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Instructor in Circus Arts- E-Learning (NRC.08)


 

REINVENT THE WAY YOU TEACH

Be inspired at the leading circus arts educational institution! Learn to use innovative strategies that will have immediate impact on your students’ success.

This 17-week  online  program aims to educate professionals who can initiate students to circus techniques while helping them develop both expertise and motor skills in the context of recreational activities. 

Special offer for PE teachers in the province of Quebec: get 50% off the tuition fee! En Piste members get 15% off and professional circus schools graduates get an additionnal 5% off. Learn more

This program is also available in French.

This hybrid program is also intended for :

- Physical education and preparation specialists (physical education teachers, instructors of sports and artistic disciplines, etc.);
- Socio-cultural organizers and interveners (recreational or social circus instructors, etc.);
- Professional artists from the worlds of circus arts, dance, or any other artistic or sports discipline;
- Health professionals (kinesiologists, physiotherapists, etc.) who would like to experience first-hand the specific demands of circus arts practice.

REGISTER NOW

Why teach circus arts?

Research has demonstrated the positive impact of circus arts practice on young people, particularly in terms of motor skills, emotional resilience and self-confidence. Circus practice also helps reduce gender differences in terms of motor skills.

Program Objectives

• Learn how to lead activities to maximize motor engagement time and learning retention
• Get acquainted with various circus techniques and a creative approach to their teaching that facilitates student skill acquisition 
• Assess risk; develop your judgment and that of your students
• Discover how to set up and strike acrobatic apparatus safely
• Supervise the creation and realization of a circus performance
 

An accessible hybrid program

Organize your class schedule around your time constraints.  Opt for this hybrid approach that combines virtual teaching and a week of in-person classes with teachers onsite at the National Circus School in Montreal. Students deepen their knowledge and validate their skills while also participating in a work experience internship. The program, which runs for 17 weeks, is designed to be highly flexible. See the Course Schedule and Calendar.
 
Online learning is made available through the Moodle platform. Students have access to a wide variety of learning tools: blogs, forums, video conferencing, quiz-type tests to help them learn and progress quickly. 
 

Get accredited for your skills as an instructor !

Enrol  in this E-learning program that leads to a college diploma: Attestation of Collegial Studies (AEC - Attestation d'études collégiales) accredited by the Quebec Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur (Ministry of Education and Higher Education). Upon graduating from the School, Instructors may further their professional development by registering for the Trainer in Circus Arts program, receiving credit for the first 5 courses and 90-hour work experience internship.
 
  • Course GridOpen or Close
    COURSE GRID

    Class Management (45 hours)
    Introduction to Circus Techniques (75 hours)
    Supervising the Creation and Production of a Performance (45 hours)
    Setting up and Striking Acrobatic Apparatus (45 hours)
    Lead a circus program in the context of social education (60 hours)
    Work Experience Internship (90 hours)

     

    This hybrid program combines virtual teaching and a week of in-person training with teachers onsite at the National Circus School in Montreal . Students deepen their knowledge and validate their skills while also participating in a work experience internship.

    Virtual Classes

    Online learning is made available through the Moodle platform used by many institutions of higher education. Students have access to a wide variety of learning tools: blogs, forums, video conferencing. Videos and other learning materials in PowerPoint or PDF format are accessible at all times. Students may access quiz-type tests to conduct self-assessment and verify their progress. A weekly meeting is held via video conference at a specified time with the teacher and all members of the virtual class. 

    Wondering how a virtual class looks ?

    GO TO MOODLE WELCOME PAGE! 

    In-Person Classes

    One week of training is planned in Montreal, Canada. The live session serves to complete some learning and assess specific skills (see the Calendar for dates).

    The Online Instructor program culminates with an internship to integrate what has been learned. Each student is responsible for finding the internship, either within his/her community or outside it, in organizations or institutions where the circus is practiced as a recreational activity.  The student must also find and have approved by the School a circus arts trainer to serve as internship supervisor. The internship, that consists of 90 hours, should begin at week 11 of the course calendar.

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Course calendarOpen or Close

    E-learning Program 

    Note that a 2hrs weekly meeting is held via video conference each Saturday morning (EST = Eastern Standard Time zone), with the teacher and all members of the virtual class. 

    Setting up and Striking down Equipment – Week 1

    WeekDateCourses and Modules for the weekVideo
    Conference
      Welcome Session
    Saturday October 9th
    9:00 am – 10:30 am
    1
    October
    11 to 15
    		Facilitating Social Circus Activities – Week 1
    Saturday October 16
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    2
    October
    18 to 22
    		Facilitating Social Circus Activities – Week 2
    Saturday October 23
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    3
    October
    25 to 29
    		Facilitating Social Circus Activities – Week 3
    Saturday October 30
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    4
    November
    1 to 5
    		Facilitating Social Circus Activities – Week 4
    Saturday November 6
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    5
    November
    8 to 12
    		Setting up and Striking down Equipment – Week 1Saturday March 13
    9:00 am 
    6
    November
    15 to 19
    		Setting up and Striking down Equipment – Week 22Saturday March 20
    9:00 am
    7
    November 
    22 to 26
    		Setting up and Striking down Equipment – Week 3Saturday March 27
    9:00 am
    8
    November 29 to
    December 3
    		Class Management – Week 1
    Saturday December 4
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    9
    December
    6 to 10
    		Class Management – Week 2
    Saturday December 11
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    10
    December
    13 to 17
    		Class Management – Week 3
    Saturday December 18
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
    11
    January
    3 to 7 
    Introductory Training in Circus Techniques 
    Teaching Materials – Preparation for the On-site Week
    Saturday January 8
    No Video Conference
    12
    January 
    10 to 14
    		Process of Creating and Mounting a Performance – Week 1 
    Saturday January 15
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    13
    January
    17 to 21
    		Process of Creating and Mounting a Performance – Week 2
    Saturday January 22
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    14
    January
    24 to 28
    		Process of Creating and Mounting a Performance – Week 3
    Saturday January 29
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    15
    January 31 to
    February 4
    		Introductory Training in Circus Techniques - Aerial’s Safety
    Saturday February 5
    9:00 am – 11:00 am
    16
    February 
    7 to 11
    Introductory Training in Circus Techniques 
    Teaching Materials – Preparation for the On-site Week
    Saturday February 12
    No Video Conference
    17February 
    12 to 18    		On-Site Course in MontrealDaily
    9 am to 5 pm

    Frequently Asked Questions 

     

  • Tuition FeesOpen or Close

    Special offer for PE teachers in the province of Quebec: Get 50% off the tuition fee only. You will be asked to provide proof of Quebec residency AND a bachelor’s degree in physical education with your application.

    En Piste members get 15% off the tuition fee. 
    P    rofessional circus schools graduates get an additionnal 5% off.
    After completion of your online registration, please contact our registrar office by email, to indicate your full name and that you are a member of En Piste or a circus school graduate.

    Fees 2021-2022 school year*
    For the full program
    Admission Fee$ 55 (non-refundable)
    Registration Fee$ 135*
    Incidental Fee$ 130**
    Tuition fees
    Canadian Residents    		$ 1,500 per year**
    Tuition Fees
    International Students    		$ 2,400 per year**

    * Fees in Canadian dollars, subject to change
    **Payable in two payments.

  • Student Services and Financial AssistanceOpen or Close

    Student Services

    The School offers a range of student services such as on campus housing, a library, a bursary program, food services and health services. Find out more about student services. For international students, we invite you to contact the governmental authority of your country.

    Québec loans and bursaries: 
    Eligible students wishing to apply for Quebec's financial assistance for studies (AFE)  for the AEC E-learning Instructor Program must use the following program codes during their financial aid application to make sure that they recieve the aid funds in time at the beginning of the session : Fall session : YRC08 | Winter session : NRCY8


    Financial Assistance

    Full time Canadian students or those who have permanent resident status in Canada are eligible for loan and bursary programs offered by the Ministry of Education of the province in which they officially reside.

    The National Circus School Foundation offers assistance to students who lack sufficient financial resources to pursue professional training at the School no matter what their citizenship. The Bursary Evaluation Committee reunites once a year, your financial help request form must be submitted before May 15, 2021 (for school year 2021-2022). Find out more.

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Candidate ProfileOpen or Close

    This hybrid program is intended for :

    - Physical education and preparation specialists (physical education teachers, instructors of sports and artistic disciplines, etc.);
    - Socio-cultural organizers and interveners (recreational or social circus instructors, etc.);
    - Professional artists from the worlds of circus arts, dance, or any other artistic or sports discipline;
    - Included are health professionals (kinesiologists, physiotherapists, etc.) who would like to experience first-hand the specific demands of circus arts practice.

    The ideal candidate for this program is a highly motivated and autonomous student or professional who possesses mastery of the English language, spoken and written, and also meets the regular requirements for admission:

    • Completion of secondary school or equivalent
    • Has interrupted studies for at least one school year or has completed one year of post-secondary schooling
    • Has a functional knowledge of the English language, spoken and written
    • Practical experience in the fields of circus arts, sports, dance or theater would be an asset
    • Demonstrate the ability to communicate

     

    Technology required:
    The student must have easy access to a computer equipped with software that enables video playback and supports video conferencing.

    Go to the following URL for an overview of the course interface: enc.moodle.decclic.qc.ca/course/

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Admission - ApplicationOpen or Close

    Requirements

    • Completion of secondary school or equivalent
    • Has interrupted studies for at least one school year or has completed one year of post-secondary schooling
    • Has a functional knowledge of the English language, spoken and written
    • Practical experience in the fields of circus arts, sports, dance or theater would be an asset
    • Demonstrate the ability to communicate


    Competency Exemption

    A candidate selected may receive credit for previous training or professional experience acquired, conditional upon providing proof. The applicant must also pass an examination to be exempted from any given course.


    Documents to enclose with admission application:

    • Online Application Form, completed 
    • One passport-sized photograph (JPEG) 
    • A birth certificate with the name of the parents
    • The latest transcripts and/or diplomas available (secondary school, college and/or university)
    • Curriculum vitae
    • Any relevant document confirming an participation to an artistic or sports-related activity
    • For PE teachers (50% off on tuition fee): a proof of living in the Province of Quebec AND a copy of Physical Education Bachelor degree.


    For more information on the admissions policy, see this document (French only) 


    REGISTER NOW
     

    For any question please visit our FAQ : 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For any additional questions please contact the Registrar via [email protected] or (514) 982-0859 ext. 239.

A Circus Arts Instructor’s Career

Circus arts instructors are able to find employment in many areas. These  include: schools devoted to circus arts as recreational activity, municipal recreational facilities, day or vacation camps, or resorts that offer leisure activities. Instructors may also be called upon to animate after-school programs in educational facilities. Community and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which may also incorporate these arts as a form of social education, have occasion to call upon the services of circus arts instructors. Teacher training graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acknowledgment
The development of this online program was funded by the Québec Ministère de l'Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur and by the bilateral Canada-Quebec and the Protocol for agreements for minority-language education and second-language instruction.The School extends its gratitute to the Cirque du Soleil for its contribution on the Social Circus course as well as sharing videos and guides that come from the Basic Techniques in Circus Arts document developed in conjunction with the School.

Fall session 2021

Registrations are open!

REGISTER NOW

Deadline : September 26, 2021

Graduate Instructor Testimonials

"My time in Montreal was fantastic! When I brought the activities and skills that I learned in Montreal back to my school I noticed that there was 100% engagement in the activity." 
Andrew Woloshyn (Physical Educator, Alberta)

"Once the students feel they are in a safe environment and this can be attained, they are very easy to work with in an enjoyable environment."
Valerie Pratch (Physical Educator, British Columbia)

"I feel like I have better control over my classes, my leadership is stronger, student autonomy is developing, and my classes drain me less. I enjoy it more and take a lot more satisfaction from it now because of the skills I have developed over the last six months."
Lindsay Bellaire (Circus Coach, Ontario)