The thing about becoming a colorguard instructor is that it usually doesn’t come with a job description. Most hiring is done informally–either through connections, cold emails, or accidentally falling into the position. As a result, most colorguard instructors think that their job is to teach kids how spin a flag…but what if I told you that that’s not the case?
Okay, stay with me here. OF COURSE that’s part of your job. But that’s just it–it’s only a small part! A lot of instructors forget (or simply never learn/realize) that the students that they are teaching are people. People with lives and feelings navigating one of the most confusing periods in their lives! So then, what exactly IS your job? Let’s break it down.
You teach interpersonal skills.
These kids are going to have to work with other people. I know that, you know that, there’s no getting around that. But how exactly are they going to do that? Will your guard be one that helps each other and is supportive of other members of the colorguard community, both in and outside of your organization? Or will you be the guard that is always competitive with each other and refuses to speak to other teams at shows? The kids carry the tactics that you teach with them into adulthood and into their professional careers. You decide what you think is best.
You teach them wellness.
When I tell you that if it weren’t for the group of instructors that I had in college I would be a different person, I mean it. I was taught that my physical and mental health is important and that exercise and eating right is good for me. And while it seems intuitive, I didn’t know how to properly condition my body and what to eat to have lasting energy before I joined that team. It has helped me maintain good habits in my adult life, and as a result, has made me a happier person.
You teach them to value themselves and others.
This is a reality check for a lot of instructors that I know of, have worked with, and have spun under. I’m going to put this in bold so that you don’t miss it.
IF YOU TALK DOWN TO YOUR STUDENTS, THEY WILL TALK DOWN TO THEMSELVES.
IF YOU TRASH TALK OTHER PROGRAMS, THEY WILL TRASH TALK EACH OTHER.
IF YOU MAKE RACIST/HOMOPHOBIC/SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE REMARKS, THEY WILL THINK THAT’S OKAY.
IF YOU VALUE WINNING AT ANY COST (EVEN IF IT INVOLVES CHEATING AND STEALING FROM SOMEONE), THEY WILL LEARN TO TAKE WHAT THEY WANT DESPITE HOW IT AFFECTS OTHERS.
Stop pretending like your actions don’t matter. If you don’t respect your students as people, they will internalize that and develop low self worth. I’ve seen it, I’ve experienced it. They are people not robots. Treat them like it.
You teach them priorities.
Oops, this is another one that we all need to hear. Colorguard is just flags on a field/in a gym. If your student has a death in the family or is in a wedding or gets really sick/is injured in some way, please for all that is good and sparkly just give them a second.
Obviously, if a kid stubbed their toe on a chair and is out for a week that might be a little excessive, but if a kid has the flu and needs to stay home, let them. No show or rehearsal is more important than their mental and physical health. If it’s a serious issue, let them work it out and trust that you’ve taught them how to be a responsible human being and that in order to continue in the program, they need to figure out how to make up for what they’ve missed. Yes, you teach them that too.
You teach them leadership skills.
Many of your students want to be on leadership and will eventually want to instruct their own program someday. Your leadership style impacts how they will go about managing a group of people in the future.
You teach them that they are capable of anything.
When you (respectfully and productively) push your students to reach heights they didn’t know possible, magic happens. They develop an awe of themselves and their teammates, they fall in love with the activity, and they want to push harder the next season. Don’t put your students in a box and say “they’ll never be able to achieve x” because believe me, they can. And if you give them the space and tools to, they absolutely will.
At the end of the day, you’re a teacher and a role model. They look up to you. You teach these kids life skills, how to value themselves, how to value others, the importance of hard work, and so much more. You have a responsibility to these kids when you accept a position, regardless how much money you’re getting and how much talent you think the kids have.
So yes, teach them how to spin a flag, rifle, and sabre. But don’t forget about the rest of your job.
