MSF Instructors

[Wanderer]

Hi Folks - been pondering this a while, and having bounced a few questions off of Oreo (thanks!) he suggested I open this up for general discussion, as we've got a good few instructors here to start with.

I've been thinking of throwing my hat in the ring and going down the route to become an MSF instructor - at this point I know little of the *how* to go about that, other than I enjoyed the times I've learned via the MSF (was no way to convert an out of country licence, so had to go from square 1), and would like to give back a little, so to speak.

I was thinking of doing this last year, but felt I'd not been riding long enough in the US vs my general riding experience.
So, to the existing instructors on here - what sort of level of overall experience would be a sensible one to start seriously going for this route at?

[Jaynnus]

I believe the rules state that you have to have taken the MSF BRC and have been license for 2 years.

More than experience consider your dedication. It is not glamorous but it is rewarding. It is long hours in the elements albeit heat, cold, rain, snow etc. It is a constant learning curve and can take up many hours that you would normally devote to family or your own time for riding, especially if you have a 'regular' job.

It really has to be something that you want to do for hours for the minutes of a single reward.

Aside from a full understanding of riding, operating and the saftey aspects of motorcycling you need patience above all!

[McBiggity]

what Jane said x 2. Love the job, but takes up a lot of time.

When I decided to become an instructor I sent an e-mail to Gene Carabine and he got me in touch with the local program where I range aided for a year (kicked cones), then went on to the training program.
Eugene.Carabine@state.ma.us

[csmutty]

Good luck!!

[Wanderer]

Thanks all for the input - most useful!

Giles

[Doc]

Apply. If they accept you and you pass the class you're in!

Good Luck!

[Ken C]

What they said.

Learning the material is important, but that is only a matter of time.

From my experience helping new instructors learn the ropes, it's the person who likes people who becomes a top instructor. The thing that is tough to learn is people skills. Some people have them and some don't. You need to know how to interact well with your students. This means being able to talk in front of a group, be knowledgeable and fun, but also articulate.

[FireboltEric_MA]

Good info here.... Thanks!

[taxonomy]

I just finished the training. That cost $500 and took 9 days! Nine Days! It blew every weekend in March for me. You have to want to be an instructor. I was pretty tired of throwing all my crap in the back of the car and driving an hour and a half each way to stand around in a rainy parking lot and ride sputtering Suzuki GN125s around in circles.

Sometimes the instructor prep classes take place on weekends, but Vermont runs them straight for the week as do the state run schools in MA. So, just getting your certificate is going to cost you something in terms of time.

I think you also need to teach as much as you can when starting out. It's something like a 17 hour course, so there is a lot to remember. You can't just graduate then teach twice a year.

You'll also need to find a school near you that needs an instructor.

I really got a kick out of teaching this first weekend. You have to like people, like actually get a kick out of normal off the street people. If you don't you're in for a world of hurt.

It's like a very long play and you have ringside seats.