Qualifications to be an Instructor
Becoming an instructor is a big step in any Taekwondo student's path. To ensure the highest quality of instruction at our school, we have set guidelines to ensure that students are ready to take on the challenge of being an instructor. Below, we will discuss rank, age, requirements and attitude.
Instructor Helper - Minimum Age Requirement is 11 with Rank of Brown Belt
Instructor Trainee - Minimum Rank Requirement of Red Senior
Instructor - Minimum Age Requirement of 15 with a Rank Requirement of First Senior Black Belt
Testing Requirements:
Instructor Helper: There are no set testing requirements to become an Instructor Helper. A student may be approached about being an Instructor Helper after showing a great attitude and determination to learn. A student may also request to become an Instructor Helper by speaking with an Instructor. One rule is that all members of the Instructor Team are expected to follow the code of conduct, follow the school rules and guidelines, and be willing to help at all times.
Instructor Trainee: To test for Instructor Trainee, the Instructor Helper must first receive the recommendation of members from the Instructor Level of the Instructor Team. As an Instructor Helper, sufficient amount of class time must be spent as a helper in class other than their own class time. They must also have kept up with classes in their own class time as well. At an Instructor event, the Instructor Helper must demonstrate that they are proficient with all forms up to their rank and all drills/one-steps. One rule is that all members of the Instructor Team are expected to follow the code of conduct, follow the school rules and guidelines, and be willing to help at all times.
Instructor: To test for Instructor, the Instructor Trainee must first receive the recommendation of members from the Instructor Level of the Instructor Team. As an Instructor Trainee, sufficient amount of class time must be spent as an Instructor Trainee in class time other than their own class time. They must also have kept up with classes in their own class time as well. At an Instructor event, the Instructor Trainee must demonstrate that they are proficient with all forms up to their rank and all drills/one-steps. Forms will be selected at random with a minimum of three previous forms. They must also demonstrate their proficiency with teaching a minimum of twenty class sections (stretching, forms, sparring, board breaking, game time, etc.) chosen at random. One rule is that all members of the Instructor Team are expected to follow the code of conduct, follow the school rules and guidelines, and be willing to help at all times.
Attitude:
Attitude is probably one of the most important things about being an instructor. In this section we are going to list different attitude traits that are important in any successful instructor.
Respectful - Any student that wishes to be a member of the Instructor Team must demonstrate that they are respectful in and out of class. Instructors are held to a higher standard than students. In the school, members of the Instructor Team are always expected to be respectful to other members of the Instructor Team, classmates, parents, guests and the School Owner/Manager. A member of the Instructor Team that is not respectful will be required to have a one on one meeting with the School Manager.
Willing to Learn - The journey of Martial Arts never ends. A good member of the Instructor Team will always strive to learn something new every time they are engaged in martial arts. Some students and instructors can fall prey to the flaw of becoming over confident. When that happens they will often stop learning as much because they don't acknowledge the principle that you can learn from anyone. If you are sparring an opponent, you can learn how they react to different attacks and styles of defense. If you are with an instructor that is teaching a technique differently that you, you can learn their way because it may be better. Always be ready to learn.
Compassionate - All members of the Instructor Team must always be compassionate. This does not mean that you let students walk all over you, but understand that each student and other members of the Instructor Team are dealing with their own issues and problems. Be firm, but understanding.
Enthusiastic - Always remember that the students reflect your excitement. Always be excited to be in class. When you step onto the training floor leave all of your outside stuff behind. Give all that you have to the students because when you do, the students will give you all they can.
Guidelines and Protocols:
One of the most important things about any Instructor Team is the rules and guidelines that guide the team so it can be successful. While our team does not want to be so strict that there is no room for flexibility following the rules and guidelines help our team to display a united front.
Behavior - Behavior is the first topic because it is so crucial to the success of any instructor. Remember the students do what they see. Any member of the Instructor Team who does not demonstrate proper behavior will have a meeting with the School Manager and potentially be placed on probation. If you are concerned that a behavior will result in trouble, please speak to the School Manager.
Respect - Always be respectful; respect encompasses proper address and attitude/mannerism.
Black Belts - All black belts should be addressed by Mr. / Miss / Ms and their last name, unless otherwise asked to be a different name (such as Ms Kati). This is out of respect for the student that has earned the rank of black belt. No matter what age or level of black belt we should always address another black belt using proper address.
Instructors - Members of the Instructor Team always address each other using Mr / Miss / Ms and their last name, unless otherwise asked to be a different name (such as Ms Kati). Also, if another member of the Instructor Team asks you to do something, you should answer with a Yes/No Sir/Ma'am and move quickly to fulfill their request. Instructor level instructions/request should always be prioritized.
Parents - Parents should be address using Mr / Miss / Ms and their last name and should be answered using Yes/No Sir/Ma'am. When speaking to parents always be positive and encouraginG. If a serious conversation needs to be had, let the School Manager handle the conversation.
Attitude / Mannerism - Your attitude demonstrates your respectfulness. Be attentive to the other members of the Instructor Team. Always be willing to jump in and help. When standing, stand in an accepted relaxed position. Don't interrupt the instructor in charge.