Advice on becoming an instructor

[willo]

Hi guys.
Right now I'm a professional computer geek. I've been diving on and off for about 9 years now. In the future I'd like to get certified as an instructor. I've seen good classes and bad classes out there, and I'd like to increase the number of good classes.

Now, here's my problem. I don't live near anyone who conducts the classes I need. If I talk fast, I *might* be able to get a rescue diver cert from one of the local shops, but they almost never offer it.

I took AOW through a class at the university, and I've always admired it. So much that when I can I help out with wet sessions and even guest lecture once in while.

One of the other AOW alums went to a scuba school down in florida and got his Instructors certification. I'd be interested in something like this. My biggest problem has to be a lack of vacation time, but I know if I want it bad enough I can make it happen.

I'm looking for reccomendations on instructor camps that I could attend. I think I'd prefer it was NAUI, but I'm open to suggestions.

Got advice for me?

 

[TwoBitTxn]

Some shops struggle hiring instructors they didn't train. IOW, they don't like to.

Do you want to teach independently or for a shop?

My first thought would be to suggest that you look around a little more to find a shop you are willing to associate with and get into their program. I don't know what your market is like.

Good luck

TwoBit

 

[Ber Rabbit]

If you want to increase the number of good classes NAUI is a nice certification to have because you can add whatever you want to the classes if you can get students willing to learn a lot. We could use another NAUI instructor at the university, thinking of moving to Ohio any time soon?

You may be able to get the local shop to offer the classes you need if you cover their costs, basically a private (but probably expensive) class. You can always get one instructor certification and cross over to another organization if the instructor cert. course for one fits with your schedule. The cross-over is generally pretty short once you are a certified instructor.

Good luck!
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Scottri]

My advice would be to become a DM or AI for a year or so. Hang around and watch a few intructors and how they run their classes. I learned a lot DMing for the shop I work for. Experience will make you a better instructor. I don't agree with the pupply mill mentality of some of the schools that will take you from Open Water to Instructor in a matter of weeks.

Scott

 

[SubMariner]

My advice would be to become a DM or AI for a year or so. Hang around and watch a few intructors and how they run their classes. I learned a lot DMing for the shop I work for. Experience will make you a better instructor. I don't agree with the pupply mill mentality of some of the schools that will take you from Open Water to Instructor in a matter of weeks.

Scott

Experience is a great teacher.

 

[Moogyboy]

hey guys

I would love to become an instructor someday--probably an independent--or even a DM or AI. It's certainly one of my long term goals in this sport. The only things I worry about is whether I don't dive enough, or don't make enough to afford all the classes, or both. :-/ I mean, it looks like I may have to put off my AOW for another year yet again. :sad:

cheers

Billy S.

 

[jimmac]

Before I would suggest going to instructor the best thing you can do is work with students and an assistant instructor. One of the best abilities an instructor can have is the ability to read a student and know the signs of discomfort and any distress. This comes with watching class after class.