marymack
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I'm not usually one for complaining but I need a moment to vent. The new PSIA event calender was posted tonight and once again they have failed to support non-full time instructors. Last year I had to request that a level II prep class be put on a weekend because there were none listed and there was only one level II skiing exam on a weekend in new england. I would have taken my teaching exam last year as well, except that it was scheduled for the same weekend as the ski exam. This year, there is not a single level II teaching exam scheduled for a weekend in PSIA east. As a full time teacher, it is difficult to take days off of work (we only get 3 personal days a year). I understand that ski resorts are less willing to host PSIA events on weekends, but I know at least at my ski area, unless someone is retired, they aren't teaching skiing full time and don't have the luxury of heading up north mid week. Part time instructors shouldn't be asked to take time off of their full time work to pursue additional certifications and knowledge for what is practically a service the instructor is providing to the ski area (for what they pay instructors, a surprisingly little investment for creating new life long skiers and return on investment).
PSIA needs to understand that the vast majority of instructors aren't seeking to become full time professional instructors but are people that work full time jobs and teach because they enjoy introducing people to the sport of skiing (and to take advantage of perks like lift tickets to afford an expensive hobby). Last year PSIA was very accommodating when I pointed out what I needed and they were able to create an event for me. I will send them an email tomorrow and see what happens.
Some other interesting notes from the new schedule: what are "alpine 1st chair" events? I do like that they added some women specific events!!
Also, it looks like the level II skiing exam is now a 1 day thing instead of 2?
Also, I just double checked there are no level II skiing exams on weekends this year nor level III exams.
PSIA needs to understand that the vast majority of instructors aren't seeking to become full time professional instructors but are people that work full time jobs and teach because they enjoy introducing people to the sport of skiing (and to take advantage of perks like lift tickets to afford an expensive hobby). Last year PSIA was very accommodating when I pointed out what I needed and they were able to create an event for me. I will send them an email tomorrow and see what happens.
Some other interesting notes from the new schedule: what are "alpine 1st chair" events? I do like that they added some women specific events!!
Also, it looks like the level II skiing exam is now a 1 day thing instead of 2?
Also, I just double checked there are no level II skiing exams on weekends this year nor level III exams.
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