Having spent time talking to people coming from a number of different studios, there does appears to be a lack of formalised support for newly qualified Instructors. Once the certificate is handed over and the paid teaching has started, then what?
Once you are on the teaching floor with a clients’ card in hand, and that expectant look from them, you are off. In many cases Instructors are going it alone in a teaching environment with no-one to bounce off. I think this is when the real learning begins. With a paying client in front of you, it is important to be pro active about your duty of care. Set these steps in motion to help yourself stay fresh and confident in what you are doing.
- Request regular teaching reviews with your employer.
- Join a professional association, there are a couple in Australia, see more info on this in Professional Development.
- Participate in regular professional development activities, request these in- house where you teach. Ask your peers where they are going to receive this, use your network to keep informed.
- Keep up your own regular Pilates sessions, not self guided, but a chance to keep experiencing the magic of Pilates without coming up with your own repertoire.
- Seek out a mentor. As you evolve you will enjoy the chance to talk to an Instructor about your experiences. A mentor can assist you look at situations differently, helping guide your thinking and reasoning. Invaluable!!
In the business setting, mentoring is traditionally seen as ‘providing expertise to less experienced individuals in order to help them advance their careers, enhance their education and build their networks.’ The dictionary definition is ‘mentor: a trusted friend, counsellor or teacher, usually a more experienced person.’
The mentoring relationship is important to,
1. create an ongoing opportunity for the sharing of knowledge.
2. offer debriefing and discussion opportunities in a safe, non judgmental environment.
3. continue your learning on matters technical.
4. assist with the transition from a student role to paid Instructor.
Tell us about your experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly, never know, it could help the next person to come along!
