Helping Hands

By Jennifer Hiltbrand

Six steps to an effective assistant teacher program

As any dance teacher knows, having the sole voice of authority and pair of watchful eyes in a class filled with youthful energy and varying attention spans can be tough. Most teachers depend on reliable student assistants or demonstrators who always seem to know what to do and often become their “right arm” in the classroom. Using assistant teachers offers benefits to students and instructors, as well as to the assistants themselves.

My school, Kehl School of Dance, has more than 20 assistant teachers who play an integral part in the curriculum. Our instructors beg for them! Five years ago we developed a formal program to recruit and train students to assume this role, which provides them with rewards and incentives and trains them to become helpful, confident classroom aides. The program, which we continue to refine and expand, allows us to maintain high-quality instruction even when there are as many as 16 young students in a class. In structuring the program, I have found it helpful to put one instructor or office person in charge of collecting and maintaining agreements, feedback forms, and tracking attendance. (Assistants are included on the instructors’ roll calls.)

The following steps will help you launch an assistant teacher program at your school. 

1 Identify classes that need assistants

As we put together our school-year program, we identify the classes of younger students that would benefit from having an assistant. We take into consideration factors such as age, instructor experience, and the predicted number of students. 

2  Recruit students

We recruit assistants by posting a notice about the opportunity when students register for the school year. We specifically mention it to students who are eligible and whom we believe possess the qualities that are important in an assistant. We post a sign-up sheet where we note availabilities and desires. We then match assistants to classes. Assistants must be at least 12 years old and reasonably proficient with terminology and technique. The best ones are able to relate well to children, smile, and call students by name. 

3 Secure commitments

A few weeks before the school year begins, we send out an agreement to the selected students, along with their schedule and information about training sessions. The agreement (signed by the students and their parents) outlines the expectations, benefits, and rewards of the program (see p. 58). We state clearly that if they do not meet specific requirements, such as attendance, they will not be eligible for some or all of the rewards. 

4 Training

Much of the training happens during class time, as the instructors actively incorporate assistants into the curriculum. However, we find it helpful to engage the assistants in some role playing before they step into the classroom. This prevents faux pas, creates expectations, and allows the students to ask questions.

All assistants attend a two-hour training session held one evening shortly before the school year begins. New assistants get workbooks that they complete during the training session, which are designed to get them thinking about their roles. Throughout the evening we hold lively discussions about situations that might occur. Participants are asked to come up with ideas about what their role should be during specific situations. We use the training program as a basis for our feedback forms. 

5 Rewards

We retain our assistants year after year by offering them an incentive that makes them feel like they have a job and encourages them to take their responsibility more seriously. We get more experienced assistants this way. The reward is something the assistants, not their parents, can use: “Dance Dollars,” with which they can purchase dance apparel or shoes, a workshop’s tuition, or almost any item or service we provide. At our school, we give assistants 25 Dance Dollars for every half-hour of class time. Most use them for the Nationals summer workshop and competition the school attends. Dance Dollars are distributed one week after the recital. 

6 Feedback

Instructors provide the assistants with feedback forms during the school year, letting them know how they are doing and giving them constructive criticism to think about. (It is short and positive in nature.) At the end of the program, they receive another form documenting that they have met the requirements. It gives them overall feedback and allows the instructor to personally thank them.

Assistants have been an enjoyable part of my classes for my entire teaching career. To use them well, you must be able to direct them and incorporate them into the structure of your classes. Call them by name frequently, so the students get to know them.

Instruct them to reign in students who lose focus by taking their hands and “bringing them back” into the class. I often ask assistants to demonstrate the combination the class is working on, while I stand behind the students to identify and help those who need it. I never correct assistants in front of the students unless they are doing something dangerous, and I don’t correct their technique—that’s done in their own classes. But after a particularly difficult class, I will make positive suggestions about how they can be of further assistance.

Whether you use assistants already or are preparing to do so, creating a structured program for your assistant teachers will result in a higher level of professionalism for your studio.   

Sample Assistant Teacher Program Agreement

We’re so glad you’re thinking about becoming a teaching assistant this year. It is a valuable experience that you can use on a resume some day. It is a commitment, however, so we will do our best to describe it so that you can decide if it is right for you.

In order to participate in the program, you will need to sign this agreement. You must complete a training program if this is your first time.

Eligibility

• You must be at least 12 years old, or receive an OK from the school director to participate.

• You must be currently enrolled as a dancer for the school year.

• You must attend the Assistant Teacher Training Workshop.

Benefits

• You get to review your dance basics (always a good reminder).

• You will learn how to describe dance steps, using dance terms, just like a teacher.

• You will be respected by the children in the class (assuming, of course, that you earn it).

• The experience looks great on your resume.

• If you follow through with the commitment for the whole school year, you will earn “Dance Dollars,” which can be used to buy almost anything at the school.

Dance Dollars Program

Participants in the Assistant Teacher Program are eligible to earn Dance Dollars.

• Dancers will earn 25 Dance Dollars for each half-hour class they assist with.

• Dance Dollars can be used to purchase leotards, shoes, or anything we sell. You may be able to order from one of our catalogs.

• Dance Dollars can be used for tuition or dance workshops.

• Assistants who miss more than three classes during the year may have their dance dollars decreased, or they may become ineligible to receive them.

• Dance Dollars must be used within six months.

Agreement to Participate in the Assistant Teacher Program

I agree to participate in the program for the entire 2005– 2006 school year. I understand that if I wish to drop out, I will notify the teacher in writing, providing an explanation of why I cannot continue. I also understand that if I do not complete the school year, OR meet all of the requirements, I will not be eligible for the program rewards.

I agree to attend the classes I sign up for.

I agree to arrive five minutes before class and not leave until the class is over.

I agree to abide by all of the rules set forth by the teacher.

I agree not to miss more than three classes during the year; if I do, I understand that I may not be eligible for the program rewards.

Participant signature______________________________

Date___________________________________________

Parent signature _________________________________

Parents: You are agreeing to get your dancer to their assigned classes at least five minutes early.