When you start a teacher training program, you may already have a few students who have expressed interest in becoming a teacher. After those first few students, though, it’s critical that you understand how other students select a program. This way you can make sure your program is appealing and that you have new student teachers joining all the time.
Types of Pilates Teacher Training Programs
There are two options for Pilates students who want to learn to become Pilates instructors. They can attend a franchise, a large organization, or a smaller local program. Several factors contribute to this initial decision.
Different people in the Pilates community have different feelings about franchises. To some, the franchises open doors to more people to become Pilates teachers or practice Pilates. To others, these programs go against the mindset behind classical Pilates and exist separately from the rest of the community. Some franchise training will look very different from your own. Franchises make it easy to teach and learn to teach Pilates, but their tribal community may separate them from other Pilates practitioners. A canned curriculum can feel limiting and prevent student teachers from developing their own teaching style. The franchise business model can have less flexibility around payment plans and pedagogy.
When a student teacher learns with a franchise, they learn a kind of Pilates methodology that is specific to that company. Sometimes, when a teacher learns from a franchise, they are only prepared to teach at that franchise and may need additional training to join a private studio. Still, working with a franchise can feel safe and more straightforward. It’s easy to read up on those programs and read reviews. It can even make it easier to get a job after student teachers finish their training.
On the other hand, the benefits of a smaller program are that students can connect with a local studio and community. The instruction is likely more flexible and covers more classical pedagogy. When students graduate from a private program, they are more likely to be prepared to teach at other independent studios. For you as a studio director, running a smaller teacher training program means developing a classical program that reflects your own methodology and allows your students to teach their own way.
When a student decides they want to learn how to train to be a Pilates instructor, they will consider these same points to make their decision.
Program Selection Factors
To attract student teachers to your program, consider how students will select a program that meets their needs and matches their philosophies.
LOCATION
Location plays a huge factor in a student’s decision on what teacher training program to attend. Even with the growth of online learning, students do need to spend time in the studio during their training, and if a location is too far away, it is a huge drawback.
COST
When students select a teacher training program, they consider the cost of that program compared to others. However, it’s not as simple as finding the cheaper program. While many programs boast low costs, these programs may have a poorer reputation and make potential students question whether they’ll really master the curriculum. Programs with higher costs often have more experience and a better reputation. If a student feels like a program is worth it, they’ll be willing to pay more to attend.
Pricing structure also matters. It can be difficult – or impossible – for a student to pay the entire cost of training up front. Teacher training programs that offer payment plans can be more appealing.
RELATIONSHIPS
Like anyone making a meaningful financial and career decision, potential student teachers need trust and connection to select the right studio. If a student teacher is going to spend hundreds of hours learning with a studio director, they expect that person to be knowledgeable, trustworthy, and caring. They may also consider other members of the studio staff. Is the front of house stuff helpful? Is there a community of clients and other student teachers? They’ll also look for studio directors who are highly qualified to teach. How long has the studio teacher taught Pilates? How long have they taught student teachers? What credentials, if any, do they have?
REVIEWS
Most student teachers will look for online reviews to help decide which program to join. When you’re first starting your training program, potential student teachers won’t be able to find reviews about the program itself. Once you’ve trained your first few students, encourage them to leave reviews on major websites. Meanwhile, students will look at studio reviews to see how regular clients like you and your studio. Large franchise reviews will attract some students. Others will be more interested in your program.
How to Stand Out
With so many factors at play, how you attract people to your own teacher training program can be complicated. There are a few ways to stand out immediately.
Location is probably out of your control if you already have a Pilates studio, though may be helpful to keep in mind if and when your business grows. Other factors are very much in your control.
PRESENTATION:
Students notice and care about how you present yourself, your studio, and your teacher training program. There are a few key basics like having a clean studio and a professional staff. You also need to make sure your branding is consistent and professional and that it reflects your teaching philosophy. Keep your website updated and offer students professional materials like a school catalog and one-pagers that provide key information students will need. Make sure your studio itself as well as your training program – once it has started – have great reviews.
COST:
Remember, low costs aren’t always appealing as they can signal a poorer quality program. When you’re deciding how much students will pay to take your program, think carefully about how that cost reflects you, your experience level, your studio, and the local cost of living. Research the costs of other training programs offered in similar studios as well as the costs of franchises. Be ready to explain what your tuition cost covers, and avoid nickel and diming potential students with fees for incidentals like access to studio classes or printed materials.
In addition, make sure you offer a flexible payment plan that lets students pay for your program over time. This is a simple way to make your program more accessible to all potential student teachers.
COMMUNITY:
Above all else, student teachers want to know that joining your training program means being part of a community. They’ll want to know your Pilates philosophy and how its reflected in your training program. They’ll want to see that you have regular clients who love being at your studio. They want to understand how your teaching will reflect their learning.
When you’re talking to potential teachers or talking about your program, emphasize the role of you community or tribe. Be ready to talk about how important it is to pass the torch to the next generation of Pilates instructors to ensure the classical Pilates community continues to grow and flourish.
Consider how you might grow a stronger community within your studio or be a larger part of the broader community. Some studios host fundraisers or giveaways. You can also add value to the Pilates community with a well written blog and a strong social media presence where you talk about Pilates and present yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy resource.
Preparing to Attract Student Teachers
When you run your own Pilates teacher training program, finding and attracting the right students is a huge part of your work. There are many factors potential Pilates student teachers consider when selecting a teacher training program that are out of your control. As in independent studio, there are elements of franchise teaching programs with which you won’t be able to compete. However, as long as you present yourself professionally, build relationships with potential teachers, and grow your community, you will be able to find the right student teachers for your program.
