FAQ - ACA Instructor Certification |
Q: What is the value of ACA Instructor Certification?
A: For almost 40 years, the ACA has been the leader in paddlesports education. The ACA's National Paddlesports Instruction Program is widely considered the "Gold Standard" in the U.S. and abroad. The reasons to pursue certification are vastly different for each Instructor Candidate; however, what every person takes away from the certification workshop is remarkably similar. First, there is simply the experience gained and knowledge shared by fellow candidates throughout the class. A lot of participants say they just want to be a "spongeā and absorb teaching ideas, paddling information and skill feedback. Second, through the certification process you will learn a specific and proven set of paddlesports best practices. The Instructor Trainers will demonstrate and teach a central model to which you can add your own creativity and personality. With a dedicated Safety Education & Instruction Department and the oversight of the Safety Education & Instruction Council, the ACA has systems in place to appropriately maintain, review, and improve the National Paddlesports Instruction Program. Q: In what paddlesport disciplines does the ACA offer Instructor Certification?A: Instructor Certification Workshops (ICWs) are offered in a variety of craft and venues including:
A: Certification workshops usually consist of four to ten Instructor Candidates. You'll be given the opportunity to teach and to practice within a group environment yet still benefit from proven student-to-teacher ratios for safety and teaching effectiveness. Q: What do I have to do to become an ACA Certified Instructor?A: In order to become an ACA Instructor, you must take both the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) from an Instructor Trainer (IT). These courses can be separate, or held as a joint Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW). Prior to taking a certification course, all Instructor Candidates must have a current ACA membership (all types except the 6 month Introductory Membership are accepted). If a level of instructor certification is earned, the new Instructor must then pay the SEIC dues before the certification is issued and valid. There are no specific ACA course prerequisites for taking an Instructor Certification Workshop; however, participation does not mean certification. Q: What are the specific requirements to become a certified ACA Instructor?A: Instructor criteria for all certification levels and disciplines are available here. Q: Does the ACA require Instructors to maintain any additional certifications? Q: How can I find an Instructor Certification Workshop in my area? Q: How can I be sure I am getting a good Instructor Trainer? A: An Instructor is certified to teach skills courses and assessment courses in their discipline and up to their certified level. An Instructor Trainer can teach skills courses, assessments, instructor certification workshops, endorsements and instructor updates in their respective disciplines and up to their certified levels. An Instructor Trainer Educator can teach the same repertoire as an Instructor Trainer but they have taken the additional responsibility of 'mentoring' new Instructor Trainers for the betterment of paddlesports. Q: What is an Endorsement?
Q: What is an Assessment? A: The acronyms throughout the literature and website stand for:
For additional information about ACA instructor certification, please contact the Safety Education & Instruction Department. |
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