Instructor Certification

[RWOJO]

I currently do not have any certification for teaching pool. Is there anyway to fast track to higher levels of instructor? Or do you have to go through Recognized, then Certified, then Advanced and then Master?

I recently worked with a certified instructor and he says based on my skill/knowledge I should be at the least Advanced level, if not Master level instructor. I took a lesson from a Master instructor and after a 2 hour lesson the only thing I learned that was new was his own "2 rail kick system" that I had never heard of.

I've been teaching for about 16 years. When I started, I took lessons from Chris Niksch at the Georgia Billiard Academy. By the 2nd lesson he said I knew more than he did, and I played just as good if not better than he did. He taught me the basics of being an instructor. I started teaching beginner players. Then later I was teaching players of all skill levels, including players better than myself. Teaching off and on over this 16 years I have helped over 100 different players improve their game. And in that time I have been increasing my knowledge, skill and experience. In APA I am a skill level 7/9. Over 600 Fargo but should be much higher. BCA is really slow at getting robustness and moving up. I estimate I should be between 650-700. In UPL league I am over 700 Upscore. TAP league I am a 7/7.
I have a camcorder, laser level, tripods, and other training aids for teaching. I can do a detailed video analysis of players and break down their fundamentals. I can teach several aiming systems, banking/kicking systems, jumping, and many other skills. Cue ball control and stroke are my biggest strengths. Many students come to me to "learn to control the cue ball like I do".

What are the advantages of getting a PBIA or ACS certification?
Why should I go through the certification process if I can teach without it?
If its required - why should I do a 3 day course to be Recognized, then 3 day course to be Certified, then 3 day course to Advanced and then another 3 day course to become Master level instructor?

 

[Bob Jewett]

Somehow I overlooked this thread.

There is no fast track under the current PBIA certification program. There used to be a track that took about half as long for each step. The requirements for each level, including the "time in grade", are listed on the PBIA website.

Whether a certification course takes the whole three days is really up to the trainer. They have to be sure that you can cover the required concepts and techniques for each level. I have had trainees who had a lot of experience either in pool or other instruction who did not require three days of certification class.

I think the main point in getting certified is what you learn during the course about teaching pool. In my experience, few students are aware that there are certification programs, although that is starting to change. Most students come through word-of-mouth.

Playing skill is only somewhat connected to instruction level. As I'm sure you know, some great players cannot teach. You do need enough skill to demonstrate the techniques being taught. You do not have to play as well as the student.