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EVALUATOR TRAINING

Evaluators are responsible for the training, mentoring, and certification of new snowboard instructors on behalf of CASI. They must have a high level of knowledge and experience in snowboarding, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and assess the skills of others. Evaluators must also be able to provide feedback in a constructive and supportive way, and help new instructors to develop their skills and knowledge.

BECOMING AN EVALUATOR

Level 3 CASI instructors who wish to become Evaluators must first submit a rookie application, and if approved, they must then complete the yearly Online Evaluator Update module. This is the first step in becoming a certified CASI Level 1 Evaluator. Following the completion of the online module, Rookie Evaluators may begin the apprenticeship program where they will join regularly-scheduled courses to continue their training with an experienced Evaluator.

Existing CASI Evaluators (Level 1 – 4 and Park) are required to complete the yearly Online Evaluator Update module and attend the on-snow updates every two years (from 2023-24) in order to maintain their current Evaluator status.

CASI members (Level 2 and up) are welcome to attend the Trainer Update program, to assist with preparation for running instructor training / GAP programs.

Lapsed Evaluators Returning Evaluators who do not attend Evaluator Training for a period of three (3) years will be considered to be Lapsed Evaluators. Lapsed Evaluators who wish to resume teaching courses will be required to complete all or part of a rookie program for each certification level that they wish to teach prior to being considered available to teach those courses.

Please note: Evaluators conducting courses for CASI do so as independent contractors, and as such, must possess the appropriate visas and/or work permits to perform this type of work in Canada. It is the responsibility of the member to ensure that this is the case prior to applying to teach courses for CASI.

Not an Evaluator, but still want the info?

The Trainer Update program will provide snowboard school trainers, GAP program trainers, and senior instructors with Level 1 and 2 course updates.

EVALUATOR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The process for each Level of evaluator certification requires a minimum of two rookie courses, sometimes more than two. There is no pre-set number of rookie courses as it is an individual-based process.

The process includes:

  • The first rookie course is an observational process, with limited teaching involvement. This may be completed with an experienced Evaluator (who has a lot of experience teaching courses at this level)
  • The second rookie course must be completed with an approved “Mentor Evaluator”, and the rookie will be expected to present a large portion of the course
  • Rookies and mentors will be in contact with each other prior to that second course, to discuss expectations, schedules, etc
  • Rookie Evaluators will be considered certified at the new level when they receive a favorable completed Rookie Report from an approved Mentor Evaluator

Prospective Evaluators who wish to begin the Level 1 Rookie training process must complete the following:

  1. Be a minimum CASI Level 3 Instructor, with CONSIDERABLE teaching experience working with students at a variety of levels.
  2. Complete a Rookie application package to the attention of Geneviève Pilotto, Director of Education & Programs, including the following items:
    • Completed Rookie Application form
    • Application Letter* indicating the number of seasons or hours spent working as a snowboard instructor.
    • Industry Reference Letter* containing an endorsement from an industry representative such as snow school director, current evaluator, resort manager, or supervisor.
    • *You will be able to attach the application letter and industry reference letter directly in the application form linked above.
  3. Have the sufficient work permits or visas to work in Canada as an independent contractor
  4. When/if the application is selected there will be a Zoom interview scheduled with the Director of Education & Programs and with the Program Manager.
  5. Once approved, complete the Online Evaluator Training module and attend and successfully complete the Evaluator Development Module before or within the 12 months following their first rookie Level 1.
  6. Next step will be to coordinate the first observational course on a Level 1 course with the Program Manager.

NOTE: When they’re signed off, all rookie evaluators must attend the Evaluator Development Module prior to teaching their first course. They can attend it before they start the apprenticeship program or after they have completed it, as long as it’s before they teach their first course.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please get in touch with Geneviève Pilotto, Director of Education & Programs

EVALUATOR TRAINING MODULES

Online evaluator training module

Who should take this module?

  • All certified evaluators who have taught CASI courses in the past
  • Rookie (Apprenticeship) Evaluators

Module description
These are our yearly mandatory Online Evaluator Updates Modules that cover all courses and material updates and or changes as well as administration procedures. To start teaching courses this season, every evaluator must have completed their online training before teaching their first course. Online workshops will be accessible from your member profile.

There are three online modules for Evaluator training, depending on the evaluator’s level of certification:
Evaluator Development (Online): for all (Levels 1-4 & rookies)
Advanced Evaluator Development (Online): Level 3-4
Freestyle Evaluator Development (Online): Park 1& 2

Pre-requisites

  • Current evaluator, or
  • Selected rookie applicant

Course duration
We recommend you reserve a good 2 to 5 hours in order to complete this course.

Evaluator development module

Who should take this module?

  • All certified evaluators who have taught CASI courses in the past
  • New rookie evaluators

Module description
The Evaluator Development Module will be our new format for our on-snow training. This training will focus on varied professional aspects such as Riding Improvement, Demonstrations, Teaching and Pedagogy and other yearly themes that should change each year.

This module will also include communication to Evaluators regarding minimum standards to be maintained going forward (riding skills, demo skills, presentation skills, and course content knowledge). Evaluators should know that if skills are not demonstrated / maintained, there will be additional steps required to stay current.

  • This will not be a formal evaluation, but this will be done in the form of feedback / overall assessment by course staff.
  • Recommendations may include mentoring, rookie-ing, riding improvements (for example, submitted by video at a later date, follow up virtual meetings or phone calls with a Technical Team Member, the Regional Coordinator or the Program Director, etc.)

*Snowboard school trainers and senior instructors (CASI Level 2 and up) who will be spending time this season preparing others for the CASI Level 1 course should attend the Trainer Update program.

Pre-requisites
CASI Level 1 evaluator
Rookie evaluator

Course duration
2 days

*Starting in 2023-24, evaluators will be required to attend this module at the minimum every 2 years. They can also participate every year if they want.

Advanced evaluator module

Who should take this course?

  • Current Level 3 Evaluators who have taught courses in the past, or have completed the Level 3 apprenticeship program but not taught any courses yet.
  • Level 2 Evaluators who are Level 4 Instructors and have taught a minimum of five Level 2 courses, and are planning to apply to begin the Level 3 Rookie Program this season

Course description
The focus of the Advanced Evaluator Module is to update existing Level 3 Evaluators and Level 3 Rookie Evaluators to present Level 3 courses this season. The on-snow sessions will examine Level 3 course content, demonstrations, development tactics, course standards and professional development topics for instructors and Evaluators.

Pre-requisites
CASI Level 3 Evaluator OR CASI Level 2 Evaluator (with additional experience)
Level 3 Evaluators Rookies that have started the Apprenticeship program

Course duration
1 day

*Starting in 2023-24, evaluators will be required to attend this module at the minimum every two-years. They could also participate every year if they want.

Freestyle evaluator module

Who should take this course?

  • Existing CASI Park Evaluators
  • Level 1-2-3 Evaluators who wish to begin the Park Instructor 1 rookie process.
  • Level 3 Evaluators attending the Advanced Evaluator Module will also receive the Park update information

Module description
Starting in 2023-24, the Park Evaluators are required to attend at the minimum every two years the Freestyle Evaluator Module. This on-snow session will include rider improvement, teaching and pedagogy workshops, as well as an evaluation of technical skills in relation to the current Park 1 technical standards, and suitability to present this course.

Pre-requisites
Coming soon

Course duration
1 day

*Starting in 2023-24, evaluators will be required to attend this module at the minimum every two-years. They could also participate every year if they want.