Instructor Trainer Development Manual

Program Overview

Instructor Trainers (ITs) represent the pinnacle of instruction certification in Canada and thus can administer and assess on instructor courses and mentor according to the limitations and responsibilities of each level.

Paddle Canada knows it is critical for Instructor Trainers to remain active and current, as it is their knowledge, skills and experience that is passed down to Instructors, and from there to students.

Instructor Trainer Development Process Overview

Instructor Trainer certification is traditionally achieved through a multi-step development and training process outlined below.

There is a separate process for existing instructor trainers that meet the criteria – see the Instructor Trainer Transfer Process overview.

Step 1

Application

Login to the Members Website and register a new Instructor Trainer course of the desired level. You must complete all required fields.

Once you have submitted your request the Paddle Canada Office will review your application, and either approve it, or request additional information.

Step 2

Online Training

Once accepted into the program, the IT Candidate (ITC) will complete the Instructor Trainer Development online training module for the level of certification they seek. This mandatory step readies the candidate for the next stage of the training process. The training module consists of assigned readings and video viewings, followed by a test of the material. ITCs who have already successfully completed the appropriate level of online training module do not need to complete it a second time.

The training module consists of assigned readings and video viewings, followed by a test of the material. ITCs who have already successfully completed the appropriate level of online training module do not need to complete it a second time.

Please note that it is important to allocate enough time to complete this important step prior to participating in any mentorship courses. Any mentorship courses undertaken before completion of the online training module will not count in the overall development process. For that reason, we suggest the ITC allocate several weeks to complete both the online modules and any assigned ITC preparation homework.

Step 3

Instructor Course Mentorship

Once the online training is complete the candidate will fully participate on at least two Instructor courses under the guidance of at least one Instructor Trainer. The candidate will normally act as a helpful assistant on the first course then take a significant leadership role in the second course.

Step 4

Completion of Certification

Upon the successful completion of their Instructor Candidate stage as defined by the specific course level and discipline, the candidate will be awarded their certification.

Important Notes

Please note that specific disciplines might have slightly different requirements for this process so refer to the discipline’s program manual for specific requirements.

Given the flexibility and personal nature of a mentorship, it is essential that the mentorship process is clearly described and well understood by the Mentor and the IT Candidate. The success of the Mentor-Candidate relationship is beneficial to both parties and the quality of training relies on mutual respect, cooperation, and commitment to the overall process. Frequently the IT Candidate will work with more than one Instructor Trainer and in more than one region of Canada. Good communication and record-keeping are essential, and both the IT Candidate and the Mentor should keep a written record of all aspects of their participation in any mentorship courses.

After each mentorship course is completed, the Instructor Trainer(s) will submit their evaluation in a timely manner on the ITC’s mentorship record and indicate if the ITC has “Passed” the specific mentorship course.

Attributes of an Instructor Trainer

These attributes are to be encouraged and assessed during the Instructor Trainer development process:

• Commitment to Paddle Canada with a spirit of cooperation and participation in the development of the Paddle Canada programs.
• Intimate familiarity with the content of skills and Instructor courses from being a past participant and an instructor.
• Commitment to continued education and training in their discipline, teaching and coaching.
• Recognition of their own limitations and providing the opportunity for mutual learning between the mentor and the apprentice.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in the overall delivery of a full course of instruction or mentorship.
• Excellence in maintenance of all course records and correspondence with Paddle Canada, paddlers, Instructors and Candidates.
• Demonstrate competence in developing course outlines and lesson plans.
• Demonstrate alternative teaching styles to address a variety of learners.
• Maintain and adapt good class management.
• Structure inclusive individual teaching and coaching sessions with a focus on safe paddling practices.
• Be objective with all participants.
• Identify and communicate benchmarks for achievement with clear processes for assessment and evaluation.
• Provide ongoing individual feedback about overall success and failure in the program and provide a constructive final debriefing for each participant at the end of a course.

Instructor Trainer Program Policies and Resources

• Instructor Trainer Assessment Skills and Knowledge Checklist Learn what skills and knowledge should assessed during each instructor trainer mentorship.
• Evaluation Guidelines for Instructor Trainer Mentorships Learn more about how Instructor Trainer Candidates will be evaluated by.
• Important Instructor Trainer Development Policies Learn about the general policies, expectations for ITC's and course ratios for the Instructor Trainer development program.
• Policies and Definitions Pertaining to Course Roles Learn about the various course roles on in skills, instructor and instructor trainer courses.
• Instructor Trainer Transfer Process Learn how to transfer your existing instructor trainer certifications into other disciplines.
• Maintaining Instructor Trainer Certification Learn about the requirements policies related to Instructor Trainer certification maintenance.
• How to Run a Certification Maintenance Clinic Learn about the requirements and how to run a Paddle Canada Certification Maintenance or Recertification Clinic