How To Become An Instructor
Updated: 01-2012
Being an instructor can be a fantastic part-time job. It can offer the chance to "give-back-to-your-community". It can be an extension of your hobby. It can be an extremely rewarding experience.
It is also a commitment to model safe(r) behaviors and strategies. (Yes, you never know who is watching you... even on vacation in Fl Keys, you can be seen by your past students! Happened to me!)
To support your interest in becoming a motorcycle safety instructor, please review the process listed below.
STEP ONE - SPONSOR/ELIGIBILITY
Contact a local Sponsor for support and direction as to "how to become an instructor".
Link: DOL - Motorcycle Training Schools
Sponsors are training providers that have contracted with Department of Licensing (DOL) to provide rider training courses.
Sponsors will typically answer initial questions and begin an instructor selection process by:
- conducting an employment or contractor interview
- conducting an in-house instructor candidate orientation or info session
- conducting training (riding/classroom facilitation)
- suggesting attendance of a WMSP Orientation
One of the eligibility requirements most often questioned is the prerequisite to have successfully taken a BRC within the past 12 months. Why? To help candidates be (more) familiar with the course structure, the "adult-learning environment", course content, and possibly refine riding skills.
It appears most effective to take this course close(r) to the IP. If you have not yet already taken a BRC, within a year of your expected IP, please enroll. (Only a basic/novice course will satisfy this requirement.)
Sponsors will clarify and validate all eligibility requirements have been satisfied prior to suggesting the candidate move to Step 2 or 3.
STEP TWO - PRE-IP TRAINING (Shadows) (if offered by the Sponsor)
Sponsor's typically encourage, or require, candidates to "shadow" classes. Shadowing can help ensure candidates fully understand what they are getting in to. (Sometimes folks just don't truly understand the nature of the training environment: required interpersonal skills, how physical training is, time commitment, IP requirements, etc.) Shadows can also help familiarize a candidate with "what we do", "how", and "why".
Sponsor's often partner a candidate with a Mentor Instructor to introduce curriculum concepts. Most use feedback forms. Most have a shadow itinerary to help candidate "shadow with a purpose" by focusing and directing their efforts. (Simply "kicking cones" isn't worth your time.)
Shadowing classes may have a positive impact with performance in an IP.
If/When shadowing, pay particular attention to:
- riding skills of "how" demos are ridden (different from street skills.)
- "why" demos would use 'separated' and 'exaggerated' techniques
- "reading the students" to see how they interact and engage
STEP THREE - PAPERWORK
Coordinate with your Sponsor(s) and complete/submit all required paperwork prior to deadlines for the IP of choice. (45 days prior to.)
Candidates are required to:
- Meet IP eligibility requirements
- Submit a completed Instructor Candidate Application
- Submit a completed Instructor Candidate Registration form
(including the $200 tuition via check made out to DOL)
- Review and agree to comply with the Instructor Rules Of Professional Conduct
- Review and agree to comply with the DOL Sexual Harassment Policy
*Forms needed to submit are at the bottom of this page
STEP FOUR - PRE-COURSE
Complete the pre-IP pre-course assignments to prepare for your IP.
Candidates are required to print all pre-course documents and complete both pre-course assignments. These forms and assignments are your "admission ticket" into the IP.
*If not completed, the candidate will be released during the 1st session.
Most Sponsors support a pre-IP development program. If not, please contact WMSP so we can offer direction and suggestions to help support an understanding of the concepts and standards of our curricula.
STEP FIVE - INSTRUCTOR PREP
Candidates need an open mind, a positive mental attitude, willingness to experience new riding skills and techniques, and a desire to self-discover how to facilitate a training course.
IPs are typically +80hours, 4-weekend sessions, of instruction and training.
- The first session is an introduction to the IP and curriculum
- The second and third sessions are "peer teaching" and development workshops.
- The fourth session is "student teaching" where candidates teach a basic course.
Each session builds upon the last in a building-block environment.
IP instructors will use a gross-to-fine developmental model, like our curriculums.
To successfully complete an IP, candidates will need to:
- pass a knowledge test
- pass a riding-skills test
- actively participate in all sessions of the IP
- successfully perform in (graded) sessions of Student Teaching
- submit a reflective piece and action plan of (post-IP) development needs
To become WMSP Certified and teach in WA, candidates will need to complete (at least) two successful post-IP "Mentor Classes".
Your chief instructors will try to help you understand and apply skills and techniques. Often times these communication skills can be applied in your personal and professional lives.
IPs are very intense training sessions. There will be homework assignments. There will be times you'll be challenged about understandings of motorcycling and teaching. IPs engage both physically and mentally. They are not ‘guaranteed-to-pass' classes… not everyone does. They are very often awakening events.
IPs are a series of classroom sessions and on-bike sessions. You will need to provide a bike for use in the IP. Personal bikes are used as well as Sponsor-provided training bikes for various skills-development sessions.
Skills testing will be completed upon training bikes.
Step up… and enjoy the ride!
Instructor Prep (IP) Forms:
To download Candidate Eligibility Requirements: Eligibility Requirements
To download an Instructor Candidate Application: Application
To download an Instructor Candidate Registration: Registration
To download an Instructor Rules of Conduct: Conduct
To download an DOL Sexual Harassment Policy: Harassment Policy
Please mail forms and tuition to:
Department of Licensing
Motorcycle Safety Program
Attn: Lena Moore
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
For more information:
Email: motorcycle@dol.wa.gov
To get IP Pre-Course materials, please go to: Instructor Prep Pre-Course
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