Outside Employment Policy & Approval Form

Outside Employment Policy & Approval Form

Outside Employment Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that any outside employment by employees does not create a conflict of interest, interfere with their duties, or negatively affect the mission and operations of The Heron Institute.

1. Approval Requirement

  • Employees must request written approval from their leaders and Human Resources before accepting outside employment or contractual work that occurs during normal business hours and/or impacts availability and active engagement in any way.

  • Requests must include the nature of the work, expected hours, employer name, and any potential scheduling conflicts.

2. Priority of Employment with The Heron Institute

  • Employment with The Heron Institute is the employee’s primary professional responsibility.

  • All duties—including but not limited to instruction, student support, professional development, required meetings, and travel/testing obligations, including ones that may take place outside of standard work hours—take priority over outside employment.

  • Employees must remain available and actively engaged during assigned work hours and testing windows, regardless of other commitments.

3. Conflict of Interest

Outside employment or consulting (paid or unpaid) may not be approved if it:

  • Involves working for, consulting with, or supporting a competitor (including other K–12 schools, districts, or virtual programs).

  • Creates a real or perceived conflict of interest with the mission, operations, or policies of The Heron Institute.

  • Involves use of confidential information, student data, or proprietary resources.

  • Impairs the employee’s ability to perform their duties effectively and consistently.

4. Performance and Conduct

  • Employees must continue to meet or exceed performance expectations in their primary role.

  • Outside work may not be conducted during contracted work hours or using organizational resources (email, equipment, facilities, or software).

  • Any decline in performance, attendance, or availability that can be attributed to outside employment may result in revocation of approval and/or corrective action.

5. Ongoing Disclosure

  • Employees must immediately notify their leaders and Human Resources if outside employment circumstances change (e.g., hours increase, role changes, or employer changes).

  • Approval may be rescinded at any time if conflicts arise or if job performance is affected.

6. Acknowledgment

Employees must sign an acknowledgment that:

  • They have disclosed outside employment.

  • They understand their responsibilities under this policy.

  • They agree that their role with The Heron Institute takes precedence over any outside work.

  • They understand that failure to report and receive approval for outside employment or contractual work that occurs during normal business hours and/or impacts availability and active engagement in any way may result in corrective action up to and including termination.

Outside Employment Approval Form

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