BostonDMD

Instructors, since I am fairly new at this, would you mind sharing which DE/HPDE clubs,
regardless of the marquee or affiliation, have given you the most positive experience from an instructor point of view?

Thanks......

85Gold

Chin hands down my winner.

Peter

ProCoach

Seriously, this sport is all about relationships. People like to go where they're valued, whether it's a well-run DE program of a PCA Region or BMWCCA Chapter, or a good for-profit, like Chin, MVP, TD and others.

I recommend organizations who have an instructor development plan in place, periodic review of their instructor cadre, use event evaluations for students and instructors unceasingly and encourage new or out-of-organization instructors to join them.

I know that doesn't answer your question. I really only make these type of recommendations to people who want to work with me at an event, so we can coordinate and get the most value out of OUR interaction.

Will read the comments with interest, as there is always something to learn.

Veloce Raptor

^^^ what Peter said ^^^

ShakeNBake

+1

RickBetterley

Like Peter said - and I'd also encourage private (negative) responses, as not all of the comments will be positive.

mrbill_fl

it REALLY depends on the region.

I didn't like Chin because of the very long sessions.
(*its been a while, but I think they have 2 hour sessions before AND after lunch -IIRC).

but Chin is a great club to solo with, because of the same open sessions.



I've have good experiences PBOC & PCA.

NASA is also good, but more of a mixed bag for students. -many different marquis
(+ you do self tech as an instructor - So 1 less thing to do before the event...).

I haven't tried Hooked on driving, or Drivers club international, (yet)...

hinchcliffe

Niagara Region is free for instructors to drive, but we work them pretty good if we need to......

Gofishracing

HOD will give you more time than any other group, catered lunch, low key- PCA to focus on your own driving skills. Ton of great groups at Watkins Glen.

93 FireHawk 968

Interesting question. I've found my most enjoyable experiences linked to enthusiastic students who were there to truly learn. I've not instructed with any club that did not appreciate their instructors.

BostonDMD

As a new instructor, with limited spare time on my hands, I appreciate the comments.....

In my opinion , if anyone's only intent to instruct was to save a couple hundred dollars on the entry fee, then they should not be instructing at all.........

it is to give back, to share your experiences and to continually learn........ that is why I decided to instruct......so why not find out what the great organizations are?

est8esq

I couldn't agree more with you Pete.

Interestingly enough for me, I'm more interested in "formally" instructing than ever before since my oldest daughter is going to be driving beginning this summer.

Admittedly, between my self employment coupled w/ military obligations, I hadn't a lot of time, especially over weekends when most DE's are sponsored to instruct. So, I've selfishly been a solo driver for over a decade. However, I've begun the correspondence w/ various groups, specifically PCA and I'm troubled (and in retrospect not surprised) at the variance in what each region requires? Since it's up to each regions individual Chief Instructor, the subjective litmus test they all require is as disparate and subjective as there are different cars on track?

The PCA national instructor's certification while it could be a starting point is so unregulated and inconsistent, it's no wonder why most regions don't consider it for qualification more than they do, which is almost ZERO.

This may be crazy (and go ahead and laugh), but being a musician from another lifetime (The Juilliard School of Music), I've had the privilege of studying w/ the best of the best… soloists and performers. But, my best teachers weren't necessarily the best players?

Likewise, the fastest around the track may not necessarily make the best instructors?

Again, Pete you're spot on that this sport is ALL about relationships. Safety is absolutely first and foremost. Then, I believe it's about fun and providing as best as the instructor can an experience for the student that he/she will enjoy.

I guess my point for this thread is given my humble experience at various DE's (last summer alone I attended over 10), it all depends on the folks running your local regional group, irrespective of the club.

sbelles

I haven't been to a Chin event in a about five years but as I recall, it depends on the format. With three groups it's a pretty hectic day if you are trying to drive. On the other hand, with some PCA regions / events, you end up with two students in four of five run groups.


I haven't found that to be the case at all. I think I've instructed with six or seven regions since I did the instructors school in 08 and all of them accepted that as qualification. I'm sure that most keep an eye on new instructors but I've never gotten any negative feedback.

roketman

I only do it because its free! I’m not really very good at it..
Scary stuff!

ProCoach

I find this to be true and the reason why the OP's question is such a good one. Most clubs and many CIs operate "within these four walls" and don't venture out enough to examine and learn best practices. This IS an evolving sport.

Safety is first and paramount, for me...

Hahahaha! You crack me up! Always have...