Student Safety Policies

For everyone’s safety and protection, there must be two Mathnasium employees in the center any time a student is present. If only one employee is present due to a co-worker being sick, tardy, etc., it is time to open the center, and you are the only person there when a student is about to walk in, you have two options: 

1. Ask the student and parent to wait until another Mathnasium employee arrives, if you know that they are on their way; or 

2. Ask the parent to wait in the center while you instruct if they are able to, so that you are not alone with the student(s). 

Either way, you should explain the policy and situation to the parent so that they understand the reasoning.

Definitely give high-fives and fist bumps! A quick, encouraging pat on the shoulder is also fine. It’s okay if a student offers to give you a hug, but you should not be the one to offer a hug. There should be no other physical contact. When in doubt, keep your hands to yourself!

You are encouraged to have conversations with your students! While the majority of those discussions should be about math or the student's interests, we also want you to be a role model and mentor to your students, which means sometimes discussing other topics. However, some topics are off-limits, including but not limited to: 

• religion or politics;

• how much you hate a class/subject/professor/school;

• mature/adult topics such as dating, drinking, and partying;

• most details about your personal life other than your pets. 

Use common sense and be a positive role model! When in doubt, redirect the conversation to math, and if a student attempts to bring up any of these topics, firmly let them know that it is not appropriate. If they continue, let your Center Director know immediately.

If you are concerned about a student’s health or safety for any reason, inside or outside of the learning center, let your Center Director know immediately.

All previously stated Human Resources Policies and Student Safety Policies apply to instructors teaching online through Mathnasium@home, particularly the Absent to Work Policy, the Dress Code Policy, and guidelines for Conversations with Students. In order to ensure a safe and professional environment for students during our online sessions, there are some additional guidelines for online instruction:

• If you are instructing remotely (not in a center), you must use the virtual background feature per the guidelines from Mathnasium Home Office.

• Your workspace should be at a desk or table for stability (don’t hold a laptop in your lap) and professionalism. No instructing from the couch or your bed.

• No other people or pets should be visible in the background when you are instructing. No “guests” are allowed to come into the frame, even just to say hello - you should be the only person interacting with the student.

• Your webcam must stay on the entire time you are instructing. Make sure you are well-lit from the front so you do not appear to be sitting in the dark. Too much backlighting will make it difficult for the student to see your face clearly, so don’t sit with your back to an open window.