National Team Professional Development Plan: Michael Rogan
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 Alpine Team Coach Michael Rogan
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: The cooperation of all disciplines to get preparation done so that it was very easy to come together as One Team for an event like Interski. It is a trait that other countries recognize and appreciate from the USA.
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: There is ALWAYS something to learn about yourself. Every interaction with a student, class, clinic is a chance to reflect on what went well, what could evolve, and solidify how important it is to meet people where they are and NOT plug in your skier Level IV program.
I am trying to be more aware of my impact on others and different situations. I do not expect to connect with every person in the same way. It is up to me to figure out how I can connect with more different people as best as possible.
Q: What other professional goals do you have in terms of teaching and skiing?
A: For teaching, I want to focus on “do-ing” first and “discussing” second. I always want to figure out new ways to play in the mountain environment so that learning happens through skiing and not drilling.
Q: How can you work with and learn from other instructors on this journey?
A: You have to pay attention to what other people are doing. Not to judge but to be curious. Every time you step on snow in a clinic or share a cup of coffee or chairlift with another instructor, there could be a piece of gold in what others say or do that could become a value to you for sharing with a student.
Q: How can your professional development plan help other instructors work to achieve their goals?
A: As team members, we are in a unique place to practice what we preach, which can determine how others approach their roles as instructors. As I improve, I hope that commitment to better myself and keep learning translates to others’ improvement as well.
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: It is always wonderful to see our Shield on jackets in lift lines and in different parts of the world. It instantly gives you a reason to approach a stranger and make a new friend.
