I have had many wonderful teaching assistants, and this year I would like to approach my SO with a teaching assistant program. In the past kids have written a short essay to be accepted as a student teacher, and then they just come to class weekly to help out. I would like it to become more of a training program - where they have to do short assignments, keep track of their hours etc. Out students don't get any compensation for their hours, so I also think it would be nice if after they hit say 25hrs they get a free studio waterbottle, or 50 hrs, they earn 10 dancing dollars to be used at the studio etc.

If you have a similar program please let me know what you do! what your forms look like, what assignments you give, what rewards you have

thanks!!

We don't have anything like that but I think its a great idea!! They write out a little essay to be accepted, almost like a job resume-thats cute. I think thats a great way to teach them responsiblity as well as give them the opportunity to teach. I can't wait to see some of the responses you get.

That's a great idea! You should definitely try that.
The SO and the teachers discuss with each other, and between them they decide on some students who they think would be good to train as teachers.
Then we just start helping out with classes and then we have to do this teachers course. It takes about 2-3 years and covers these things:
Developing a teaching eye
Technical info
Choreography (junior and intermediate)
Class control
Maintaining students interest
Style development
Expectations of a student teacher
Awareness & respecting responsibilities
Music
Extending Pre Grades for beginner dancers
Exam preparation
Ethical standards
Lesson planning & time management.

This is divided up into 6 modules, and you do about 2 in a year. It consists of papers and activities etc. that are sent to the syllabus office and you are marked and everything is sent back to you. You must gain 50 or more credits. Then you do a practical teaching examination. All kinda complicated huh!
This is the programme designed by one of the dancing associations in my country.

There are only a few of us though, and we are picked quite young (12, 13, 14). We get discounted fees and privileges such as more opportunities, we get paid, and some free things.


Hope that helps you and it makes sense lol
xxx
Brianna

If you could post a syllabus, for further understanding that would be awesome. I love the idea, and hope to put it to use in the future.

I think that you idea is great! I like to have teaching assistants who are dedicated and who really want to be there. i have worked with kids in the past who have been great but just dont step up and take charge as much as I wouold like them to. Giving them something to work towards is such a good idea.

Update!

My SO loved the idea, and it is in place. We had interested students write an essay explaining why they wanted to be a student teacher, as well as submit a resume detailing their dance experience and experience working with kids (babysitting etc). We then chose the student teachers and they all received a handbook outlining the rules, tips for being a great student teacher, all the assignments and due dates etc. If anyone is interested, I am willing to share a copy - PM me your email address.