What do you look for in an Instructor

[jasondbaker]

I look for what I call the "3 P's": passion, patience, and persistence.  You have to have passion for the sport and for teaching.  Your passion needs to be contagious. You have to have patience because your students don't have the same life experiences, fears, or learning abilities.  You need to be persistent in pushing towards the ultimate goal and overcoming obstacles along the way. 

I've had two really notable instructors over the years -- both were from Scuba Center.  One was my OW instructor.  I need to find my OW c-card because I don't remember his name.  I think he went on to work for PADI.  He was so passionate about diving he felt more like a coach than an instructor.  The second was my DM instructor, Rob Leslie (RJ).  RJ took a very positive and enthusiastic approach to teaching.  The guy just loved being in the water and teaching. I think he is a Course Director now.

Both of these instructors taught from life experiences rather than simply reading from an instructor book.