Description
The SSI Swim Teacher Instructor (TI) course is a professional training program designed to prepare experienced certified swim teachers to train, mentor, and usher in the next generation of aquatic educators. The course focuses on developing caring, nurturing instructors who prioritize safety, technique, and the overall growth of the aquatic industry.
Candidate Prerequisites
- Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- Current Rating: You must already hold SSI Swim Teacher certification in all programs. (If you do not hold any SSI Swim Teacher certification, you can complete all the programs during the TI course. A further discount applies if you choose to take all the programs in one sitting.)
- Preparation: You must read the manual in its entirety and complete all Home Study Questions before the class begins.
Course fee DOES NOT include the certifications stated below.
The SSI Swim Teacher Instructor (TI) course is a professional program that requires active status in the following qualifications:
- SSI Swim Teacher Level 1
- SSI Swim Teacher Level 2
- SSI Swim Teacher Baby
- SSI Swim Teacher Adult
- SSI React Right
- SSI React Right Instructor
Core Objectives and Expectations
As a Swim Teacher Instructor candidate, you are expected to demonstrate immaculate stroke techniques and the ability to evaluate the skills of others. Key responsibilities include:
- Instilling Professionalism: Teaching candidates the importance of the teacher’s role in swimmer success and facility profitability.
- Technical Expertise: Identifying incorrect techniques and using physical manipulation or communication to correct them.
- Mentorship: Identifying and guiding “star employees” (Mentor Teachers) who inspire excellence in others.
The Certification Path
The program follows a structured four-step process rooted in the SSI Total Teaching System, which utilizes repetition and multi-sensory stimulation to build lasting habits:
- Home Preparation: Candidates read the manuals and complete all home-study questions to master the necessary vocabulary and benchmarks.
- Instructor Course: This phase involves practice presentations for both classroom and in-water training, evaluated by objective criteria.
- Evaluation: A formal assessment of classroom and in-water teaching abilities conducted by an SSI Certifier.
- Orientation (Optional): A facility-specific step to align the instructor with local policies, philosophies, and sales training.
Key Curriculum Areas
The course covers five primary sections to ensure a well-rounded professional foundation:
- Teaching Philosophy: Emphasizes year-round, performance-based, and compassion-based instruction rather than traditional seasonal lessons.
- Academic and In-Water Training: Instruction on planning, preparing, and conducting sessions using techniques like group discussion, demonstration, and visual aids.
- Mentor Teacher Development: Learning how to select and guide Mentor Teachers who bridge the gap between basic training and real-world teaching proficiency.
- Deck Management: Training to act as or manage a Deck Supervisor, described as the “concierge of the pool deck,” who handles troubleshooting, safety, and parent communication.
- Legendary Customer Service: Mastering a four-step loyalty cycle—Acquisition, Development, Commitment, and Retention—to build long-term relationships with families.
Teaching Methodologies
Instructors are trained to use the “Gold Script” to ensure consistency across all levels of the program. They also employ the “Pro-Con-Pro” feedback method: praising the effort, identifying points for improvement, and expressing confidence in the swimmer’s ability to improve.
SSI Swim Teacher Instructor (TI) course, the following requirements and standards must be met by candidates and training facilities:
Course Standards and Duration
- Duration: The program typically requires 6 days for completion, this covers all professional programs including Teacher Instructor.
- Instruction: The course is conducted by an active status Swim Teacher Instructor Trainer or higher.
- Supervision: An active status Swim Teacher Instructor must directly supervise and evaluate all academic and in-water sessions.
- Evaluation Structure: The process is designed to be taught by one Swim Teacher Instructor Certifier, with an independent evaluation conducted by a second Certifier to ensure objectivity and credibility.
Requirements for Completion
- Water Fitness Evaluation: Candidates must complete a Water Fitness Evaluation as outlined in SSI Training Standards if they have not been evaluated within the last six months.
- Academic Mastery: You must complete all academic sections, assessments, and the program’s final exam.
- Presentation Proficiency: Candidates must pass all required classroom and in-water practice presentations evaluated by objective criteria.
- Skill Performance: You are required to demonstrate immaculate stroke techniques and show the ability to identify, communicate, and physically manipulate corrections for incorrect techniques.
- Documentation: All required documentation must be sent to the responsible SSI Service Center upon completion.
Active Status Qualifications
Upon successful certification, a Swim Teacher Instructor is authorized to independently train and conduct the following programs:
- Baby Swim Teacher.
- Level 1 and Level 2 Swim Teacher.
- Adult Swim Teacher.
- Survival Swim Teacher.
- Apprenticeships: Once you earn the Teacher Mentor recognition rating, you may conduct Swim Teacher Instructor apprenticeships under the direct supervision of an Instructor Trainer.
Administrative Standards
- Certification Status: Until the official certification card is received, all training activities must be supervised by a certified Swim Teacher Instructor.
- Orientation: Facilities may require an optional orientation to align the new instructor with specific local policies, philosophies, and sales training.
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