Instructor Qualification and Training Policy

The Instructor Qualification and Training Policy ensures that all instructors delivering AIES programs at approved centers meet the required standards for qualifications and receive the necessary training to effectively support student learning. This policy outlines the criteria for instructor qualifications, ongoing professional development, and expectations for teaching excellence.

Key Principles:

1. Minimum Qualifications for Instructors
   All instructors at AIES Approved Centers must meet the following minimum qualification requirements:

   • A relevant academic degree or certification in the subject area they are teaching (e.g., bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or professional certification).
   • Proven teaching experience or professional experience in the relevant field.
   • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage and support students.

2. Certification and Accreditation
   Instructors may be required to hold specific certifications or accreditation in certain subject areas, depending on the program being delivered. Centers are responsible for verifying the credentials of instructors before hiring and ensuring they meet any program-specific requirements set by AIES.

3. Ongoing Professional Development
   To maintain teaching excellence and stay current with educational trends, all instructors are expected to participate in ongoing professional development. This includes:

   • Mandatory Training: All instructors must complete initial training on AIES’s curriculum, learning outcomes, and assessment practices before delivering any courses.
   • Continuous Learning: Instructors must participate in regular training sessions or workshops provided by AIES to stay up-to-date on curriculum updates, new teaching methodologies, and best practices.
   • Self-Development: Instructors are encouraged to pursue additional professional development opportunities to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge in their subject areas.

4. Instructor Orientation and Onboarding
   Centers must provide a comprehensive orientation and onboarding process for all new instructors, which includes:

   • Familiarizing instructors with AIES’s mission, values, and teaching standards.
   • Introducing instructors to the AIES curriculum, online platform, and student assessment protocols.
   • Providing access to resources such as teaching guides, syllabi, and instructional materials.

5. Performance Evaluation and Feedback
   Centers must regularly evaluate the performance of instructors to ensure they are meeting the teaching standards expected by AIES. This evaluation process should include:

   • Classroom Observations: Conducting periodic observations of teaching practices to ensure instructors are effectively delivering the curriculum and engaging students.
   • Student Feedback: Gathering feedback from students on the quality of instruction and support provided by instructors.
   • Instructor Self-Evaluation: Encouraging instructors to reflect on their teaching practices and identify areas for improvement.
   • Formal Reviews: Providing formal performance reviews that include constructive feedback and recommendations for professional growth.

6. Use of Approved Curriculum and Materials
   Instructors are required to follow AIES’s approved curriculum and use the provided learning materials in their teaching. This ensures consistency across all centers and alignment with AIES’s learning outcomes. Instructors must not deviate from the curriculum without prior approval from AIES.

7. Instructor Conduct and Professionalism
   Instructors are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior in their interactions with students, colleagues, and staff. This includes:

   • Treating all students with respect, fairness, and empathy.
   • Maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment.
   • Adhering to AIES’s Code of Conduct and anti-discrimination policies.

8. Digital Literacy and Online Teaching
   Instructors delivering online or hybrid courses must demonstrate proficiency in using digital tools and the online platform provided by AIES. Centers are responsible for ensuring that instructors:

   • Are trained to use the online platform effectively to engage students.
   • Have access to technical support and resources for troubleshooting any issues during online course delivery.

9. Continuous Improvement
   Instructors are encouraged to continuously improve their teaching methods by adopting innovative strategies and incorporating feedback from students and peers. Centers should foster an environment that supports professional growth and provides opportunities for instructors to share best practices with one another.

10. Instructor Training Records
    Centers must maintain accurate records of all instructor qualifications, training, and professional development activities. These records must:

• Be available for review by AIES upon request.
• Be updated regularly to reflect the completion of any required training or certifications.
• Include documentation of instructor evaluations and any steps taken for professional improvement.

Accountability and Compliance:

Failure to comply with the Instructor Qualification and Training Policy may result in corrective actions, including the removal of unqualified instructors or revocation of the center’s approval status. Centers are responsible for ensuring all instructors meet the required standards and receive ongoing support and training.