starting a teaching position today

[tkdan]

I'm finally going to get an opportunity to start teaching classes. I've been given a opportunity to take over the karate program at our local YMCA. I'm very excited to get to do something I really enjoy doing. I've taught classes before but this will be the first time I'm in charge of the program. I'm a little nervous but I feel ready. Any advice would be appreciated.

[joesteph]

I'm not an instructor, but I can say that what my instructor does is use the formalities to set the tone for respect, never berates though she'll be firm, and never loses her temper or patience. My instructor seems to know when and how much to praise--never too often, never too much, but you remember when she does it.

She has also made out her lesson plans for the class in advance, and seems to know exactly how much time to allot for each activity, and prefers to have different belts perfoming different activities at the same time.

Good luck with your new, very important position.

[Kruczek]

She has also made out her lesson plans for the class in advance.

I am an instructor, and that is the BEST advice you are going to get. Know what you want to do before you start, but at the same time be willing to adjust based on who shows up.

Another huge mistake I have seen is people who put their students feelings before the karate. Don't be rude by any means, but don't be afraid to ask someone to work something again or to refine the way they do their kata. If you get a reputation of going soft on tests it will scare away serious students who feel they aren't getting the full experience and give you the "McDojo" reputation.

Overall just relax. Make sure you are enjoying teaching. If you don't want to be there how could you ever expect the class your teaching to want to be there?

[bushido_man96]

Enjoy your time teaching. You will learn a lot, once you start teaching.

[DWx]

I agree with the lesson planning. Even if its just a rough idea of what you want to cover in class its better than nothing. You can totally tell when someone is winging it and just making up the class as they go along. Enjoy it though, if you are most likely your students will be enjoying it too .

[Kruczek]

A few things I thought of tonight listening to some of my students "comment" on another teacher:

Always be willing to double check that you are right. If everyone is saying they thought there was two punches in the kata and you think there are three, ask another black belt - there is no shame in being sure you are right.

Sometimes thinking of yourself as the senior student in class rather than the teacher can be helpful for everyone. You might be sensei, and they should think of you as SENSEI, but you still have lots to learn too and you are not better than any white belt - just working on more complicated things.

Just my take on things.

[bushido_man96]

Always be willing to double check that you are right. If everyone is saying they thought there was two punches in the kata and you think there are three, ask another black belt - there is no shame in being sure you are right.

This is excellent advise. To expand on that a little, if you don't know an answer to a question, don't be afraid to admit that you don't know. Along with that, don't be afraid to tell them that you will do what you can to find out the answer, either. Be honest, with yourself, and your students.

[tkdan]

Thanks all for the advice. Really good stuff. I know what you mean it is obvious if someone is making up class as they go.

[Traymond]

tkdan, are you getting paid? I am just wondering cause there is a Ymca around where I live, but their is no teaching positions for martial arts, is it something that they all do, or what?

[tkdan]

I get a percentage of the tuition. I'm an employee of the y so I'm covered for liability reasons. I'm don't get an hourly pay just the percentage. This was something that a school had set up a long time ago and the person doing it wanted out so I got the chance.