The Instructor’s Creed
Posted on | September 30, 2009 | No Comments
Over the years, I have been able to visit 100’s of the top schools in the country and network with their owners.
When I visit someone’s school, my focus is always on what attributes make them stand out and make them unique. What I found out (as you already know) is that almost everyone does things a little different. I did notice, however, that all of the top schools have at least one thing in common: Exciting and Dynamic Classes taught by enthusiastic, well-trained instructors. There is nothing new in what I just said. We all know that this is a key factor to the long-term success of your school. The question is…How do you know if you are on track? I believe that utilizing the Instructor’s Creed will go a long way in helping you move in the right direction.
I first started developing this creed over twenty years ago as an affirmation that I would say on my way to a particularly rough, off-campus class that I dreaded teaching. Eventually, we had our staff memorize it.. I still use it to this day on a regular basis and have found it to be a great “anchor” for getting myself focused for the class at hand.
Instructor’s Creed: I will teach this class as if it were the most important class I’ll ever teach. I am patient and enthusiastic. I lead by example.
So let’s dissect it:
There might be times when you are getting ready to line up a class and due to the size of the class, or a personal challenge running through your mind, you aren’t very motivated. Maybe you’re tempted to just give it half an effort or decide you want to bow the class out early. It is during times like this that I remind myself of the Instructor’s Creed and actually say to my self “I will teach this class as if it is the most important class I’ll ever teach.” Why? Because it is. Every time my students come to class they are either one step closer to getting their Black Belt or one step closer to quitting and it is my performance that will be the deciding factor. I try to remind my instructors to treat a class with only one student with the same enthusiasm as they would a class of 30+ students, as it’s the only way I know of to grow a class or keep the ones I have. I try to remind my staff that in the students minds they, as an instructor, are only as good as your last class.
The second part of the Instructor’s Creed is I AM PATIENT AND ENTHUSIASTIC.
I believe that Patience and Enthusiasm are the two most important qualities of any teacher. Being patient with your students allows your students to relax and feel comfortable, therefore making it much easier to learn. Patience is one way of showing that you care. People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Teaching with enthusiasm enables you to excite your students and hold their interest longer. It also makes you more interesting. Your students will be more interested if you are interesting!
The third part of the Instructor’s Creed is I LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
Albert Schweitzer said “The three most important ways to lead people are:
“…by example…by example…by example…”
Emerson once wrote, “What you are speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you are saying.”
What do these two quotes mean to a Martial Arts instructor?
I try to remind myself and my staff to Walk their Talk! Don’t say one thing and do another — To live the exact life that we are telling our students to do. It is then, and only then, that our students will trust us and be receptive to any input we might give them.
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About Dave Kovar
Mr. Kovar has been teaching Martial Arts professionally since 1978. Dave is a multi-style Black Belt who has been committed to ever-improving his Martial Arts skills. He updates this blog to provide tips and insights to martial arts instructors around the country. To learn more, click here.
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