Accelerated Coaching Partnerships in Action
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he ACP (formerly Apprentice Program) hopes to encourage more participation in this valuable educational program by fostering new relationships between coaches, while offering more committee support to the program. The ACP will help you form a partnership with a master-rated coach who can help increase your knowledge and teaching technique in a personal one-on-one format. You and your master-rated colleague will develop a plan that pinpoints your needs as a coach and fosters your growth in the areas that you choose. This will give you the ability as a professional to make a better living, be more successful, and inspire the next generation of our figure skating community. Get ready to be inspired as you form your alliance with a master rated coach in your area. Still not sure? Check out these testimonials from coaches and their master-rated collaborator. Our ACP Partnership has proven an educational success. Sponsored by Phillip Mills as an ACP participant, Jessica and I began our educational path together. Weekly meetings since the beginning of our mentoring sessions have covered topics of technique, ethics, IJS,
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leadership in sport and beyond. ACP has allowed an opportunity for growth and learning in a safe and trusting environment. IJS Technical Specialist Denise Williamson and fellow Master rated coach Diane G Miller have shared sessions with us along our journey. Jessica has developed greater confidence with the delivery of her methodology in a concise manner. I have enjoyed our relationship as her mentor immensely, and anticipate great moments of coaching ahead for Jessica. Best wishes to all the ACP participants and their individual educational journey. —Jackie Brenner And we are having a great time! Really enjoying the process, learning so much, networking and making new friends. Thank you for putting us together, Phillip. So happy I decided to go on this journey! —Jessica Mills Kincade
We meet every other week and spend one hour discussing various topics. We set up a plan to break down teaching from beginner levels through Pre-preliminary competition level (Axel) in both FS and Moves in the Field. Our goal is to prepare for the Registered FS rating followed by MIF. Our typical format for our discussions have been Q and A. Usually I start with a topic for discussion. Akari will usually asks questions for each topic. We elaborate and I typically try to target different points of view for dealing with each topic. For example, teaching technique, dealing with parents, information from her skating director, pedagogy, required elements, element progression, etc. I’ve benefited from revisiting teaching from levels at the very beginning. It’s been great for me as a coach to reflect on the importance of teaching technique and keeping kids interested and passionate from the beginning. Akari, has an immense passion for teaching, her passion and joy have reminded me the reason why I began teaching and the joy of sharing knowledge. —Jonathan Cassar
