Why Teaching is Useful

This season, I’ve been working on an occasional basis as a snowboard instructor. I’ve discovered a couple of benefits of being an instructor.

Let’s deal with the most obvious benefits, which turn out to be not that important. First, the free lift ticket. I already bought a season pass elsewhere, so I certainly didn’t need to teach to get a pass. Second, the pay. Unless you’re teaching private lessons and working in the Rockies (and I’m doing neither), you’ll be to have much to show financially for your troubles when your costs of commuting, ski school jacket, and (if applicable) testing fees for certification. Sure, you do (if you’re AASI certified) get some discounts on gear, but I suspect that the discount prompts people to spend more than they otherwise would, making for at best a marginal financial gain.

No, the primary benefits of teaching are not in the paycheck. There is first of all finding some camaraderie and riding partners for those off-duty rides.

The biggest benefits are to one’s riding abilities. There’s nothing to clarify your thinking and sharpen your knowledge of any skill, including snowboarding, than in demonstrating, explaining, and sharing it with someone else. As a bonus, ski schools often conduct clinics for their instructors, meaning that instructors learn from each other.

Taking lessons benefits students. Giving lessons benefits teacher.