A Word from Dr. William Allen
Dr. William Allen
Director, TSMAC
Dallas College Cedar Valley Step Team Conservatory Lead
“Welcome, and thank you for stepping into this role. The Cedar Valley Step Team is not just a class on a schedule — it is a room where college students sharpen discipline, rhythm, and how they carry themselves as part of something bigger than any one performance.”
What they learn from you about showing up, working hard, and treating each other with respect will outlast anything they perform on a stage.
As an instructor, you represent TSMAC every time you walk into that room. That is a responsibility I don't take lightly, and I know you won't either. This handbook lays out what I expect from every instructor on this team — not as a checklist to get through, but as the standard that keeps our students safe, our program credible, and our reputation strong wherever we perform.
If something in here ever feels unclear, ask before you guess. I would always rather you check with me than assume. I'm glad to have you leading this team, and I'm looking forward to what we build together this season.
In rhythm and purpose,
Dr. William Allen
Director, Texas Supremacy of Music & Arts Conservatory
Attendance & Punctuality
Attendance Protocols
Consistency from the instructor sets the tone for every student's own attendance — the team learns what "showing up" means by watching you do it first.
- Every scheduled rehearsal & performance: Instructors are expected at every session on the official calendar unless an absence has been approved in advance.
- Advance notice for absences: Notify the TSMAC office and your program contact at least 48 hours before a planned absence, and as early as possible for an emergency.
- Substitute coordination: An absent instructor is responsible for confirming a qualified substitute is briefed on that day's rehearsal plan — attendance is never left uncovered.
- Attendance record-keeping: Instructors take and submit student attendance for every session, using the roster format provided by TSMAC.
Punctuality Rules
Rehearsal time is limited and paid for by the program budget — starting late costs every student in the room, not just the instructor.
- Arrive 15 minutes early: Enough time to unlock the space, check floor conditions, set audio gear, and be ready to start the exact moment rehearsal is scheduled to begin.
- Start and end strictly on time: Rehearsals begin and end at the posted time. Running over consistently must be flagged to TSMAC for schedule recalibration, not solved by quietly extending sessions.
- Performance call times: Instructors and students strictly adhere to the call time set by event schedules, earlier than the showcase to ensure warm-up, spacing, and mental focus.
Professionalism & Student Supervision
Professionalism
Instructors are the public face of TSMAC to students, Dallas College staff, and the community. Professionalism is what earns the program its next opportunity.
Tone with students:
Firm, respectful, and consistent. Correct behavior directly, never with sarcasm, ridicule, or comparison between students.
Tone with Dallas College staff & stakeholders:
Courteous and solution-focused, even when conversations are difficult. Escalate anything you cannot resolve to TSMAC leadership rather than creating a standoff.
Confidentiality:
Student information, behavioral concerns, and internal TSMAC matters stay within appropriate staff — never shared on personal social media or outside circles.
Conduct on campus:
Follow all Dallas College Cedar Valley facility rules and uphold TSMAC's institutional standing with every interaction.
Student Supervision & Safety
Instructors are responsible for the physical safety and wellbeing of every team member for the full duration of rehearsal or performance activity.
Instructor presence at all times:
No rehearsal, drill, conditioning, or open practice runs without an instructor or approved lead physically present in the space.
Professional boundaries:
Keep coaching interactions visible and in open, shared spaces; avoid isolated one-on-one situations that could compromise you or a student.
Injury & incident response (Mandatory):
Stop the activity immediately, assess the student, notify TSMAC right away, and complete an official incident report the same day for any injury, no matter how minor it appears.
Facility closeout & sweep:
Confirm every team member has left the space before locking up, and that equipment, lights, and doors are properly secured before you leave.
Rehearsal & Performance Responsibilities
Rehearsal Responsibilities
A rehearsal plan turns limited time into visible progress. Instructors own the structure and safety of every session.
Performance Responsibilities
Performances are where the program is judged publicly — preparation and composure on event day reflect directly on TSMAC.
Communication Protocols
TSMAC and students should never be left guessing about schedule changes, expectations, or progress. Clear channels preserve program integrity.
Keep your TSMAC program contact updated on rehearsal progress, attendance flags, and any issues impacting readiness.
Use only TSMAC-approved communication groups and email for team messages. Never contact students through personal social media accounts.
Respond to conservatory staff inquiries within 24 hours — immediately for time-sensitive matters or schedule modifications.
Document schedule updates, behavioral notes, and follow-ups in written form to preserve institutional accountability.
Dress & Appearance Expectations
Instructor appearance sets the visible benchmark against which student uniform and grooming expectations are measured.
| Setting / Context | Required Attire & Standard | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Rehearsal & Practice Drills | Athletic or practice wear appropriate for demonstrating movement safely; supportive closed-toe athletic sneakers suited to Cedar Valley dance studio and gym surfaces. | Active Coaching |
| Official Team Performances | TSMAC-approved instructor attire or team colors as specified for each event; pristine, coordinated, and uniform across all coaching leads present. | Public Stage |
| Meetings with Dallas College Staff & Administration | Business-casual attire reflecting TSMAC's standing as an elite, high-standard performing arts conservatory. | Institutional |
| General Grooming & Brand Presence | Clean, well-maintained professional appearance; strictly no attire bearing outside commercial brands, rival dance organizations, or non-approved messaging. | Brand Standard |
TSMAC Policies & Procedures
These are the standing organizational policies under which every instructor operates across the season.
Background & Clearance Requirements
Priority ComplianceAll instructors must have current background clearance and youth/collegiate safety credentials verified on file with TSMAC before working unsupervised with students.
Chain of Communication
Program-level questions and concerns route strictly through your assigned TSMAC contact person, not directly to Dr. William Allen, unless escalated by program leadership.
Mandatory Same-Day Incident Reporting
Priority ComplianceAny injury, medical emergency, interpersonal conflict, or campus facility hazard is documented on an official TSMAC incident report the very same day it occurs.
Budget & Expense Pre-Approval
Any purchase made on behalf of the team (uniforms, footwear, gear, supplies, transportation, food) must be formally pre-approved and remain strictly within the allocated monthly budget.
Use of TSMAC Name & Brand Assets
The TSMAC emblem, typography, name, and Cedar Valley Step Team identity may only be used for official program communications and approved conservatory marketing. Unauthorized merchandising or external promotions are strictly prohibited.
Student Records & Confidentiality
Priority ComplianceStudent contact information, academic status, medical disclosures, and behavioral files are strictly confidential and stored exclusively within secure TSMAC-approved systems.
Grievance & Conflict Resolution
Disagreements between instructors, or between an instructor and a student/parent, are brought to TSMAC leadership for structured mediation rather than handled publicly or left unresolved.
Instructor Handbook Acknowledgment
Every instructor leading the Dallas College Cedar Valley Step Team must certify review of this handbook. Your digital signature acknowledges adherence to TSMAC expectations, safety standards, attendance protocols, and Dallas College campus regulations.