Since NYFA recognizes that our faculty is our greatest resource and therefore must be top quality, we regularly assess faculty using various instruments in a 360-degree review system:
Student Evaluations – One week into every semester, and on the last day of every semester, all enrolled students complete evaluations of their courses, curricula, and instructors. Student evaluations of instructors are considered in departmental faculty reviews, and through the use of these evaluations, the Academy is able to address any classroom issues speedily.
Classroom Observation - All NYFA instructors are observed in the classroom by the following: their respective department chair, an administrator, a fellow instructor. Observers are given a form to complete in which they record their observations and recommendations. These forms are considered in departmental faculty reviews.
Annual Departmental Review – Each year, all faculty meet one-on-one with their respective Department Chairs for a performance review. The performance review consists of several elements: student evaluation results, administrative staff reviews of faculty, adherence to NYFA policies, departmental and school-wide participation in events and committees, and extra-curricular/professional activities and development.
The instructor is also asked to complete a self-review prior to the review meeting. The Chair and the instructor go over their reviews and come to conclusions based on their observations and assessments, then the instructor has three days to respond in writing to any assessment made by the Chair.
If a faculty member is unable to take classes for six consecutive months, they may be moved to inactive status. This means that the faculty member’s NYFA email may be deactivated until they return. The faculty member may be notified by the Human Resources department before officially being moved from active to inactive.
Should a faculty member choose to return to NYFA, they must contact the Human Resources department at least two weeks prior to their scheduled return date. Once a faculty member has returned, they will be returned to active status.