Terms and conditions for Educators
Welcome to Connectee Education (“Connectee”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), a digital marketplace that connects schools and families with independent professional educators (“Vetted Tutors” and “Qualified teachers”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to both Vetted Tutors and Qualified teachers using our Platform. By registering as an Educator and using Connectee, you agree to these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform. Please read this document carefully and feel free to contact us with any questions.
Connectee provides the online platform and tools to facilitate contracts between clients (Schools or Parents) and Educators. However, Connectee is not a party to the tutoring agreements made between you and your client. We do not employ you or supervise your lessons. You act as an independent contractor engaged by the Client, not as an employee of Connectee. Connectee is not responsible for the content of your sessions or the outcomes; those are between you and your student. However, we do expect all users to uphold these Terms for the safety and quality of the community.
INTRODUCTION
Connectee Education operates solely as an intermediary marketplace that facilitates contact and agreements between clients and Educators. We connect Schools, families and learners with Educators for short-term, long-term and other tutoring agreements, but Connectee is not a party to the tutoring agreements made between users. All educational services arranged through the platform are provided by you as an independent professional engaged by the client – no employment, partnership, or joint venture is created between Connectee and any User through use of the Platform.
Connectee does not control the manner or content of the educational services provided by Educators; our function is to provide a reliable platform with vetting, matching and support tools so that Schools and families can find qualified Educators and enter into agreements with them. We support communication, scheduling and payment processing for your engagements, and we monitor performance and feedback to maintain quality, but we do not direct your teaching or tutoring activities. The day to day conduct of lessons or classroom management is between you and your client.
These Terms apply equally to services provided online or in-person. Whether a tutoring session is conducted face-to-face or via online tools, the same rights, obligations, and policies outlined here shall apply. Connectee reserves the right to modify these Terms as needed, but will provide notice of material changes, as described in the “Changes to Terms” section below. Please ensure you review these Terms from time to time for any updates. If you continue using the Platform after changes take effect, you will be deemed to have accepted the revised Terms.
It is the User’s responsibility to read and understand these Terms before using the Platform. If you have any questions, please contact us for clarification. Your agreement to these Terms is a condition of using the Platform as an Educator.
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this document, the following terms have the meaning defined here:
- Platform:The digital platform and related services provided by Connectee that enable clients to find, communicate with, schedule and manage Educators for teaching or tutoring assignments. This includes our website, mobile applications and support tools for messaging, booking and payments.
- Educator (“you”):An independent professional who offers tutoring, teaching, or coaching services through Connectee. This term encompasses both Qualified Teachers and Vetted Tutors using the Platform. Educators are not employees of Connectee or of the client (unless a School separately hires you outside the Platform); you are a service provider engaged on a per-assignment basis.
- Qualified Teacher:An educator who is a fully certified teacher with in-depth curriculum knowledge and formal teaching experience in their subject area. Qualified Teachers typically tutor or teach in their specific field of expertise and bring a high level of professional training to their engagements. Due to their certified status, Qualified Teachers generally command higher rates of compensation on the Platform in recognition of their qualifications and experience.
- Vetted Tutor:An educator who may not be a formally certified teacher but has been rigorously vetted by Connectee for strong teaching ability and subject mastery. Vetted Tutors are skilled in their subject areas and suitable for providing practice, enrichment or targeted academic support. They may have substantial tutoring or coaching experience even if they lack official teacher certification. (In some school assignments, Vetted Tutors may be offered for roles that do not explicitly require a certified teacher. Schools will be informed of the Tutor’s status and can decide if meets their needs.)
- Client:The party receiving educational services through the Platform. A client can be either a School (institutional client) or a Parent/Guardian (individual client). It can also be a Student who is over the age of 18, and therefore, legally apt to represent themselves. In these Terms we use “client” to refer to whichever party has booked the Educator for a service.
- Parent/Guardian:An adult user of Connectee who engages an Educator to provide tutoring or lessons to a student (which may be their child or ward). A Parent represents and is responsible for any student under 18 using the Platform. A Parent or Legal Guardian must supervise any use of the Platform by a minor student and is responsible for payments complying with these Terms on the student’s behalf. For simplicity, these Terms will refer mainly to “Parent”, but any obligations of the Parent apply equally to the Guardian or adult Student client, and any references to the Student encompass the child or the adult learner receiving services, as context requires.
- Student:The learner receiving tutoring. If under 18, the Student must be represented by a Parent or Guardian on the Platform.
- School:An educational institution (such as a school, college, or similar organization) using Connectee to find and engage Educators for services. The School is represented on the Platform by an authorized individual (administrator, principal, or staff member) who has the legal authority to enter into contracts on the School’s behalf. By using the Platform, this representative confirms they are 18 or older and authorized to bind the School to these Terms.
- Session:An instance of educational service provided by an Educator, which could be a single class period, a half-day or full-day of teaching, or a tutoring lesson. A Booking may consist of a single session or multiple sessions (e.g., a week of daily classes, or a series of tutoring lessons).
- Short-Term Cover:A temporary teaching assignment usually ranging from a single session up to a few weeks in duration. This includes one-off or brief needs such as a single day of substitute teaching, covering a teacher’s short absence, or a few after-school tutoring sessions. Short-term cover assignments are often billed at daily or hourly rates and do not involve any hiring beyond the assignment’s end.
- Long-Term Placement:An extended teaching engagement generally longer than a few weeks. Examples include covering a long-term leave (e.g. maternity leave, semester-long vacancy) or an ongoing tutoring program spanning months. Long-Term Placements might be arranged on a weekly or monthly basis. In some cases, a long-term placement through Connectee could lead to the School offering the Educator a direct employment position. (If that happens, a Placement Fee may apply, as defined in the School’s Terms – essentially a one-time fee the School pays to Connectee if they hire you permanently outside the platform. As an Educator, you should be aware of this, and you and the School must handle such transitions through Connectee to avoid breaching the non-circumvention rules.)
- Booking:The arrangement formed when a Client and Educator agree on a Session’s details (time, date, subject, price, etc.) through the Platform. Once a booking is confirmed, it becomes a binding commitment for the Educator to provide the agreed service at the agreed time and price.
- Session Package:A prepaid bundle of multiple sessions that a Client can purchase through the Connectee platform. Connectee may offer package options (Starter; Grow; Thrive) that include a set number of sessions at a packaged rate. Purchasing a lesson package allows you to schedule and use the allotted number of sessions over time. Package pricing is tiered based on the number of sessions and the Educator’s category: the per-lesson rate may differ if you choose a Qualified Teacher versus a Vetted Tutor for the sessions. Specific package offerings and their terms (such as how many lessons are included and the expiration period for using them) will be clearly presented on the platform at the time of purchase. Lesson packages are paid in advance.
- Service Fees: Any fees charged by Connectee for use of the Platform’s services (e.g. commission deducted from Tutor earnings or booking fees).
- We/Us/Connectee:The Connectee Education service/provider operating the Platform.
EDUCATOR ACCOUNT REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY
- To use Connectee as an Educator you must create an Educator account on the Platform. To register as an Educator, you must be an adult (18 years or older or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) with the legal capacity to enter into contracts. Each Educator should register only on their own behalf – you may not register an account for someone else or a fictitious person.
- When creating and maintaining your Educator account, you agree to:
- Provide truthful and complete information:You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration. All degrees, certifications or credentials you claim must be genuine and verifiable. Providing false or misleading information (including fake credentials) is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate account termination.
- Keep information updated:You should promptly update your profile if your qualifications, criminal records, availability, or contact info changes. Clients rely on your profile to be accurate when selecting an Educator.
- Secure your account:You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. Do not share your account with anyone else. You are liable for all activity under your account, so use a strong password and notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach.
- One account rule:You may not create multiple Educator accounts for yourself or transfer your account to someone else without permission. (Each individual Educator should have a single account/profile.) Impersonating another person or misusing another’s account is not allowed.
- Independent professional status:By registering as an Educator, you confirm that you operate as an independent professional, in compliance with legal requirements. This means you handle any necessary business registrations, tax IDs, or permits needed to offer tutoring in your jurisdiction, and nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship between you and Connectee.
- Identity Verifications and Background Checks:You agree that Connectee may require identity verification and/or background checks as part of your registration or ongoing eligibility to use the Platform. We might ask for proof of identity (such as a government-issued ID), proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates), and in some cases, a criminal record check or reference checks, especially if you will be working with minors in person. You authorize Connectee to undertake such vetting procedures as permitted by law. Failure to comply with verification requests, or the results of a background check that are unsatisfactory (e.g. relevant criminal history or falsified credentials), can lead to rejection of your account or suspension/termination of your access. (We will handle any personal data collected in this process according to our Privacy Policy.)
- Compliance with Platform policies: Your use of Connectee must always be in accordance with these Terms and all applicable laws. Connectee reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate your account if you violate any of these Terms or if we have any other valid reason, such as evidence of fraud, misuse of the platform, or a history of complaints. If you have ever been banned or removed from Connectee before (or from a similar platform for misconduct), you must not attempt to re-register without our express permission. We aim to maintain a high-quality community of Educators; thus, any dishonest, unsafe, or unethical behavior that comes to light can result in loss of access to the Platform.
Connectee reserves the right to reject or terminate registrations that violate these Terms or for other valid reasons (fraud, past misuse, etc.). Refusal to comply or failure of verification can result in account denial or suspension. If you have been previously banned from Connectee, you must not attempt to create a new account. All users must use the Platform in accordance with these Terms and applicable law.
PLATFORM USAGE AND USER CONTENT
By using our Platform, you agree to conduct yourself in a professional and lawful manner. We strive to maintain a respectful, safe and reliable community. All users (Educators, Schools and school representatives, and Parents alike) must follow these general rules:
- Professionalism and Respect:Treat others with courtesy and respect. Do not harass, bully, or discriminate against any student, parent, school representatives or other user. Abusive language, hate speech, or any form of inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated on the Platform.
- No Misrepresentation:Be honest about your identity, qualifications, and intentions. You must not impersonate any person or misrepresent your affiliation. Educators must accurately present their expertise; do not claim credentials you don’t have. You must not withhold or falsify information related to background checks or criminal records.
- Appropriate Content:Any content you post or share (profile descriptions, messages, lesson materials, etc.) should be appropriate and lawful. Do not upload content that is illegal, obscene, violent, or infringes on others’ rights (e.g. copyrighted material you don’t have the right to use).
- Use Platform for Intended Purpose:The Platform is to be used only for arranging and managing tutoring services. Do not use it for unrelated commercial purposes or any fraudulent activity. Inquiries or conduct related to academic dishonesty are strictly forbidden.
- No Circumvention:All tutoring arrangements initiated through Connectee should be managed and paid through Connectee. Do not solicit or accept payments outside the Platform for sessions arranged on Connectee. Similarly, do not share personal contact information (email, phone) with a client before a booking is confirmed on the Platform for the purpose of moving the transaction off-platform. Circumventing our payment system not only violates these Terms but may result in removal from the Platform.
- Safety First:For in-person sessions, both Educators and Clients should take reasonable precautions. Connectee may provide safety features (like ID verification, session check-ins), but ultimately you are responsible for exercising good judgment to maintain safety. If you ever feel unsafe or encounter illegal behaviour, report it to us and, if appropriate, to the authorities.
- Legal Compliance:You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in connection with your use of Connectee. This includes data protection laws, tax laws, and any laws related to providing educational services or working with minors. For example, do not violate copyright laws with materials you share.
Violating the above rules can result in warnings, suspension, or termination of your account. Connectee may remove content or take action if we become aware of misconduct. We reserve the right to investigate any complaints and to cooperate with law enforcement or regulatory authorities if needed.
EDUCATOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
As an Educator on Connectee, you agree to uphold high standards of professionalism, integrity, and quality in all tutoring services you provide. The following are key responsibilities and obligations for all Educators(in addition to the general conduct rules):
- Quality of Service:Provide tutoring with a high standard of professionalism, care, and preparation. Use your expertise to help the student in the agreed subject and tailor your approach to the student’s individual needs. Arrive on time for sessions and deliver the full session time with your full attention and effort. Maintain a friendly, encouraging learning environment.
- Scheduling and Punctuality:When you accept a booking, you are committing to that session time. Be punctual – start and end sessions as scheduled. Repeated lateness or any no-shows (missing a session without notice) are serious breaches of these Terms. If an emergency prevents you from attending a session, inform the Client as soon as possible and cancel in accordance with our cancellation policy (see Cancellations section).
- Use of Materials and Tools:You are responsible for securing any teaching materials or equipment you need for a session. Unless otherwise agreed with the Client, you should bring or provide your own materials. Ensure that materials you use are either your own, in the public domain, or properly licensed – do not share pirated textbooks or infringing content through the Platform. If you provide proprietary materials (like study guides you wrote), you implicitly give the student permission to use them for their own study.
- Confidentiality:During tutoring, you might learn personal information about students or their families. You must keep all such information strictly confidential. Do not disclose or misuse a student’s personal details, academic records, health information, or any other sensitive data. Use any student information only for the purpose of providing tutoring to that student. This obligation continues even after you stop using Connectee. (The only exception is if you are legally required to report something, such as suspected abuse or other dangers to a minor, in which case you should follow applicable laws and report to the proper authorities.)
- No Improper Relations:If you tutor minors, maintain a strictly professional relationship. Any form of inappropriate relationship or communication with a minor student outside the professional context is prohibited. Do not engage in behaviour that could be interpreted as grooming, harassment, or any abuse of the trust placed in you as an educator. Interactions with students should be limited to tutoring and related support. If you suspect a minor student is in danger or subject to abuse, you should report it as required by law.
- Professionalism and Ethics: You agree to uphold any professional standards that apply to you. If you have relevant licenses or are part of a professional body, continue to adhere to those ethical guidelines while using Connectee. Do not engage in any illegal or unethical conduct. For example, do not complete assignments or exams on behalf of students (that’s academic fraud). Help and teach, but do not enable cheating.
- Honesty about Qualifications and Records:You affirm that you have the qualifications and expertise you claim. If you advertise certain credentials (degrees, certifications), you must possess them and provide proof if requested. Do not exaggerate or falsify your experience. Connectee or Clients may request verification of credentials or background information, including criminal records, where applicable.; refusal or inability to prove a claimed qualification or to provide required background checks may lead to consequences (profile adjustment or suspension) can lead to consequences (profile adjustment or suspension). Providing false documents, credentials or misleading information related to your background is a grave violation that will result in termination of your account.
- Insurance:We strongly recommend that you carry appropriate insurance for your tutoring activities (especially for in-person tutoring). As an independent contractor in the EU/Portugal, consider maintaining a basic work accident insurance and/or professional liability insurance. Connectee does not provide insurance coverage for you. That means if you suffer an injury, property damage, or any loss during a tutoring session, you are responsible for your own insurance and costs. Similarly, ensure you comply with any legal requirements for insurance in your region if applicable.
- Taxes and Legal Compliance:As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for managing your taxes and legal obligations related to the income you earn via Connectee. Connectee does not withhold income taxes or social contributions from your payments. You should report your earnings to your tax authorities and pay any income tax, VAT, or social security contributions due, in accordance with the law. Make sure you are registered as self-employed or follow any local regulations for offering paid tutoring services. Connectee may be required to collect certain tax information from you or to report your earnings to authorities, and by using the Platform you agree to provide such information and cooperate with any lawful tax reporting.
- Independent Contractor Status: You acknowledge that your relationship with Connectee is that of an independent contractor offering services to a client, not an employment relationship. You have control over how you teach your sessions (methods, materials, scheduling within your availability). You are not entitled to employment benefits from Connectee, and Connectee does not direct your work. You must present yourself as an independent Tutor, not as a representative or employee of Connectee. You shall not make commitments on behalf of Connectee. Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, or employment between you and Connectee or you and any Client.
- No Delegation/Subcontracting:The Educator profile is for you personally. The Client expects you to be the one teaching the sessions they book. You may not send someone else (a substitute educator) to conduct a session in your place without the Client’s consent and Connectee’s approval. Allowing another person to impersonate you or take over your lessons is a serious violation of trust and these Terms. If an emergency prevents you from teaching, communicate with the Client and us to cancel or possibly arrange a substitute through proper channels.
- Record-Keeping and Communication:Follow Platform procedures for logging sessions and communicating issues. For example, if the Platform provides a way to confirm session completion or record hours, use it so that payments can be processed correctly. If any problem occurs during a session (e.g. technical difficulties for an online lesson, or any issue in person), notify the Client and/or Connectee support promptly to document it and seek a solution. Maintain professional communication with Clients – keep them informed about student progress and raise any concerns in a constructive manner.
By adhering to these responsibilities, you help ensure a high-quality learning experience for students and a trustworthy marketplace for your services. We value Educators who are committed to professionalism and excellent service, and so do the families on our Platform.
FEES AND PAYMENT PROCESSING
- This section explains how the process of finding and accepting teaching opportunities works on Connectee, the structure of fees and compensation for different types of engagements, and how payments are handled. Our goal is to make the booking and payment process transparent and fair for Educators.Finding and Selecting Opportunities: When you create an Educator profile on Connectee, you will specify your subjects, levels, availability, location (for in-person teaching), and whether you are a Qualified Teacher or Vetted Tutor. The Platform uses this information to match you with potential opportunities. Schools can post assignments or substitute teaching requests, and Parents can request tutors for their children. You may receive direct booking requests or inquiries via our messaging system from interested clients. You can also browse available openings or job postings on the Platform that match your qualifications. It’s important to respond promptly to messages or requests – clients appreciate quick responses, and being responsive improves your reputation in the system. All initial communications with a potential client should occur through the Platform’s secure messaging tools. Please provide clear and professional communication; if a School posts a job listing, feel free to ask questions via messaging about the class, curriculum, or any other details to make sure it’s a good fit before accepting.
- Booking Confirmation:A booking becomes official when both you and the client agree to it through the Platform. If a client sends you a booking request for specific date(s) and time(s, you should only accept it if you are committed to fulfilling it. Once you click “Accept” (or once you and the client otherwise confirm the arrangement via the Platform’s booking flow), the Booking is confirmed and is considered a binding agreement. At that point, Connectee will typically notify both parties and put the session(s) on your calendar in the system. Until you accept, the client is not guaranteed your service, and you are not obligated – so make sure to only accept bookings you intend to carry out. The Booking details will include the agreed schedule (e.g. “March 3, 9:00-15:00 at XYZ School” or “Every Tuesday at 17:00-18:00 online for 4 weeks”), the location (online or a physical address), and the rate or total fee you’ll earn. If anything in the booking details is unclear or incorrect, communicate with the client or with Connectee support before accepting, because after acceptance the expectation is that both sides will honour that agreement. Once both sides are aligned, get the booking confirmed on the Platform. Do not start any tutoring session or teaching assignment that isn’t reflected in an official Booking – if it’s not booked, it’s not protected by our policies.
- Short-Notice and Urgent Bookings:Sometimes you may receive last-minute requests (for example, a School might have an emergency absence to cover the next morning, or a Parent might seek urgent help the same day before a test). The Platform may flag these as urgent (e.g., requests within 24 hours). If you accept an urgent booking, be especially diligent in attending because the client is in immediate need. Also note that urgent or same-day assignments might come with an increase in pay (a “short-notice” rate or surcharge) which will be reflected in the booking. Make sure you check any notes; often urgent school cover will have instructions like where to report upon arrival since there’s little time for introduction.
- Recurring or Long-Term Engagements:For longer-term assignments, a client might initially book a short trial period (say one week or a couple of lessons) to ensure it’s a good fit. If all goes well, the School or Parent can extend the booking or create a new booking for continued sessions. As an Educator, it’s good to clarify expectations during that trial: if a School indicates they likely need someone for two months, but only booked you for one week to start, you can discuss via Connectee messages how and when an extension would be confirmed. Connectee can facilitate extending bookings – often the client can simply add more dates or send a new request for the following period. Keep in communication about it, but do not continue working beyond the booked dates unless the booking has been officially extended or renewed through the Platform. Long-term placements (like covering a full term at a school) will typically be booked in chunks (e.g., month by month). If a long-term Educator (especially a Qualified Teacher) might be considered for a permanent hire by the School, remember that the School must handle that via Connectee (placement fee) and you should not privately accept employment from them without involving Connectee during the applicable period (usually defined in the School’s contract, e.g., within a certain number of months of introduction).
- Educator’s Rate: At ConnecTee, lesson rates are fixed and determined by the platform based on subject, educator qualifications, and market benchmarks. This ensures fairness, transparency, and consistency for both families and educators. As an Educator, you agree to deliver your services at the rate assigned to your profile. Once a Client books a session, the confirmed rate must be honoured for that booking.
- Service Fee (Commission):ConnecTee sustains its operations by charging a service fee on top of the educator’s fixed hourly rate. This means that the rate paid by Client includes both the Educator/Tutor’s base rate and a platform fee retained by ConnecTee. Educators are informed of their fixed rate in advance and are not subject to commission deductions from their earnings. This structure ensures transparency and protects the full value of your work. The exact fee policy may change over time, but it will always be disclosed upfront. When you get a booking request, you will see the net amount you would earn after any Connectee fee, and the Client sees the total cost they will be charged. We will not retroactively change fees for a confirmed booking – any fee changes apply only to new bookings, and we’ll notify you in advance in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Payment Processing: Clients must have a valid payment method on file to book lessons. When a Client books you, they authorize Connectee (via our payment processor) to charge their payment method for the lesson fee and any applicable taxes or fees. In many cases, the payment is authorized at the time of booking but held (not fully captured) until the session is completed. This means Connectee might put a hold for the amount on the client’s card and then capture it after the lesson once you confirm it took place. In other cases (such as pay-as-you-go), the charge may happen at booking. The specific timing will be made clear on the Platform, but the general idea is to protect both parties: ensure the Educator will be paid, and the Client isn’t charged until service is delivered. For ongoing arrangements or subscriptions, Connectee may offer instalment billing or package payments – those terms will be communicated if used.
- Escrow/Holding Funds:Connectee may hold the session payment in a secure escrow account until the session is completed successfully. Once you as Educator mark the session complete (or the system confirms it) and there is no dispute, the funds are released to you through the Platform’s payout system. You will need to have provided a payout method (such as a bank account or other payment account) to receive your earnings. Payouts are typically initiated shortly after session completion and may take a few business days to reach your account, depending on the banking system. We will do our best to ensure you are paid promptly.
- Taxes on Transactions:Connectee’s own service fees may be subject to VAT (Value Added Tax) or similar taxes under Portuguese/EU law. Any tax will be clearly indicated and applied according to law. Connectee will provide receipts or invoices for any fees we charge you, as required. Note that this is separate from any taxes you must pay on your tutoring income.
- Tutor Payouts and Taxes:The gross amount the Client pays includes your tutoring fee plus any Connectee fees. The net amount you receive (your earnings) will be your tutoring fee minus the Connectee commission (if the commission is taken from Tutor’s side). The Platform will show you this breakdown. All the income you earn via Connectee (before taxes) is your income, and we do not deduct income taxes from it. As stated earlier, you are responsible for reporting and paying your taxes on that income. Connectee may send you a summary of your earnings or required tax forms annually if needed but does not handle tax filings for you. By using Connectee, you agree that Connectee can collect and report information on payments as required by law (for instance, informing tax authorities or providing you a statement of what you earned, if necessary).
- Invoicing:In most cases, the contract for tutoring is directly between you and the client. You may be required by local law to provide the client with an invoice or receipt for your tutoring services. Connectee may facilitate this by automatically generating a simple receipt or invoice to the client on your behalf. By using the Platform, you authorize Connectee to issue such invoices in your name if needed for convenience. Clients agree that receiving a receipt from the Platform counts as proper documentation of the service.
- Payment Issues:If a client’s payment is declined or cannot be processed for a completed session (for example, their credit card charge fails after the lesson has happened), the Client is obligated to still pay for the service received. Connectee may reach out to the client to resolve payment. As an Educator, if you have delivered a session, you should get paid for it – we will work with the client to collect funds. Conversely, if due to some error you receive an over-payment or payment for a session that didn’t occur, you agree to cooperate to return or adjust that amount. Connectee reserves the right to offset future payouts to recover overpaid amounts or handle chargebacks. We also may charge late fees to clients for overdue payments or assist you in collection efforts if a client refuses to pay.
- Currency:All transactions on Connectee are done in the currency indicated on the Platform (by default Euros € for EU-based operations, unless changed). If you or the client use a bank account or card in a different currency, your bank might convert the currency and charge a conversion fee – that’s outside our control. We recommend using local currency payment methods to avoid extra fees.
- Changes to Fees:If Connectee changes its fee structure or commissions, we will notify you. Educators will get at least 15 days-notice of significant changes to our commission rates. New fee terms would apply only to new bookings after the effective date; existing confirmed sessions wouldn’t be affected.
We believe in transparency: the Platform will show you exactly what you earn and any fees before you commit to a lesson, so there are no surprises. If you ever have questions about a payment or fee, you can contact our support for clarification.
CANCELLATIONS, RESCHEDULING AND NO-SHOWS
We understand that plans can change. However, when a tutoring session is booked, both parties should do their best to honour that commitment or provide adequate notice of cancellation. This section explains our policies when either a Parent or an Educator cancels a session or fails to show up, as well as any applicable fees or consequences. The goal is to be fair: protect Educators’ time (so they aren’t left uncompensated for late cancellations) and respect Client’ need for flexibility and quality service.
Cancellation by Parent/Client
- Advance Notice – Free Cancellation:If a Parent (or Student) needs to cancel or reschedule a lesson, they should do so as early as possible via the Platform’s cancel function or by messaging the Educator through the Platform. In general, a cancellation with sufficient advance notice will not incur any charge to the Parent. “Sufficient notice” is typically defined as at least 24 hours before the session start time (unless a different minimum notice period is specified for a particular booking). If the Parent cancels at least 24 hours in advance, any prepaid amount for that session will be refunded in full and the Educator will not be paid for that session (since they have time to adjust their schedule).
- Late Cancellation by Parent:Cancelling with short notice (less than 24 hours prior) or failing to show up for the session (no-show) may result in a charge. Because the Educator set aside that time and likely cannot re-book it on short notice, the Parent may be charged a cancellation fee — often a portion or up to the full session fee, depending on how late the cancellation was. For example, Connectee’s default might be that a cancellation within 24 hours could incur up to 50% of the fee, and a very last-minute cancellation (or not showing up at all without notice) could incur up to 100% (the full fee). The exact policy or any sliding scale will be clearly stated on the Platform. If the Parent simply does not attend (no-show) and doesn’t cancel, that is treated as a late cancellation (likely a full charge).
- Extenuating Circumstances:We understand life happens. If a true emergency or unforeseen event prevents a Parent/Student from giving notice (for example, sudden illness, accident, family emergency), the Parent should inform the Educator and Connectee as soon as possible and explain the situation. We encourage Educators to be understanding in such cases. Connectee, at its discretion, may waive the cancellation fee for the Parent if we verify a genuine emergency. This is handled case-by-case to prevent abuse. In general, communication is key – a Parent who communicates the issue promptly is more likely to get leniency than someone who repeatedly cancels last-minute without explanation.
- Rescheduling:If both the Parent and Educator agree to reschedule the session to a different time instead of cancelling outright, we don’t charge a cancellation fee. The prepaid amount can simply apply to the rescheduled session. We provide tools to reschedule bookings via the Platform. Make sure any reschedule is confirmed by both parties through the Platform so that we have a record. If rescheduling isn’t possible, then it falls back to being a cancellation.
- Repeated Cancellations:While cancelling in advance doesn’t carry a fee, if a Parent frequently cancels sessions (even with notice), it can be disruptive. Connectee may monitor cancellation patterns. If we find a Parent repeatedly books and cancels in a way that is unfair to Educators, we reserve the right to take action, such as warning the Parent or suspending the account in extreme cases. We will usually reach out to understand the situation before any suspension. Our aim is to ensure reliability on the Platform for everyone.
Cancellation by Educator
- Advance Notice:If you, as the Educator, need to cancel a session you’ve accepted, you should also give as much notice as possible to the Parent via the Platform. We understand Educators might face emergencies or scheduling conflicts, but please use cancellations sparingly and responsibly, as Parents are counting on you. If you do cancel a session, we expect you to propose an alternative time to make up the session, if feasible.
- Late Cancellation / No-Show by Educator:If an Educator cancels on very short notice (within 24 hours of the session) or fails to show up to the session on time without cancellation, this is treated seriously. The Client will receive a full refund for that session (they should never pay for a lesson that didn’t happen due to the Educator. Additionally, the Educator will be considered in breach of these Terms. Connectee may impose penalties on the Educator’s account for such incidents. Penalties can include your profile being demoted in search results, a warning on your account, temporary suspension of your account, or in severe or repeat cases, permanent termination of your Educator account. We will notify you if such action is taken. The exact consequence may depend on the circumstances and whether this has happened before. We do understand that unavoidable emergencies happen; if you had a true emergency that caused a no-show or late cancellation, contact us with explanation and any proof (like a doctor’s note for a medical emergency). We may choose not to count one truly unavoidable incident against you – but repeated occurrences will not be tolerated. Reliability is crucial for your reputation on the Platform.
- Finding a Replacement:If you cancel last-minute or don’t show up, Connectee will do our best to help the Parent find a substitute Educator (especially if the lesson was urgent, like right before an exam). However, we cannot guarantee a replacement, and this situation may harm your relationship with the client. It’s in everyone’s interest to avoid educator no-shows.
- No-Show Procedure:If one party is waiting and the other doesn’t arrive at the scheduled time, the waiting party should attempt to contact them via the Platform (send a message or call if a number is provided after booking). There might be a simple misunderstanding or technical issue. If you are the Educator and the student doesn’t show up, send a message and wait a reasonable time (our suggestion is at least 15 minutes for an hour session, unless instructed otherwise). If you are the Parent/Student and the Educator doesn’t show, try to contact them and also inform Connectee support. In either case, please report the no-show to Connectee so we can document it and assist with next steps. We may reach out to the absent party to understand what happened. If a dispute arises over whether someone showed up or not, Connectee will review the evidence (messages, login records for online sessions, etc.) to determine what occurred. We aim to be a neutral intermediary and will apply the appropriate refund or penalty according to the policies above.
- Refunds:If a Parent is entitled to a refund (due to a Educator’s cancellation or no-show, or a timely cancellation on their part), Connectee will process that refund to the Parent’s original payment method as soon as possible. It may take a few business days for the credit to appear, depending on the bank/card. If the payment was part of a package or subscription, we’ll explain how the refund or credit works in that context (it might be credit to the account for a replacement session, etc.). Our support team will help ensure fairness in any such scenario.
- Extenuating Circumstances (Force Majeure):In rare situations like natural disasters, major power/internet outages, or other widespread emergencies, Connectee may suspend the normal cancellation rules. Neither side will be penalized for cancellations due to circumstances genuinely beyond their control. We’ll encourage rescheduling in such cases, or provide refunds where appropriate, without fault to either party.
Both Educators and Parents are expected to act in good faith: communicate promptly and honestly about any need to cancel and be considerate of each other’s time. Frequent cancellations or no-shows can lead to poor reviews and potential account actions, so reliability is key to success on Connectee. If you encounter any issues or disputes around cancellations, you can contact Connectee support for assistance – we’re here to help mediate where needed.
PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
- Your privacy and the protection of user data are extremely important to us. Connectee Education is compliant with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable data protection laws. By using the Platform, you also agree to our Privacy Policy, which explains what personal data we collect, how we use and protect it, and your rights regarding your data.
- Platform Data Use:Connectee will collect certain data from you as needed to provide our services – for example, profile information, communications, scheduling, and payment details. We process this data in accordance with GDPR principles of lawfulness, transparency, and security. We only use it for the “Agreed Purpose” of running the tutoring platform and related services. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on data categories and purposes.
- Your Rights:Under the GDPR, you have rights such as access to your data, correction of inaccuracies, and deletion of data (in certain circumstances). Connectee provides means to exercise these rights – you can usually update your profile info in your account, and you can contact us to request data export or deletion. Note that some data we must retain for legal reasons (like payment records).
- Educator’s Data Responsibilities:As an Educator, when you receive personal information about a student or parent (like a student’s name, contact info, or any details shared for tutoring), you become an independent data controller for that information as well, meaning you must handle it in compliance with privacy laws. In simple terms, you should use student personal data only for providing tutoring to that student, and you must keep it secure and confidential. Do not use a student’s contact information for any unsolicited marketing or share it with third parties. If a parent asks you to delete or stop using their or their child’s data, accommodate their request (except information you need to retain for legal defence or compliance). If you keep any records of students outside the Platform (e.g. notes on progress), store them safely and don’t keep them longer than necessary.
- Security:Connectee implements industry-standard security measures to protect user data. We expect you to also practice good security: keep your account secure (don’t share passwords), and if you download or store any personal data from the Platform, keep it encrypted or safe. Do not download or expose any personal data that isn’t necessary.
- GDPR Compliance:Connectee and Educators each undertake to comply with applicable data protection legislation. For Educators, this means you should respect privacy and only process personal data under a lawful basis. If you suspect any personal data breach (like you accidentally exposed student information), inform Connectee so we can take appropriate action.
- Communications and Marketing:We will send you service-related communications (booking confirmations, account updates). With your consent, we may also send newsletters or promotional offers, but you can opt out at any time. We do not sell your personal data to third-party advertisers.
- Audio/Video Sessions:If tutoring sessions are conducted via an online classroom that allows recording (and if recording is enabled), we will inform you and the student and obtain consent if required. Any recordings will be stored securely and used only for permitted purposes (such as quality assurance or if a dispute arises).
- Privacy Questions:If you have any questions or requests regarding your personal data or GDPR compliance, you can reach out to us at [email protected], as described in our Privacy Policy.
By using Connectee, you also agree that we can process and share your data as needed to facilitate the tutoring transactions (for example, sharing your profile with potential clients, or providing an Educator with the student’s first name and perhaps relevant details). We will not share contact details between Educator and Parent until a booking is confirmed for safety and privacy reasons. We also expect that once you have that information, you use it solely for the tutoring services and not for any other purpose without consent.
For full details, please refer to the Connectee Privacy Policy (which is hereby incorporated by reference). These Terms should be read in conjunction with that policy.
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
- Limitation of Platform Liability:Connectee provides the Platform to facilitate connections and does not directly oversee tutoring sessions. While we strive to vet Tutors and maintain quality, Connectee is not liable for the actual services that Educators provide beyond what is required by law. We do not guarantee any specific outcomes from tutoring (for example, we can’t promise that a student’s grades will improve). To the fullest extent permitted by law, Connectee (and its team) will not be responsible for indirect damages or lost opportunities arising from the use of the Platform or tutoring services. For instance, we are not liable if a session does not meet a student’s expectations, or for any conflict between an Educator and Parent, except to facilitate resolution per these Terms. That said, we do not exclude liability for things that cannot be excluded under law, such as personal injury caused by our negligence or fraud.
- Tutor’s Liability:As an Educator, you are fully responsible for your own actions and statements during tutoring sessions. You assume all liability for the content of your lessons and any claims that may arise from your provision of tutoring services. For example, if you give incorrect advice that causes loss, or if you violate someone’s rights in the course of tutoring, that’s on you. You agree that Connectee is not responsible for what happens in lessons between you and your student. Never hold sessions in ways that are unsafe or illegal – you must use common sense and follow the law.
- Indemnification:You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Connectee and its affiliates, employees, and agents from any claims, demands, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) made by any third party arising out of or related to: (a) your use of the Platform or services, (b) your provision of tutoring services, or (c) your breach of these Terms. This means that if, for example, a dispute or legal issue arises because of something you did (like a student or parent sues over something that happened in a session, or a copyright holder claims you used unauthorized material), and Connectee is also named or involved, you will cover any costs or damages incurred by Connectee due to your conduct. Essentially, since the tutoring arrangement is between you and the Parent, you’ll stand by us if we get dragged into any issue caused by your violation of the Terms or negligence in your tutoring.
- No Warranty for Platform:Connectee aims for high availability and quality, but we make the Platform available “as is” and “as available.” We cannot guarantee it will be error-free or uninterrupted at all times. There may be occasions when the site is down for maintenance or technical issues occur. We will try to give notice of major maintenance. Connectee disclaims any warranties to the extent allowed by law, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
- Release:Since Connectee is not directly involved in the contracts between Educator and Parent, in the event of a dispute or claim between you and a Parent or student, you agree not to hold Connectee liable for things resulting from that relationship. Nonetheless, we will help facilitate communication and fair outcomes per our dispute policies.
Keep in mind that under EU consumer laws, consumers (like Parent users) have certain rights that cannot be waived. Nothing in this section is intended to violate any mandatory law. We simply need to clarify that Educators bear responsibility for their own services, and Connectee’s role is limited in scope.
SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION OF ACCOUNTS
Connectee reserves the right to suspend (temporarily disable) or terminate (permanently close) your Educator account if you violate these Terms or engage in any conduct that jeopardizes our community or business. We hope never to do so unjustly, and we will usually provide notice or warning when appropriate. These are the grounds for Suspension/Termination:
- Serious or Repeated Violations:If you materially breach these Terms – for example, commit fraud, repeatedly no-show for sessions, engage in harassment, provide false qualifications, or otherwise act in a way that is seriously against our policies – we can disable or remove your account. Even without a single egregious act, a pattern of lesser violations (e.g. multiple complaints from different clients) can also lead to action.
- Legal Compliance:If required by law or requested by authorities (for instance, a court order, or in cases of investigation of illegal activities), we may suspend or terminate your account and/or remove any content you have posted that is illegal or in violation of rights.
- Safety Concerns:If we have credible information that your presence on the Platform poses a safety risk to students or other users (for example, allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor, or violent behaviour), we may immediately suspend your account while we investigate.
- Inactivity:This is usually not a cause for termination, but we reserve the right to deactivate accounts that have not been used for a very long time, to keep our database clean. If so, we’d notify you with a chance to log in before deletion.
- Procedure:In most cases, for less severe issues, we will reach out to you with a warning or ask for an explanation before acting. We prefer to resolve problems constructively. However, for severe violations or urgent risks, we may suspend first (to protect users) and then notify you. Termination means you will no longer be able to use the Platform as an Educators, and any future access may be blocked. If there are outstanding obligations (like a balance due to you or refunds due from you), those would be settled as appropriate. If your account is terminated or suspended and you believe it’s a mistake, you can contact us to appeal the decision. We will review in good faith. Our primary interest is keeping the community safe and trustworthy.
- Effect of Termination:If your Educator account is terminated, these Terms (and any other agreements between us) are considered ended, except that certain sections survive (such as confidentiality, data protection obligations, and liability/indemnity clauses). You must cease using the Platform. Any bookings you have at the time may be cancelled (with full refunds to any affected Parents). You will still be entitled to any earnings already due for past completed lessons (minus any offsets for refunds or disputes). Connectee will pay out any remaining balance to you according to our normal schedule, unless otherwise notified.
GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
- These Terms and any dispute arising out of or in connection with them (including non-contractual disputes) are governed by Portuguese law, as Connectee is operating in Portugal. By using the Platform, you agree that the laws of Portugal will govern any disagreements.
- If a dispute arises between you and Connectee, we encourage you to contact us first to attempt an informal resolution. We are committed to addressing concerns and finding amicable solutions if possible. You can reach our support or legal team through the Platform or via email.
- In the event that any legal action is brought by either party, it shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Portugal. Unless otherwise required by applicable consumer laws, you and Connectee consent to the courts of Portugal having exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute. Given that as an Educator you are using the Platform in a professional capacity, the assumption is disputes will be handled in Portugal.
- To the extent permitted by law, you and Connectee agree that each may bring claims against the other only in an individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding.
- Any portion of these Terms found to be unenforceable by a court will be severed and the remainder will remain in effect. Our failure to enforce any provision right away is not a waiver of our right to enforce it later.
- These Terms (along with the Privacy Policy and any other referenced documents) constitute the entire agreement between you and Connectee regarding the use of the Platform as an Educator. They supersede any prior understanding.
CHANGES TO TERMS
Connectee Education reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time to reflect updates to our services, technological developments, regulatory changes, or other legitimate business needs. Any changes will be made in a transparent and proportionate manner.
When changes are likely to materially affect your rights or obligations, we will notify users with at least 15 days' advance notice before the changes take effect. This notice may be provided via email, in-app messages, or platform banners. In urgent cases (e.g. to comply with legal or security obligations), changes may take effect with shorter notice or immediately.
Continued access or use of the platform after the changes become effective will constitute your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree with the updated Terms, you may close your account before the effective date without penalty.
Thank you for reading these Terms. By offering your tutoring services on Connectee, you agree to follow these guidelines to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
By using the Connectee Education Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
If you do not agree or if anything is unclear, please cease use of the Platform and contact us for further information.
We are excited to have you as part of the Connectee community and look forward to facilitating successful learning experiences!