As you think about how to level up as an instructor next season, you’re probably thinking about movement analysis or lesson planning or what it will take to shift into a supervisor or manager role.

But, what about the harder-to-measure things? What about the intangibles that help you create meaningful, engaging lessons that put students at the heart of the learning experience?

One ingredient in that special sauce is inspiration. Being inspirational to those looking to you for expertise, guidance, and stoke is key to creating lifelong skiers and riders. It’s also a critical leadership skill that will help you succeed in any career, be it on snow or otherwise.

The methods for how you can become more inspirational–specifically as a snowsports instructor–are now backed by research. “The Five Elements of Inspirational Teaching” dives deep into the work of Dr. Josh Pighetti, a multi-discipline instructor whose Ph.D. was based on this very concept. In three episodes that also feature two members of our National Team, Josh explains the five elements, the research that went into uncovering the secrets of inspiration, and how to apply the lessons to your own teaching.

You can also listen to the show on Spotify.

Josh is a Level III Alpine, Level I Snowboard, and Level I Adaptive instructor who does most of his teaching at Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra in Mammoth, California. He has also been instrumental behind the scenes working on PSIA-AASI Performance Guides and Standards.

This work is part of a growing collaboration between PSIA-AASI and Penn State University, aimed at expanding access to online snowsports courses, certification pathways, and academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to master’s and Ph.D. studies. Researchers like Josh are helping shape the future of snowsports education.