rescheduling lessons

[miriamko]

I teach piano in two different music schools and am constantly juggling between the two .I accompany students at various events and as result must reschedule students about three or four times a year.A new school manager has now told me that this is unacceptable (even though the parents are in complete agreement and are treated to flexible conditions by me when they cancel lessons). I would be interested to hear what the policies are in other schools and your own opinions. Thanks a lot!

[nanabush]

The secretary where I teach takes care of all of that.  I usually give at least 2 lesson's notice if I won't be there, and we instantly try fitting them in somewhere.  We are only open Mondays through Friday, but what has worked is that we will open on a specific Saturday to do a day of makeup lessons.  It works really well.

If the owner were to confront me about having to miss some lessons, I would probably quit (in my situation), because she has dumped more students on me from teachers quitting than anyone else.  I have a big chunk of the students at the place (about a quarter), so if the owner started getting petty because I had a rehearsal with school or accompaniment, then I would put my foot down.

[miriamko]

Thanks! This is not all, though. I am expected to apply for permission and if the reason is acceptable I have to present a list and dates of the rescheduled lessons. Unfortunately , my last application was not accepted because  once again I was to accompany at a master class for violinists at "the OTHER place"!!. I took the day off anyway and gave back the lessons next day. I have  subsequently been punished . Does three or four times a year seem unreasonable to change my work day? I'm not planning on quitting. I have always settled my lesson "debts" very quickly and parents have always been pleased to help out.

[fleetfingers]

Does three or four times a year seem unreasonable to change my work day?

No, it doesn't. Without that sentence, I would have pictured you as a flake who changes the schedule regularly, which would put me on the side of your employer. But if it's not that often, I don't see what their problem is. They need to remind themselves that people have lives outside of the workplace - including other jobs - and that coordinating schedules is not an easy task with perfect results. Especially if the parents are all fine with it, I don't see why it'd be a problem.

[quantum]

At the times I've taught in schools, for the most part they have been very accommodating with the professional activities of their staff. 

Personally, I would never teach at a school that does not allow flexibility in the teachers schedule.  I would quit if I found out they were moving in that direction.  There are so many places willing to employ teachers, why go to the trouble with working for one that does not want to work with you. 

[honeywill]

Is there another agenda to get rid of you? Sounds like the manager is being deliberately difficult. Can you enlist the support of some influential parents? Manager possibly more willing to listen to them (the paying customers).

[miriamko]

First of all thanks everyone for your opinions and in many ways, your support. I have worked in both these institutions for many years and have enjoyed some really interesting  and challenging times. What is upsetting me at the moment is the amount of "bullying" that is going on. My case is just one of many. Until now all dealings with students and their parents were done directly through them. You build up a relationship that is based on trust and good will and if the parents are upset about anything it can be solved amicably (usually!!) between us.I have never had a complaint about this particular issue. So I don't think I would quit . There is someone else who might have to go before me but I hope it won't have to happen.
As to the latest post (honeywill) I can honestly say that the manager thinks we ALL need to be disciplined. He thinks it is good management and has said so himself. My case is one of the easy ones and I can safely say that he doesn't want to get rid of me (unless I keep on being naughty).

[quantum]

I don't see how your case can be anything close to being called naughty.  From what you describe, you try to professionally work out the situation with the students, and that this system has been successful.  Don't flog yourself as being the one at fault.

When your managers says you ALL need to be disciplined, I hope the manager is also including him/herself in that statement.  It seems there needs to be more discussion among staff and management to bring forth all the concerns to the table.  You say that the manager would like to keep you - that is to your advantage in working out a bargaining strategy.