Volunteer Instructor Guidelines and Agreement
This resource provides an example of a thorough set of guidelines and an agreement between the program manager and the volunteer. It ensures a mutual understanding of expectations from both perspectives and explains how the volunteer will be able have a positive impact on the program.[1]
USAR YRRP Volunteer Instructor Administrative Information
Position Title
United States Army Reserve Command YRRP Volunteer Instructor
Purpose of Position
To deliver YRRP Instruction, Briefing, and Facilitation on the platform, along with support to USAR and Regional and Local YRRP staff, as requested for attendee registration, welcome, handout reviews, learning environment preparation, and self-evaluation.
Duties
§ Arrive at all training sites prepared to teach assigned classes to include lesson plan(s), visual aids, and instructional aids
§ Present class materials with the instructional skills and professionalism that are representative of USAR YRRP Instructor Standards (see below)
§ Give and receive constructive feedback
§ Communicate with YRRP with handout printing and class materials provisions
§ Arrive at the training with a professional and personal wardrobe in keeping with the USAR YRRP Dress Code for Platform and Social Time (see Dress Code section)
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Standards of Conduct
§ Maintain loyalty and confidentiality within the entire instructor team
§ Share ideas and information with the team
§ Exhibit flexibility, reliability, and acceptance of change
§ Avoid destructive and unproductive actions and verbal behaviors
§ Present a positive and supportive attitude
§ Participate in group and team meeting and team tasks
§ Assist administrative staff as needed or requested
§ Organize set up of own course materials for a smooth transition between classes and instructors
§ Adhere to agreed-upon time schedules and agendas
§ Work with the entire team in a professional manner
§ Act in accordance with the high professional standards reflective of the Army
§ Master assigned lesson plans
§ Protect the program integrity by adhering to the standardization of the program, materials, and curricula, and making recommendation for change where needed
§ Be available after events for individual evaluation
§ Adhere to dress/attire guidelines
§ Fulfill parameters of USAR YRRP Volunteer Instructor Contract (signed herein)
§ Refrain from speaking for or on behalf of the USAR YRRP offices
§ Agree that all training materials developed for and funded by OSD or USAR YRRP are the sole property of such and will be used only in the best interest of YRRP sponsored training, unless otherwise specifically indicated
Work Standards
Arrive at training site prepared.
§ Be prepared to instruct the class
§ Bring instructional aids as required by class content
§ Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of class content and relationship to other classes
§ Adhere to standardization of course content and materials
§ Bring a wardrobe that will maintain the standard of the Dress Code
§ Coordinate with YRRP staff prior to training regarding any materials provided by staff or conference location—do not presume every staff team functions the same and will have the same handout printing and provisions for instructors
Present classes with instructional skill and professionalism.
§ Present class in logical sequence with appropriate opening, closing, and transitions
§ Use appropriate questioning, probing, and redirection techniques
§ Provide time for students to respond to questions
§ Answer questions correctly and/or direct students to appropriate resources
§ Use exercises provided in curriculum thus allowing students to apply and practice newly learned skills
§ Relate class content to students’ interests, experiences, and maturity levels
§ Acknowledge students’ efforts and success
§ Start and end class on time
§ Use equipment and materials appropriately
§ Give clear, concise, and understandable directions and explanations
§ Use acceptable grammar and effective communication skills
§ Monitor student behavior and enforce Group Guidelines consistently
§ Provide individual and group assistance to students as needed
§ Work with students of varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds in a courteous and professional manner
§ Exhibit appropriate non-verbal gestures, cues, and behaviors during presentations
§ Meet class objectives during instructional period
Give and receive constructive feedback.
§ Accept evaluative feedback from staff and peers in an open and positive manner
§ Use feedback to improve identified area(s) of weakness or deficiencies throughout all training activities
§ Provide feedback to staff and peers in an open and positive manner
General Information
Most correspondence will be through email; read all emails thoroughly. Take personal responsibility to make sure email addresses are up to date. If a response is requested from emails, be sure to personally confirm receipt—even if no deadline is given. However, most emails will have a response deadline; adhere to these deadline dates.
Deadlines
Adhere to all deadline dates (e-mail, document return, etc.).
Regular Requirements
Reporting Volunteer Instructor Hours
All volunteer hours spent on relevant emails, phone calls, course preparation, and traveling, and 24 hours/day while onsite at YRRP will be submitted to the required portal or POC no later than the 13th of each following month. Please keep a log of hours beginning with your email response time to the initial email informing you of this opportunity and concluding with your estimated time of return home after the training. Provide your volunteer hours per the guidelines given during Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Personal Contact Information
It is vital that your current contact information is up to date at all times.
Travel
Information about travel arrangements/reimbursement will be sent prior to each training event.
Dress
Business Casual
In the classroom (on and off the platform):
Dress slacks or skirts with jacket or cardigan; dresses, sport coat with tie (no bare shoulders). Suits are also acceptable. Capri suits are not acceptable. Socks or stockings at all times; professional shoes; sling back and peep-toe are acceptable (there must be a strap across the back of the heel). Sandals are not acceptable.
Casual
Capri pants, jeans, sweats, leggings, shorts, t-shirts, etc. However, be sure that you dress in good taste (no halters, no tube tops, no inappropriate pictures or wording on clothing, no suggestive clothing). Flip flops, sandals, and sneakers/running shoes are fine.
The following guidelines are in effect at all times on the training site:
§ Business casual dress is required during registration, “official meals,” while on the platform, during the training day, and in the classrooms even when not teaching.
§ Casual dress is allowed during pre-training, off hours (outside of the training day hours), and in the evenings.
§ Clothing may not be wrinkled nor ill-fitting nor imply sensual exposure or revealing of cleavage or high thighs.
§ Jewelry should be tasteful so as not to distract from the training.
§ Careful attention should be given to personal grooming and hygiene (clean, neat hair, tasteful make-up, discretion when using fragrances and deodorants due to allergies or aroma distraction in the classroom).
Sample agreement (US Army Reserve)
USAR YRRP Volunteer Instructor Commitment June 2015-June 2016
Please read this agreement for understanding. You must sign it to participate in the USAR YRRP.
I, ______, agree to provide my service to the United States Army Reserve Command, Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (USARC YRRP), for a time period of 12 months (June 1, 2015-June 1, 2016). I will receive no financial compensation (money) for services performed. I will be reimbursed for approved authorized transportation, lodging, meals, and parking. I understand that this commitment and my one-year tenure are offered for the benefit of Army Reserve Soldiers and families, and that USAR YRRP reserves the right to invite me to continue after my initial one-year contract ends in June 2016. I am under no obligation to accept the invitation should one be offered.
In addition, I agree to perform the following duties/responsibilities as USAR YRRP Volunteer Instructor:
I agree:
To protect the integrity of the USAR YRRP program by adhering to the prescribed standardized guidelines of the program, materials, and course curricula, while being flexible to change with the growth of the program and/or offer recommendations for higher capability and cooperation.
To commit to participate in trainings such as Master Trainer Course or Refresher Instructor Trainer Courses.
To be completely prepared to teach assigned classes prior to arriving at the training site and to communicate any needs as soon as known to YRRP staff.
To participate in pre-training at training sites; to participate with set-up, breakdown, or other administrative functions at training sites if required; to conduct registration.
To inform ______and/or ______immediately when unable to attend training after I have committed to attend.
To be willing to and honestly communicate any feedback and/or concerns to Conference Staff during training and/or at any time.
To be a team player at all times.
To recognize that I do not speak for, nor on behalf of, USAR YRRP.
To keep any information concerning clients confidential.
To use all OSD and/or USAR YRRP training materials for intended purposes only and not to use any for personal financial purposes.
That all training material developed for and funded by USAR YRRP or OSD is their sole property.
Act in a manner that is in keeping with high professional standards reflective of the Secretary of Defense.
I fully understand that United States Army Reserve Command, Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program reserves the right to dismiss me as a volunteer if I do not comply with the integrity, goals, and standards of the program.
Signature of Volunteer Instructor Date
Volunteer Coordinator, YRRP USAR Date
Program Manager, USAR G-1, YRRP Date
Family and Employer Programs & Policy (FEPP) Page 2 of 6
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[1] Adapted from US Army Reserve Command Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP); Last Updated June 2015