As we approach the ski season several patrollers have told me they delayed their dream of becoming an NSP instructor because they haven’t taken an Instructor Development (ID) course. “Why not?” I asked. There was a litany of reasons (excuses), but the primary reason was the lack of a convenient ID course. “There wasn’t a course offered in my region when I needed it” or “I work on the weekends when the courses were offered.”
Problem solved. Many patrollers aren’t aware that there are Global ID skill sessions (hybrid online sessions) offered by the Instructor Development National Committee. Two of these sessions are offered each month, one on Monday evening at 8:30 and one on Tuesday evening at 7:00. Ideally, you might want to select the Tuesday option. The Monday option is typically for those in a different time zone or those night owls who don’t mind staying up late. Registration can be done on the NSP website.
Is this the same material that I would get in my regional course? The answer is a definite yes. The course instructors (one of whom is the National Program Director) have tons of experience. There is an Instructor Trainer (IT) present at each session to maintain quality assurance.
These sessions also provide opportunities for existing and candidate ID instructors as well. Current instructors can hone their skills or maintain currency by assisting in one of the sessions. Candidate instructors can participate and be observed by the IT present at the session. It should no longer take years for a potential new instructor to be approved. Please contact the National ID Program Director Lisa Rabideau if you want to assist in one of these sessions.
Is this approach to NSP learning going to be successful? Let the numbers answer that question. Since the inception of the Global ID skill sessions there have been 112 successful completions, many from the Eastern Division. Are these sessions going to replace the regional ID courses? These sessions were designed to provide an alternative. Regional courses are highly valued. Many patrollers like to stay close to home and even with current technology, some like the personal touch of a face-to-face or in-person full day class.
Consider your options. No more excuses.
