We have been recently asked by a parent how we choose our Inland Northwest Ballet student teachers/class leader, and thought our answer would make a great blog post...:)
First, let us explain that at our Spokane studio, a student teacher simply means an assistant to the adult teacher, we never hire children to teach our classes, all our teachers are full grown adults...:)
We choose student teachers in a couple of ways. Usually a student makes a request, and if she is someone that could be a help (a good role model, a good leader, and someone that will say the words for the instructor), then Miss Janine or Miss Kaiti tries to find a suitable Creative Dance class for her to help with. She must attend a training session in the summer, where we go through a normal class, and discuss all of the important issues regarding student teaching.
At first the position is volunteer, but once the student proves to be a leader (knowing what exercises are performed in what manner and saying all the words while dancing with the students) then they are credited a small amount of tuition. A student teacher that does not say the words is actually a liability rather than an asset, as the instructor is then constantly trying to recruit help from the student teacher/class leader. In this case the class leader may be removed until she grows a little more responsible and is actually able to help.
Class leaders usually lead two classes in a row, and to get tuition credit, they must be Creative Dance classes, since this is where we need the assistance. Often you may see girls helping with older class, but the girls are doing this simply to enhance their own dance education, and for fun!
Important: If the student teacher is going to miss a class, she MUST find a replacement. This teaches them about the real world of teaching, that an instructor cannot just call in sick/busy etc. If we have problems with a student teacher missing without finding replacements, she will be removed. With little ones, consistency is vital.
On occasion, the class leader performs with them onstage, however this is only on occasion, and is in no way guaranteed, despite what may have bee done the prior year. Their is usually a soloist dancing with the ballet Creative Dance classes (to give them cues for their own choreography), but it is often an older soloist.
Also, please note that we also have a different kind of "class leader" Sometimes have "little class leaders" which are usually about age 5, and are chosen because they perform excellently in their own class, and are a good example for younger students who may be having trouble following. Sometimes little ones need to see how a peer follows the instructor in order to learn themselves. These students are given tuition credit for 100% of that class, and must take that class in addition to their own class. They learn leadership skills, and often increase their own confidence at the same time...:) They dance as a student, not up front with the instructor, and sometimes but not always perform with the class.
We hope this helps all student teacher hopefuls to understand what is required of this leadership position...:)
