We’ve asked a few members of the PADI team to share their best piece of advice for a new scuba instructor… Below are their responses.
Brigit Jager – PADI Asia Pacific Training and Quality Management Educational Consultant
When applying for a job, if at all feasible, make the effort to visit your potential employer in person – look and be the enthusiastic dive professional they would like to employ, and don’t forget to highlight any additional skills or experiences you bring, e.g. in boating / engineering / technician / IT / sales / multiple languages, etc. Choose only an employer you would go dive with or learn to dive with yourself.
Alan Jan – PADI Americas Supervisor, Instructor Development
Start your teaching career by working with an experienced instructor for the first few courses. This will cut your learning curve in half.
David Scanlan – PADI Asia Pacific Graphic Designer
It is the students that don’t master everything the first time that are the most rewarding to teach – a good balance between patience and persuasive encouragement will be the key to success in these cases.
Nancy Fisher – Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Observe different instructor’s classes and take-away great ideas that will work for you. And ‘practice teach’ before your first real class so sessions flow smoothly, especially confined and open water skills.
Mary Kaye Hester – PADI Americas Training
Never forget what it was like to breathe underwater for the very first time. It’s astounding!
Andy Kunig – PADI Americas Training Consultant
Work with experienced colleagues to get your feet wet for your first few classes.
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