.