Teacher's Right Wing Girl

Empty started this discussion · 1/3/2013

So my teacher will be opening her own studio this year. Naturally we're excited and even more awesome is that she offered me a teaching position. Nothing big, just beginners and eventually maybe a really cool spin-oriented class. But that's not for a long while. ANYWAY.... This week is "try it free" week at the current studio and our pole class on Saturday is booked solid. I got a message today from my teacher asking me if i wanted to help her teach that day. Since it will be a room full of beginners, it would be a very basic class. She's going to instruct, I'm there for support/questions/help so that everyone gets equal attention/help. {We normally only have us same 4 in class so a full class is going to be new & fun.} Needless to say....I'm floored. I'm like ridiculously pumped {and nervous} to have such a opportunity to start so suddenly. I made this post cause i would really really really love insight. ANY tips you ladies can share about doing this awesome would be great. I'm a ridiculous perfectionist and i want make sure i do this great so i can eventually be the best teacher i can be in the new studio. So anything i can read/know/watch to soothe some nerves and keep in mind would be great. Thanks! ❤️

9 replies

PlatinumAni · 1/3/2013
Hat a great opportunity! You should be proud you are considered for it. :D just remember everyone will be nervous, so just have fun and be supportive. You will do great.
CapFeb · 1/3/2013
Bring a pole book/list on things you want to teach beginners, rangeing from very very basic to the most advanced of basic (pole sit or plank, in my opinion) for those natural polers.
chemgoddess1 · 1/3/2013
Congratulations! There are a ton of threads on here about becoming an instructor and structuring a class (like probably 3 days worth of reading!). I remember teaching my first class (and 2nd and 3rd, etc)...first off...don't expect perfection. Second, BUY VEENA'S LESSONS!!! I cannot tell you how many times they helped me out when I was struggling putting together a class. Just relax and have fun. Oh, and make sure either the studio has the proper insurance or at least you do. http://insurance4poledancers.com/i4pd/
Empty · 1/3/2013
I won't be teaching totally, not yet anyway. She's still instructing the class, I'll be more or less shadowing her and helping out. Kind of like dipping my toes in the teaching waters. lol. I'm usually really chatty and helpful in class anyway. I just want to make a good impression and show her i can do the job when it comes.
chemgoddess1 · 1/3/2013
It is still a good idea to be sure that you are covered. This is the reason I will only spot friends. If you are acting in behalf of the studio then you are still a liability.
Saphyre · 1/3/2013
Congrats, LE!! What an honor to be asked. I can only base this on what I read of your comments, but you seem like an enthusiatic and fun person when it comes to pole. One of the things that made me keep going when I first started was my awesome instructor, Glitterhips. She was not only good at breaking down the moves and spotting, but her infectious, laidback personality made me want to do better and made me feel COMFORTABLE. It was intimidating being one of the oldest in the class, but she didn't make me feel like I was. Even if my attempt wasn't perfect (but still correct), she said, "Good! Keep working on it just like that!". Not sure if that is advise, but it's what I felt. HAVE FUN!
azriel · 1/3/2013
First of all, congrats! Don't worry about showing her that you're capable of doing the job.. if she chose you, she has already seen those qualities in you! All instructors were trainees at some point, so they know how it is, and they won't expect you to be perfect right off the bat. I'm actually currently training one of my students to be an instructor- i knew what she was capable of teaching-wise, which is why i chose her. I too started her off as an assistant, which i think works great. The best advice i can give you is to really observe her as an instructor, while helping out the students when needed. OBSERVE and take in as much as possible. If you're too busy worrying about being the best assistant or making the best impression on her, you won't be able to take in as much. She already knows you have what it takes. No need to prove it! All you have to do is observe (can't say it enough) and show that you're willing to learn- she'll appreciate that much more! Good luck & let us know how it goes!
pegasusaerialfitness · 1/4/2013
My two cents would be...dont try to teach them too much. Make it a balanced workout so they dont get injured. Pay a little more attention to the shy one and try to slow down the "star" of the class. Make sure you can have simple enough stuff to modify so that everyone can feel successful and let them know that Pole is a Moody "B"...some days it's great and others it is not and you might never know why. Also..everybody has strength and weaknesses, be positive and point out what they are doing right.. Congrats
verucablue · 1/4/2013
Remember to have fun! It always helps when the teacher is enjoying what she does 🙂