National Team Professional Development Plan: Gregory Dixon
Congratulations to the 2021-24 PSIA-AASI National Team for all the work they’ve done promoting, supporting, and assisting with the development of PSIA-AASI education materials, programs, and activities at all levels.
As the team enters its final season, team coaches and members reflect on the work they’ve done for the association, their personal accomplishments, and their professional development plans — including how they think those plans can help you reach your goals this season.
PSIA Telemark Team Coach Gregory Dixon
Q: This team has achieved a lot in a short time — including representing the association at Interski 2023, continued refinement of the Learning Connection, and working toward the target date to align certification processes. What achievements stand out to you?
A: We certainly have done a lot in a short time. Although the Strategic Alignment Initiative dominated the majority of time and energy for this term, one of our biggest successes has been our annual National Academy, paired with Rider Rally, and Telemark Academy. We have sold out the entire event multiple years in a row. This says the membership is interested in working with and learning directly from current and alumni members of the team. I hope this event can continue to be a landmark success for our organization.
Another achievement has been the annual Telemark Examiners College, as well as several cross Regional Telemark Ed Staff training events, which have allowed telemark leaders from across the nation to come together in ideology and practice. We are truly seeing nationally uniform training occurring.
Q: Where do you want to improve this season, especially in regard to the individual people, teaching and technical skills of the Learning Connection?
A: My push for personal development is geared toward how I can help the next generation of instructors and trainers. I have been working on developing my leadership and facilitation skills so I can be a better resource for those around me. As the training manager at Mt. Bachelor, I have been using my connection with the national team to help develop a more powerful staff training program.
On the technical side, my big focus is overall fitness — keeping my strength and mobility up to be able to create more dynamic skiing. I have also been working on my mental game and improving my awareness of my body and how I am moving. I would also really love to up my alpine skills this season.
Q: How can you work with and learn from other instructors on this journey?
A: At Mt. Bachelor, I am super lucky to be surrounded by great alpine, snowboard, and telemark trainers. We make a point of spending time together to sharpen our skills. As part of the NW Alpine Technical Team, I get the opportunity to work and train with the best trainers in the Northwest. Nationally, I get a lot out of working directly with the other telemark team members. They fuel my drive for constant improvement.
Q: How can your professional development plan help other instructors work to achieve their goals?
A: I hope I can build programs and scholarships to get a more diverse population of instructors into telemark skiing. I would like to take what I have learned over my two terms on the team to be able to mentor others coming on.
Q: What does being a member of the PSIA-AASI community mean to you, and how do you share that sense of belonging with the people you teach, as well as other snow pros?
A: My favorite aspect about our community is that everyone is always looking to get better and develop themselves. That mindset is important in how we carry ourselves through life. Being surrounded by others who have that mindset inspires me to be better. Having this community around to support each other’s growth, then share that with our guests, is what we are all about.
