Become an Instructor

Updated:  11-2011

Do you have strong interpersonal communication skills and work well with others?

Do you have a passion for safe(r) motorcycling and a desire to help reduce crashes and fatalities?

Then, perhaps, becoming a motorcycle safety instructor is for you.

WMSP instructors try to help riders (new-to-the-hobby or experienced) self discover and practice the art of "choice':
 - consider the consequences of actions and make safe(r) choices
 - SEE'ing hazards where not seen before
 - identifying how to, and why, there is a need to practice, practice, and practice more
 - how to place the front wheel exactly where we want it –every time
 - how to apply life-saving and hazard avoidance skills/techniques
   (e.g. cornering, swerving, quick stops, and the enthusiastically welcomed u-turn "box")
 - how to make choices based upon concepts, consequences, and abilities/limitations 
   (bike and/or rider)

A goal of WMSP instructors is to help participants to realize and prioritize the risks. As riders, each of us must own and accept the risk level we are comfortable with.  Instructors help riders understand how safe(r) street strategies and techniques (can) help reduce risk.  Instructors facilitate class discussions and on-bike exercises to identify and practice riding skills, choice(s), safety margin, personal responsibility, and how safe(r) street strategies can save lives. 

As example:
Instead of teaching "the ‘correct' position or lane choice…", Instructors empower students to make good decisions by exploring options and "how" and "why" their choice(s) would be important.  

WMSP motorcycle instructors are an eclectic group just like our riding community. We represent a wide variety of ages, interests, riding styles, and skill levels.  And yet, we all have three things in common:
 - we love what we do
 - we are positive, patient, and enthusiastic as we help riders learn new skills and strategies
 - we want to help people make better and safe(r) riding choices

 
It takes a lot of work to become a motorcycle safety instructor.  You'll need to practice and practice more!  It is all about lifelong learning of riding, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills. It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. (It is not for everyone.)

Instructors will offer entry-level skills for (new) riders to practice. (The beginning course does not attempt to produce superb/expert riding skills.)  Instructors try to empower riders to take these skills/strategies home to practice on their own bike.  The curriculums used teach "a" way to ride… not necessarily "the" (only) way. 

This may or may-not be what you expected.   

IF this sounds like something you want to try, WMSP recommends that you contact your local training provider. They can help answer your questions.

To help further explain the program and process, WMSP hosts Instructor Candidate Orientations throughout the year. 

Orientations include information about:
 - Defining Sponsor/Instructor relationships
 - Introducing the "adult learning environment" used to conduct courses 
 - Instructor pay
 - Time commitments
 - Instructor eligibility requirements
 - Instructor Preparation (IP) training and certification process
 - IP eligibility requirements

 - IP completion requirements
 - Professional expectations
    - Attitude and communication skills
    - Rules of Conduct
 - and a lot more! 

WMSP Orientations  for  2012:

3-Mar	(Sat)	9am	Everett - WMST
14-Mar	(Wed)	6pm	Yakima - FACT
2-May	(Wed)	6pm	Seattle - ESC
30-May	(Wed)	6pm	Olympia - PSS

WMSP Orientations are scheduled based  upon candidate/sponsor need.   Please contact your local contractor for additional info and support!

Please send an email to WMSP ( motorcycle@dol.wa.gov) to be added to the Orientation interest list. We will respond with event details.

Instructor Prep (IP) workshops for  2012:

2012 - IP #1 - EVERETT                                                        Updated  11-01-11

1. Wk 1	04/13, 14, 15	Fri, Sat, Sun	WMST	Introduction
1. Wk 2	04/20, 21, 22	Fri, Sat, Sun	WMST	Peer Teaching
1. Wk 3	05/11, 12, 13	Fri, Sat, Sun	WMST	Skills Development
1. Wk 4	05/18, 19, 20	Fri, Sat, Sun	WMST	Student Teaching

WMSP Instructor Prep Workshops are scheduled based upon candidate/sponsor need.  
Please contact your local contractor for additional info and support!

To download  Candidate Eligibility Requirements:          Eligibility Requirements

To download  Instructor Candidate Application:        Application  

For more information, please continue to our next page of  How To Become An Instructor