Questions in Reference to Teaching While Working Full-Time in the Fire Service

Questions in reference to teaching while working full-time in the fire service:

1) Has teaching improved your “on the job” performance in the fire service or vice versa, and if so in what ways has it done so?

“Teaching has both hurt me and helped me in the fire service. I have to keep up with the latest trends in the fire service. This is an advantage to most people as the fire service because it is reared that most crews keep up with current trends. Unfortunately, officers like there (old School) training so what I know is sometimes looked down upon as (textbook) firefighting.

2) How do you balance work, teaching and home life so that they all function smoothly together?

“Well, it has not always been easy, but my family has been my biggest asset. They understand that I love my job, but also understand that I love teaching. Teaching requires me to make several trips all over the state and although my family doesn’t like it they do understand. There are times when it gets stress full though.

3) Do you integrate work with teaching or vice versa, and if so in what ways do you do so?

“Yes, my officer is also an SCFA instructor so we do teach allot of rookies and recruits on shift. We spend 8 hours a day teaching then complete the normal shift on the apparatus as an active crew.

4) Would you be able to take on a full time teaching position immediately?

“No, I’m currently on workers comp due to an accident I sustained on shift. I lost my left leg working an MVA, so I can’t teach while on workers comp. but I have been offered a full time position with the SCFA if I cannot return to the truck.

5) Is there a difference between you work load in regards to teaching and you full time job, if so can you explain them to me?

“Yes, my teach...

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...ach.”

3) Are there any special licenses required for this position?

“No”

4) What certifications must be obtained for this position?

“Fire Instructor I”

5) Why did you chose this career specialty?

“Just like we teach our new students, every person in the fire service should contribute a specialty, it helps set you apart and we can’t all learn everything. It’s just too much. I first started specialized in water rescue. I’m a PADI certified dive master and rescue diver. Later I realized that I enjoyed being in front of a classroom much more. I could make a bigger difference and do it more often. Once I realized this I went out and got as many course teaching certifications as I could. I just can’t describe it, it’s a great feeling to see a student who didn’t understand something or something clicks with them. I guess I do it for selfish reasons, I just love teaching.”