Why video feedback?
The transition from trainee to aerial teacher has its challenges, and we've been there!  The Remote Teacher Assessment Program (RTAP) allows you to submit a video of yourself teaching and receive comprehensive feedback from experienced aerial instructors.  We want to support you in becoming a more versatile teacher. 
Your program is great as I had the chance to broaden my experience through the online material I was provided and through the Skype sessions I had with Elizabeth! She gave me fundamental feedback that I was able to use in my lesson plans and classes so that I can improve and evolve as an aerial teacher! ​
                                                                                                                                                        ~ Elsie L.

What will be covered in the consultation?
 - We will affirm for you what is working well in your classes.
 - We will answer questions on  classroom management, learning styles, safety, lesson plans, body language & delivery.
 - We will offer refreshing insights about teaching and encourage self-reflection.
 - We will make specific recommendations for research and training options to take your teaching to the next level.

How does it work?

Film yourself teaching:
  • Film yourself teaching a 60 min. class that matches the teaching certificate level and apparatus you are seeking. (If the class is over 60 min, we will only review the first 60 minutes).
  • Be sure that both you and all students are visible in the video.
  • Be sure your voice is audible.  Consider teaching without background music and/or turning off AC/heat when possible.  You may want to film a short clip of yourself speaking at the distance you with be teaching from your camera as a "sound check."  
  • When filming, note that some mobile devices do not film for more than 20 or 30 minutes at one time.  You may have to restart filming in the middle of your class, or have a friend help you film.
  • Please also obtain permission from your students prior to filming them. Let them know that it is for feedback and will remain confidential. We will not use your video outside the purposes of this assessment unless we ask permission to do so.​ 
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​Send us your video using Google Drive, Dropbox, Vimeo, YouTube, whatever is easiest for you!  
  • Send your video or link to your video to borntoflyaerial@gmail.com. 

Submit this information along with your video:
Copy and paste this questionnaire into a document and answer the questions.  Submit the document with your video to guide the reviewer in the feedback process. Note: These questions are NOT required on the informal RTAPs that we do during the training. 
  1. What is the background of your students in this class? (For example, the class is in week 4 of a 6-week session that covers the basics of aerial silks. There are 4 students in the course. Two of the students are struggling with the strength of aerial and 2 have previous gymnastics experience and can already invert.)
  2. What are the specific goals for the class you are submitting? (Tell us about the main skills taught in class and what you were hoping to accomplish in this class. How well did it go?)
  3. What are your goals for growth in aerial teaching?  (You may choose from the following list or describe your own focus:  learning/teaching styles, classroom management, lesson planning, facilitating creative lessons, safety procedures such as spotting, working with specific populations, voice, and presentation skills.)
  4. Please list any specific questions you have for your reviewer.
Allow 3-4 weeks to receive feedback for a formal RTAP:
Within 4 weeks (6 weeks during the holiday season), you will receive a document containing your feedback. We use a rubric to maintain consistency in our evaluation process. You'll then schedule an online chat with your reviewer to answer questions and get recommendations for future growth.

At this stage, the reviewer may suggest additional study in a specific area (anatomy, skills review and practice, etc.) Our goal is to help you become a stronger teacher, and each teacher's journey is completely unique.  Please be prepared to take on additional tasks/study as needed to prepare you for completion of your certificate.

Implement your feedback:
Implement feedback in your classes, allowing 2-3 months (minimum) for that process.  If required by your reviewer, complete the areas of additional study.

Submit your second video:
Submit to to borntoflyaerial@gmail.com.  For your second video, you will receive a second feedback document. This video is also used as final evaluation for the certificate.  If you meet the standards, you will move forward in the process.  If more skills need to be exhibited, or safety issues need to be corrected, additional teaching videos will be requested.  The charge for additional video reviews is found here.  
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​Note:  If a Born to Fly reviewer is traveling to your area (i.e. for workshops or a teacher training), you may request to complete part of the review process in person.  This requires that you teach the appropriate level/apparatus that matches the certification you are pursuing, and that the class is scheduled at a time when that reviewer can attend.  Please contact us for further information.

What others are saying...

I've noticed since implementing their feedback that it helps tremendously with my students' retention of the material I teach them, and gives them a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts behind the moves that we're learning. I truly can't recommend enough that every aerial instructor, no matter their experience level, find a way to evaluated and critiqued by another aerial instructor - preferably one from a different studio with a completely different background to your own. And the Remote Teacher Assessment Program is an excellent way to achieve that!"    ~ Craig L.

Let's get started.

If you are interested in submitting a video for feedback without credit toward a certificate, select the "RTAP for personal growth" button below. We love to help ALL teachers grow into better ones -- whether you are part of our program or not!