Has anyone ever had to remove a long time instructor from a class?
I just started a position as a Fitness Coordinator at a Senior facility. This aquatics instructor is very sweet, but we have recieved many complaints. She also is going through many physical issues and always tells us how she “needs to get in the water”. Her skill level is very low also and attendance in her class is low also. These are all reasons to pull her from the classes. We are looking at cutting back her schedule for Fall, but she will still have two time slots. Suggestions on how to handle this are welcome. I have some ideas, but hoping for clarification and other ideas!
Good answers. Terminating an instructor has always been one of my most difficult responsibilities. Karin points out that your facility likely has guidelines for performance reviews and member input. Stick to the established guidelines, professionally and impersonally, as you cite specific examples of situations in which your instructor has not performed up to expectations so you have a solid foundation for taking her out of the instructor position. Susan’s suggestion that perhaps there may be another position in you facility that your instructor could pursue.
Good luck.
I agree with Kimberly. I have been teaching water aerobics for 16+ years and I teach both from the deck and the water. I jump in and out giving both visual and vocal cues. Water is very different from teaching on land there are exercises which do not translate to the water, also you need to get a feel for the routine you are teaching assessing if you need to pep it up or slow things down. My class feels more connected with me working and encouraging them from the water. Pull her aside and see if you can remedy the problem.
Kimberly, I truly understand your position.
One has to take into consideration environmental heat and humidity whether one is teaching an aqua class or a traditional fitness class.
I am of the opinion that there are strategies that one can take in order to avoid exercising during the hottest portion of the day or when it is too cold. In this way one doesn’t have to jump in and out of the pool.
It’s about safety for everyone.