You've invested the time to find and hire teachers that align with your studio values. They are knowledgable, they connect well with your students and parents, and your classes are full of joy. Do you really need to be doing teacher training meetings?
Yes.
Teacher trainings are an important part of your cohesive ballet program. There are a lot of details in ballet and your students will progress more quickly if your entire faculty is consistent in how and when they teach them. Trainings give you the opportunity to give guidance and clarity, and also give your faculty a chance to give you needed feedback.
Teacher training meetings work best when they are short and consistent. No longer than an hour, and at regularly scheduled times. "Regularly scheduled" can mean as often as once a month or as rarely as twice a year. Just like you expect your faculty to arrive to class with a lesson planned in advance, teacher training sessions should also be well-prepared. Here is a sample agenda:
10-11 a.m.
10:00---Welcome
Thank you for coming
Thank you for the work you do in your classes
Please ask questions at any time, save concerns about individual students for a different conversation
Wins I've noticed so far (increased enrollment, a class mastering a tricky vocabulary, an
anxious child showing more confidence as they arrive each week, etc.)
What wins have you seen so far?
10:10---Questions from the previous training?
10:20 or sooner---Details specific to this age/level
Child development tips
Key principle for the level and ways to explore/strengthen in every class
New vocabulary to teach between now and the next training session---this is the time to clarify details (do you say "fifth high" or "fifth en haut," etc.)
Vocabulary you would like refined between now and the next training session
Does the new vocabulary + requested refined vocabulary seem like a reasonable ask?
Would it be better to slow down the introduction of new material?
10:45---Calendar Review
Parent demo days and expectations
Upcoming performances and choreography responsibilities
Upcoming events that alter class schedules
Do any of the calendar details change the reasonableness of the new vocabulary +
requested refined vocabulary? Are we setting our expectations at a high and
achievable level?
10:50---Faculty Highlight
Before the session, arrange to have one of your faculty members demonstrate a
combination they use in this level that is very effective
10:59---Thanks and goodbye
It is always a good idea to check-in with your faculty a week or so before the meeting and ask if they have any questions or topics they would like covered. As the studio owner or program director, your priorities need to drive the program but your teachers have valuable input and valid needs.
Keeping everyone on the same page leads to consistent progress for your students and a great studio culture!
Comments