Take the next step in your career and share your extensive knowledge of aquatics operations by becoming an AFO Instructor (AFOI).
Why Become an AFO Instructor
- Gain recognition as a content expert
- Contribute to the improvement of aquatics facilities across the country.
- Help other professionals follow industry best practices
- Network with aquatics professionals nationwide
- Create a potential revenue stream for your agency or company
- Reduce internal staff training costs
Instructor Qualifications
Instructor Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Five years, full-time experience in aquatics or a related area
- High school diploma. Bachelor's degree in related field is preferred
- Two years of experience teaching or presenting to individuals at high school level or above
- Must currently be AFO certified
- Must be member of National Recreation and Park Association
- Minimum of three years holding a national aquatics certification (AFO strongly preferred)
Instructor Candidate Review Process
Steps to become an AFO Instructor,
- Submit application and at least 3 professional references (download the reference form here).
-
If application is accepted individual will be contacted to schedule virtual interviews with AFO Instructor Trainers, where they will assess your technical knowledge and presentation skills. (Referring to key concepts from the AFO Manual.)
- Individual will be contacted on whether they have been accepted into the AFO Instructor Workshop and provided registration, travel and an overview of the two-day training.
Next AFOI Workshop:
Spring 2025
Apply to Become an AFO Instructor
Instructor Levels
Please read through the levels of AFO Instructor status listed below. This information will help you understand the natural progression of an AFO Instructor. Individuals begin at the AFO Instructor Candidate level and are given an instructor status after completing the AFOI Workshop. Completion of the AFOI Workshop does not gaurantee becoming an AFO Instructor.
Instructor Candidate
Instructor Candidates must meet the qualifications listed above. Submission of a complete AFO Instructor application is required to become an Instructor Candidate. Submit your application.
Provisional Instructor
Provisional Instructors have been formally accepted into the program after participation in the AFOI Workshop. Instructors at this level must co-teach with a Lead Instructor. The number of required co-teachings is determined by the Instructor Trainer.
Lead Instructor
Lead Instructors have displayed a mastery of subject matter during the AFOI Workshop or completed the required number of co-teachings at the Provisional Instructor level. Lead instructors can teach AFO courses independently.
Instructor Trainer
Instructor Trainers have shown a mastery of the course materials, technical knowledge and presentation skills. They have demonstrated exceptional competence in teaching effectiveness and in their course evaluations. They act as Instructor Workshop facilitators and evaluate the eligibility of instructor candidates for advancement to trial instructors. NRPA appoints Instructor Trainers on an as needed basis.
For more information about becoming an AFO Instructor, contact NRPA's Senior Aquatics Program Manager, Elizabeth Gonzales at afoinstructors@nrpa.org.
