Trainee instructors

A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.

(Thomas Carruthers)

How can I become an instructor?

We welcome anyone who wants to become a tai chi instructor.
You need to be an excellent communicator and to be genuinely interested in other people and their wellbeing.


Only an expert should teach

Being a tai chi teacher is more than just talent.
You need to put in the work.
This is why there is an instructor training course for would-be instructors.

An expert must have at least 10,000 hours of practice behind them.
Dr. K. Anders Ericsson found that this was true of any art; whether tai chi, dancing or playing the piano.

You should only seek to become a tai chi or baguazhang instructor when you are an 'expert'.


Know your stuff

In order to instruct, you need something to teach.
You require subject knowledge.

Begin as a new starter and work your way through the syllabus.

Learn how to teach

There are 3 instructor grades in our school:

1. Level 1
   - training takes place during the 7th dan syllabus
   - 10,000 hours of practice required
    

2. Level 2
   - training takes place during the 8th dan syllabus
    

3. Level 3
   - training takes place during the 9th dan syllabus

Having completed each level of instructor training, the student is given a certificate qualifying them to teach our syllabus.


Receive guidance & feedback

Instructor training for each level is an ongoing process over many months.
It involves:

1. theory

2. questionnaires

3. on-line media training

4. how to promote the class

5. class management methodology

6. weekly teaching practice in class

7. lengthy debates/discussions with Sifu Waller

8. designing your own personal teaching notes/scheme of work

These teaching concerns are all in addition to your personal development through the syllabus.
Instructor training is free of charge.


Black belt does not mean 'instructor'

Gaining a black belt does not mean that you are ready to teach. Not at all.
There are 10 dan grades to pass in our syllabus.

Being an instructor is altogether different to simply attending classes. Not every black belt student is capable of being an instructor.


Fit to teach?

In order to teach any subject, an instructor needs certain requirements:

1. Subject knowledge
   - the information the instructor plans to impart
    

2. Experience
   - a good instructor should have at least 10,000 hours of practice behind them
    

3. Teaching skills
   - the ability to explain things logically and thoroughly
   - reasoning
   - articulate
   - engaging
   - awareness
   - compassion
   - humour
   - patience
   - differentiation
   - time management
    

4. A goal
   - aim, objective
   - purpose of the lesson
    

5. A syllabus
   - defining the components that will enable a student to achieve the objective
   - a path leading to the knowledge
   - a scheme of work
   - how the student will proceed
    

6. Topics
   - breakdown of the syllabus into modules of information
   - logical building blocks
   - small steps along the path
   - teach according to the students ability to learn
    

7. Discrete lessons
   - a lesson is an opportunity to explore a given skill
   - examples must be provided
   - thought-provoking
   - stimulating
   - encourage enthusiasm and participation
   - engage the student
   - allow for different ability levels
    

8. Proof
   - examinations, tests, grading
   - pressure-testing
   - an increasing scale of hardship

More...

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Page created 19 October 1994