I think a variance may be needed when the instructor has been working for the organization but transferring from another state. That instructor may not have the industry experience all falling within the last 10 years because they were teaching.
Richard,
The TWC/CSC Instructor Application (PS-002) spells out the requirements for an Instructor Variance. TWC will not approve a variance unless at least 1/2 of the instructor requirements are met. Even then the background and documentation information that you submit as outlined in PS-002 must be sufficient in scope and content to satisfy TWC and gain approval for the instructor to teach in your approved program.
Gerald Parr
Hello Richard,
This problem that you describe is one that nearly all school directors face at one time or another. As you stated, a stable environment is key in keeping personnel. Having a detailed and relevant instructor development program, as required by CSC, will also go a long way in Instructor retention.
Gerald Parr
Good Morning Bobbi,
You are correct in the fact that TWC provides a broad range of guidelines in the qualification of instructors. There will be those times that that because of mitigating circumstances a school may need to seek a variance on a potential instructor. When this happens, TWC will expect expect the prospective instructor to meet at least half of the requirements for the variance to be considered. Typically the number of years of experience is where the applicant falls short. Be prepared to show as much related and consistant experience when making the varience request.
The real problem for us is attracting Instructors who are making significantly more money than education pays. We are successful because we offer a stable work environment with little or no travel. The key here is quality of life as opposed to monetary gains.
If we wish to employ an Instructor to teach in our program and their work history or education is not specific to our curriculum, we would need to apply for a variance. It would be our responsibility to demonstrate that the Instructor does in fact possess the skills and experience to successfully train our students. This will help insure quality training delivery at an approved school.
Interesting! I will keep this in mind...I have not heard of this being an issue for our campus, but you never know.
From what I have observed in the past year and half, it seems like TWC is fairly accomodiating with their guidlines for qualifications. Since so much of it can be based on work experince, the only variance I can see would be a field that is hard to find and for someone who is perhaps a little short on years of experince. It should truly be a last resort. Afterall, most of our students pick our schools since their instructors have 'real world experince'.
Is there a recommended training program for teaching adults, other than having new instructors observe and work with experienced instructors?
Remember that TWC typically requires that an instructor meet at least half of the requirements before they will consider a request for a variance.
Thanks, I found this to be true as well when I had great difficulty finding a Medical Coding and Billing Instructor. I finally found a very experienced Coder who had 23 years of experience and combining that with her High School diploma allowed her to be eligible to teach for us!
TWC instructor qualifications are based on the number of years of practical experience and the education level. For example, the instructor has an associate degree and three years of experience within the last ten years. If this instructor only had two and a half years experience, you can request a variance. TWC typically requires that an instructor meets at least half of the requirements before they would consider the variance.
Frank Hammack
An instance where there should be a variance is when an instructor has experience over educational requirements such as in the culinary field, where degrees are not always necessary in the industry.
Remember that TWC rules base instructor approval on the amount of education and the number of years of experience within the last 10 years. TWC typically requires the instructor meet at least half of the requirements before they will consider a variance.
Frank Hammack
An instructor has world knowledge & is also certified in their profession. They just do not have the degree to back their knowledge.
A school should have training on teaching adults to assist them in their teaching skills.
Frank H.
An instructor application must be completed within 5 calendar days of being hired as an instructor. They can start teaching right away. You do not have to wait for approval if the application is submitted.
Frank Hammack
I agree. I worked at a French Culinary School and we had to wait months for the Chefs to receive their visa's and get here from France.
It has proven to be surprisingly difficult to find qualified candidates in "vocational" subjects, as many excel in the industry, but do not necessarily excel as Teachers of the industry and it's skills.
In regards to interviewing and hiring chefs qualified to teach culinary programs, you may find the perfect candidate anywhere in the country (or world). The relocation time alone may require a variance in order for the class to start as scheduled, while waiting for the new instructor to be available to start teaching.
