Tony Smith wrote:Eventually, I would like to get back to the idea of teaching, teacher qualifications or certifications and how we can deal with less-than-competent teachers... so stay tuned.
Tony
I don't want to get on a rant about it but...
I am inclined to agree with Ron's observations about instructors. The less than competent ones will tend to fall by the wayside on their own.
There is also the issue of what makes a good instructor. It is not the ability to produce a beautiful glass object, or the understanding of what devit really is, or knowing how to properly prepare a shelf with new kiln wash. It is more the ability to communicate with the student... that sense of empathy that allows the instructor to understand the students questions even when they are asked in a unlikely context.
Certifying an instructor implies a "this one's good" - "this one's not" approach that comes from some group judgment. Is what we do that cut and dried, that defineable? And of course who certifies the certifiers?
Pick a few folks from this board who give classes on a regular basis. Then search the archives for what people have to say about them and their classroom techniques and results. I have more faith in that process than any certification. The people who take their classes will be the final certifiers! I don't take a class unless I either talk with the instructor or someone who has been through the class.
But that's just my opinion, and I could be wrong!