Instructor Policies & Expectations
Before applying to teach at The Guild, please review the policies and expectations below. These guidelines outline our values, teaching standards, and community responsibilities.
Approved instructors will receive a full Instructor Handbook with detailed procedures and operational policies.
Policies Overview
Prospective instructors are required to review and understand these policies prior to submitting an application. Approved instructors will receive a full Instructor Handbook with detailed procedures and operational policies.
Community Commitment
The Guild is a community art studio. Instructors, students, staff, and volunteers share responsibility for creating a respectful, welcoming, and collaborative environment. Participation in Guild activities is encouraged and helps strengthen our creative community.
Class Scheduling
Classes must follow the dates and times approved in the course proposal and published on The Guild’s website.
If a class must be rescheduled due to unexpected circumstances (such as illness, emergency, or inclement weather), the instructor must notify designated staff as soon as possible. Any make-up dates must be approved by designated staff before being shared with students.
Unapproved schedule changes should not be communicated to students and may affect instructor compensation.
Holiday Schedule (Gallery Closed)
Instructors are welcome to hold classes in the studio on these days. Holidays may also be a great opportunity to offer special workshops or one-day classes.
The Guild gallery is closed on the following holidays:
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Memorial Day
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Independence Day (July 4)
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Labor Day (first Monday of September)
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Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November)
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Christmas/New Year Break (see calendar for dates)
Class Make-Up Policy
Because classes are offered in scheduled sessions, The Guild does not provide make-up classes for sessions missed by individual students due to illness, travel, or personal conflicts.
If a class is canceled by The Guild or the instructor, a make-up class or alternative arrangement may be offered when possible.
Studio Safety
Instructors are responsible for teaching safe use of tools and equipment and ensuring that required protective equipment is used.
Any safety incident must be addressed immediately, and an incident report must be submitted to designated staff.
Code of Conduct
Instructors are expected to model professionalism, fairness, and respect in all interactions.
Public criticism or demeaning remarks toward students, colleagues, or staff is not permitted. Concerns should be addressed privately with designated staff.
Confidentiality
Instructors must maintain confidentiality regarding student information and internal Guild operations.
Concerns involving students, instructors, or staff must be addressed privately with designated staff. Full confidentiality guidelines will be provided upon approval.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Guild is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
Instructors are expected to support diversity and inclusion in teaching practices, class content, and classroom culture, and to uphold standards of equity, respect, and fairness.
No-Harassment Policy
The Guild maintains a studio environment free from harassment and discrimination of any kind.
Harassment or discrimination based on protected characteristics is not permitted. Concerns should be reported promptly to designated staff and will be handled with discretion and appropriate follow-up.
Marketing & Professional Expectations
Student contact information may only be used for Guild-related class communication and may not be used to promote outside businesses or instruction.
Instructors are expected to assist with class promotion and provide requested materials such as bios, images of artwork, or class descriptions.
Course Completion
Instructors are responsible for managing class time and student progress to support completion of projects within scheduled sessions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made when extenuating circumstances arise.