Welcome to the Ohio Region’s Instructor Development Page

 Instructor Development

The National Ski Patrol (NSP) doesn’t grow patrollers, it builds them. Each patroller learns his or her skills from a certified NSP

instructor. These hardworking instructors are the backbone of all NSP education programs; without them, there would be no patrollers. The skills learned in the NSP Instructor Development Program (ID) focus on principles of adult education that are applicable to any field. The ID course—a series of presentations, activities and discussion opportunities—is available through a one-day class (sometimes divided into 2 sessions) or our new online version. Once completed, instructor candidates move on to the Mentoring Program, an individually planned program administered under the guidance of a discipline-specific advisor, which preps them for certification as an NSP instructor. The NSP is always seeking talented instructors to deliver its OEC, OET, MTR, Avalanche, and ID programs.

The Instructor Development Course

The ID course covers the various areas of instruction and how instructors can apply them to create a positive learning experience for their students and help build a strong foundation of educational knowledge for use when planning and delivering lessons. The general information covered in Instructor Development is applicable to all potential NSP instructors, regardless of instructional specialty.

Instructor Development E-Course

This course was designed to allow students some flexibility.  Our entire Ohio Region can participate in the same class.  Upon completion of the E-Course (online portion), the student downloads the certificate.  They will bring the certificate as well as a completed six pack to a face-to-face class.  This gives students an opportunity to present their 6 pack and teach to the rest of the class.   After completing the face-to-face, they are ready for mentoring.  The new instructor candidate Is ready to be placed with a mentor from the  NSP discipline of choice.

The Instructor Mentoring Program

The mentoring program focuses on the practical application of teaching and assessment skills for a specific discipline. Potential instructors are teamed with experienced instructors for individual training and guidance.  Each patrol administers this program to meet their needs, so check with your patrol ID coordinator to arrange the process for your preferred discipline.  Every Patrol Instructor candidate should receive this Instructor Application packet and carry it with them throughout their mentoring process.

To learn more about the instructor development program & opportunities, contact your patrol’s ID coordinator, or your           Ohio Region ID Administrator.