New Instructor Development Courses

by | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Program News

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.

 

New ID Supervisor – Ed Riggs

by | Sep 15, 2024 | Division News, Program News

Ed Riggs, Instructor Development Supervisor

For those who don’t know me, I’ve held many positions in over 35 years in NSP but have been out of ski patrol management for quite a while. So why get back into it? As I did then, I still believe in what we do. In the past I’ve been a patrol director, a region OEC administrator, an assistant region director, and the national Instructor Development (ID) program director. I am currently an IT for both OEC and Instructor Development, as well as a senior trainer evaluator for OET, and a PSIA ski instructor.

I’m not listing these things to brag about my resume, because I’m sure many patrollers have equal or better credentials than mine. I’m just trying to illustrate my love of teaching and my dedication to patrolling. Education is my passion. In my real job I’ve been an educator at the college level for over 30 years.

What are my goals for Instructor Development in the Eastern Division? I must admit, I was left with an outstanding program to manage. The reports I received from region advisors are very impressive. One region offered three ID courses in the last five months. That type of initiative reinforces my goal to continue strengthening and building the strongest ID program in the nation.

As many seasoned instructors in all disciplines leave or take a break from teaching, we must continue to bring new instructors into the fold. That starts with Instructor Development courses. Now that we are able to offer hybrid courses, I am encouraging all region advisors to increase their course offerings to accommodate the busy lives of patrollers. There is no longer the need to have a big enrollment to offer a course. In fact, the National ID program is offering frequent virtual course sessions to further meet the needs of those desiring to get started on the road to becoming an NSP instructor.

There are several new things happening in the ID program at the national level. I promise to keep everyone updated. Until then, I hope everyone enjoys what is left of the pre-skiing season.