Want to teach Motorcycle Rider Courses for NOVA?

1. Currently certified Virginia Rider Training Program (VRTP) RiderCoaches
NOVA is hiring VRTP certified RiderCoaches to teach during all sessions (Summer, Fall and Spring). BRC, ERC, Jumpstart and similar classes are offered on weekends and weekdays. Compensation varies, but averages $350 to $467 for a typical BRC; Coaches who teach multiple courses per season receive incentive pay. Contact llippolis@nvcc.edu for more information. Arrangements may be made for MSF certified RiderCoaches whose VRTP certification has lapsed.

2. Currently certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCoaches
VRTP offers a 30 hour program for MSF certified RiderCoaches to obtain their VRTP certification.  The first 15 hours consists of observing (without compensation) a BRC alongside a VRTP Quality Assurance Reporter (QAR) who discusses Virginia specific issues.  The second 15 hours consists of teaching a BRC at a VRTP licensed training site under the supervision of a QAR, a RiderCoach Trainer, or their designee, at the rate of compensation paid to VRTP Coaches by that training site.  For more information, please email llippolis@nvcc.edu.

3. Motorcyclists interested in becoming certified MSF and VRTP RiderCoaches
Join over 400 professionally certified RiderCoaches serving in the Virginia Rider Training Program (VRTP0 throughout Virginia! After initial training, which meets Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certification requirements, you agree to teach a minimum of four Basic Rider Courses (BRC) a year at any VRTP licensed training site, but opportunities exist to teach many more classes. Compensation varies by location and typically ranges from $300 to $500 for a 15 hour BRC class, but the satisfaction you will get from training safety-conscious new and experienced motorcyclists is priceless. While we hope you will teach primarily at the NOVA, click here for a list of sites throughout Virginia: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/m_course.asp.

RiderCoach Candidate (RCC) Qualifications:
You must have a current, valid driver's license, endorsed for motorcycle operation, that is neither suspended, revoked, cancelled, nor under probation, with less than six demerit points in a 12 month period and no convictions for any of the offenses stated in subsection E of 18.2-270 Virginia code (driving while intoxicated). You must currently ride on a frequent basis, but you do not need to own a motorcycle (if, for example, your employer provides one you ride as part of your duties). There is no minimum riding experience requirement. Most RCCs have at least three years riding experience, but miles ridden per year is more important and RCCs with only one year of experience have successfully completed the training program.  Your ability to consistently ride the exercise demonstrations as required to properly demonstrate path of travel and technique is more important than your overall riding skill and experience. Women motorcyclists are strongly encouraged to apply; they are effective role models for the large percentage of female students in BRC classes. You must agree to teach the MSF/VRTP curriculum as specified in adult-centered learning course materials and adhere to the MSF rules of professional conduct. As a teacher, you need good communication and people skills. As a RiderCoach, you'll be called upon to give your time to help teach Rider Courses. Although you will get paid, you won't become rich in this field. A sincere desire to help reduce motorcycle accidents, injuries, and deaths is your prime motivator.

RiderCoach Preparation Workshop (RCP)
You must successfully complete a RCP to become a MSF/VRTP certified RiderCoach. Begin the process by completing this application and sending it to llippolis@nvcc.edu.

Link to application form on DMV website: http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/tss98.pdf
If you have not recently completed a BRC, you may be asked to attend one before taking the RCP itself. You will be required to "shadow" at least one BRC in the company of a VRTP Quality Assurance Reporter (QAR) to become familiar with the course. You are strongly encouraged to engage in other pre-course activities, such as acting as a Range Aide (setting up and taking down range cones between exercises) and monitoring class and range sessions taught by others. You will receive your teaching materials in advance of the RCP and complete a pre-course assignment to help you become familiar with those materials. Your individual QAR and RiderCoach Trainer may request you undertake other activities to help you prepare for the RCP.

The RCP itself consists of three phases: introduction to the BRC; Peer-teaching the BRC (to your fellow RCCs); and Student-teaching the BRC to novice riders.  These three phases usually take place over three consecutive weekends (other schedules are offered occasionally). You must successfully complete a skills evaluation (consisting of the BRC end-of-course skills evaluation) and a 50 question written multiple-choice evaluation in order to get to the Student-teaching phase. In addition, your RiderCoach trainer must recommend you for certification at the end of the Student-teaching phase.

A typical three weekend RCP will start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and run for four hours. Saturday and Sunday usually run from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., with homework and preparation on Saturday evening. The Student-teaching phase may require more hours depending on the number of novices scheduled to be taught. While the typical RCP includes eight to 12 RCCs who divide up the work, the Student-teaching phase may be mentally and physically demanding. You must attend all sessions "ready to ride" and be on time for each session.

RCP Fees
Typical tuition for a RCP is $250.00, but may vary. An initial enrollment fee of $50 reserves a space in the RCP and entitles you to receive course materials in order to begin working on the pre-course assignment. The remainder of the tuition is due at the start of the RCP itself, but other payment arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You are encouraged to mark-up your course materials, but if you do not successfully complete the RCP and receive your VRTP/MSF certification, you must return all of the course materials to your RCT.

Click here to view the MSF website for motorcyclists interested in becoming RiderCoaches.