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 Assistant
Teachers
I need some input on how other teachers handle their assistant
teachers. How old are students when they start assisting? What
do you look for in an assistant teacher? Should it be my most
advanced students? Do you offer any sort of special training
program for them? How do you compensate your assistants:
hourly wage or discounted or free classes? I need to know
more, thanks—Vicki
I feel that
when I choose assistants, they have the privilege of learning,
at no cost to them, teaching skills it took me years to hone.
I do not feel compensation is warranted. I ask for volunteers
at the beginning of each school year, and I have seen some
wonderful teachers blossom from students who were not really
stand-out dancers in their classes.
I will have
students as young as 12 or 13, who I call class demonstrators,
come in to help out with the younger classes with such things
as tying tap shoes, handing out stickers and helping to hand
out and collect props. At 15 or 16 I will let them lead warm
ups or start to create combinations in order to introduce
choreography skills.
Many will show interest in attending a teacher's training
school or perhaps majoring in dance education in college.
Hopefully one day these students will return to teach for me!
--Suzanne
Citere, Lighthouse Point, FL
When
looking for my assistants, it is not always necessary that
they be the best technical dancers at my school, but the best
role models for my younger students. Too often the advanced
students that achieve all of the accolades are the ones that
get the positions. Will that person be best for my business?
Will he/she maintain the structure of my classroom in my
absence? Will they remain humble and kind to their fellow
dancers if chosen? These are many of the questions that I ask
myself when I am choosing my assistants, and I hope that they
can help you choose yours.
--Dan
Barris, Ocean Grove, NJ
I begin
letting assistants help teach at age 15. I start them out with
5-6 year olds and have them participate within the class so
they can watch how I teach and the way I move along through
the class, while teaching them how to place and demonstrate
everything. I do not let them have their own class until they
have gone to some sort of teacher's training, as I feel it is
important to show that our teachers are certified through some
sort of accreditation.
As far as payment, our assistants receive 50% discount from
their tuition. I have also given some assistants extra hours
working the front desk to swap for tuition.
--Shannon
Hargis, Knoxville, TN
The first
thing I would tell you is NO, it does not have to be your most
advanced dancers at all!!!! Sometimes the best dancers do not
make great teachers. You want someone who is mature and
responsible and who you know will show up every week. That
way they see and experience the progression of the class and
how you use steps as building blocks. You also want a student
that has a lot of patience and a positive attitude.
During the
summer, I have these kids come in with me and train. By
training, I mean learning which muscles to use and stretch for
each step, and how to choreograph and physically help the kids
without injuring them. It is very time consuming but will
give you the best overall end result that you could ask for
because you know what you are teaching these kids, and from
them observing you every week they will know what you expect
if you ever offer them a position as a teacher.
I pay student assistants through classes or dance
dollars. Dance dollars they can use to pay for workshops,
clothes, extra competitions, anything extra that the studio
participates in. Student assistants are wonderful, especially
for the younger students. Good Luck!!!!
-- Jennifer
Chin, Hamilton, NJ
We only take our assistants from the pool of students who are
taking their yearly dance exams. By doing this, we know that
they are at least serious about heading in the direction of
becoming a teacher. From that group, we ask who is interested
in being an assistant. Most of the dancers indicate that they
do want to help. The ones who are almost ready to go for their
teacher’s exam are paid $8-10 per hour. The others (who have
just started out) do it for free for the first 2 years. They
get approximately 1-2 hours per week, as they are there to
learn. Once they complete their 2 years, they will be paid $8
per hour.
--Shena
Prihoda, Montreal, QC
My
assistant teachers are my students who show a willingness to
help me with my teaching. They are not always my advanced
students. Most of the time, they are the students who have had
to work to become the dancers they are. They seem to be more
patient, because they understand that dance doesn't come
easily to all. I do not pay them, because I feel that that
they are learning my syllabus and how to teach from the direct
source. They are usually about 14 years of age when I let them
begin helping me.
I do
require that they attend workshops and masters classes with
me, and if they want to be on my faculty, they must also
become a member of a dance teacher organization.
--Janette
Brown, Joppa, MD
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