Please share the reality of being a TCI Certified Instructor.

-what are the time commitments.
-highs and lows you have had.
-what are the economics.
-personal rewards.
-other questions.

Thanks,
Crook

Well, for me the biggest kick is meeting and training new climbers, getting to know like-minded people and bringing them into the community of climbers. Economically, nobody's getting rich being an instructor. Can't speak for others, but I do this for the love of teaching, climbing, and trees - having it as a business comes second.

I would say first that teaching revolves around personal passion for tree climbing. That is the starting block in my opinion. Here are a few points I'll highlight.

1. Is it difficult? Yes. You get all kinds of learning levels and it is difficult to customize you attention to each individual. It's not an easy game to play (teaching). I max out to 4 to 1 ratio (prefer 3 to 1).
2. Is it rewarding? It is if you like empowering and teaching folks.
3. Is it profitable? Right now only on a part time basis. If you are doing it for the money, you should pass on this one.
4. Does it cost a lot to get up and running? It takes an investment of gear and you have to get the training from TCI or TCI certified instructors if you want credibility.
5. Will it make you famous? In your neck of the woods yes. Possibly wider if you work hard at it and get good results from your students. That means takeing care of your students.

So what impelled you to ask this question? Hey- you can come clean with us here. We are all a bit of a family here. RIGHT GANG?

Now I will add a note of caution here. This is not to dampen your spirits mind you. Becoming an instructor is indeed a big deal. TCI does not hand them out. I do not care if you are the hottest climber in town with skills galore. It's entirely a different thing to teach and do it well. Most folks do not have the patience. If you are short of this thing called "patience" (it is a skill that can be aquired), you will not go far. Ask any teacher about teaching. It ain't an easy gig.

BUT- this being all said, teaching is a huge gift you can give to yourself if you are up to it. And the funny thing about being a teacher is that each student will become your own personal teacher as you gain skills and experience. Keep your notebook handy as new insights come to you from those you teach. You'll get a whole new perspective on life.