Program Overview

The National Ski Patrol’s (NSP) Instructor Development (ID) Program is designed to ensure the quality and consistency of instructors across all NSP disciplines. The program is essential to the NSP’s mission of providing top-tier education and training to enhance public safety in outdoor activities. This program equips NSP members with the necessary skills, resources, and tools to become effective instructors, emphasizing the importance of high-quality educational materials, structured lesson plans, and relevant teaching techniques.

Program Structure

The ID Program includes several components that train members in course management and instructional skills applicable across various teaching contexts. The program offers two formats:

• Traditional Face-to-Face Instruction: Typically, this version is an eight-hour course conducted in a classroom setting.
• Hybrid E-Course: This format combines a self-paced, multimedia, web-based portion (lasting 5-6 hours) with a hands-on, in-person segment (lasting 2-4 hours).

Regardless of the format, the program includes an on-hill practical component. Mentorship and evaluations are integral to the program, with a strong emphasis on one-on-one mentoring in the hybrid course. An Instructor Development IT observes and evaluates each course, focusing on both the overall structure and individual lessons.

Course Content

The course content covers the following areas:

• Review of all course materials.
• Development and presentation of a lesson using the “six-pack” lesson plan.
• Instructor responsibilities and administrative procedures.
• Continuing education and recertification requirements.
• Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Understanding the NSP chain of command.
• Mentoring and instructor application processes.

Becoming an Instructor

To become an NSP Instructor, candidates must fulfill several prerequisites, including completing the ID course, engaging in a mentorship process, and demonstrating a strong understanding of the program’s requirements. The path to becoming an instructor is performance-dependent, requiring dedication to developing teaching skills and the ability to accept feedback.

Resources and Mentorship

Candidates must complete an Instructor Application, which initiates the assignment of a mentor. The mentorship process involves observing other instructors, creating lesson plans, and practicing instructional delivery with feedback from the mentor. This process is iterative, with multiple observations and revisions until the mentor and the candidate are satisfied with the instructional quality.

Instructor Credentials and Advancement

Instructor candidates must commit time and effort to develop their teaching skills, accept ongoing evaluations, and meet performance standards. NSP certified instructors who successfully complete the ID course and mentorship can teach at any NSP course within their discipline.

The Instructor Development Program is fundamental to NSP’s mission, ensuring that instructors are well-prepared to deliver high-quality education and training across all NSP disciplines.