How to Become an IOA Course Instructor

Volunteer to share your skills and expertise with colleagues.

IOA is committed to developing and offering courses that provide the skills and education needed to serve the membership and those in the field of conflict resolution. 

The Professional Development Committee (PDC) is tasked with identifying qualified instructors who are willing to volunteer their time to teach new ombudsman in both Foundations and Core courses throughout each year.  The good news is the course curriculum is already complete—all you need to do is deliver it!  Due to the importance of these courses and extensive content involved a high level of expertise is required. Individuals must meet the following criteria in order to apply for an instructor’s position.

All interested parties are encouraged to apply. IOA strives to have a diverse and representative corps of instructors. At this time, we are in particular need of instructors who identify as people of color and/or members of underrepresented groups; who work or have worked as ombuds outside the academic sector; and who work or have worked as ombuds outside the United States.

All Instructors Must Meet the Following Requirements:

  • Be a current IOA member
  • Have completed the Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice Course
  • Be currently practicing as an organizational ombuds
  • 2+ years of experience as a full-time ombuds
  • 4+ years of experience in the subject matter
  • 5+ years of teaching experience

Learn More About Our Instructor Options:

Become a Foundations for Organizational Ombudsman Instructor

Those with an interest in becoming an instructor for the Foundations Course and meet the criteria should complete the Foundations Instructor Candidate Questionaire.

Foundations Candidate Questionnaire

Selection Process:

  1. Once the questionnaire is submitted candidates will be contacted for further discussion and additional information will be provided. 
  2. Selected candidates will be invited to assist in teaching a course alongside an experienced team of instructors, as part of the qualifying process.
  3. Once a candidate has successfully completed a test-teach and has been recommended to join the instructor team, they will be invited to join the Foundations Instructor Team to teach future courses. 

Please Note: Candidates that are not selected may apply again after one year. Verification that actions have been taken to improve previously identified concerns will be requested.

Foundation Instructor Teams:

  • Foundations classes are taught by a team of three instructors. In order to provide each class with a well-rounded perspective, efforts are made to ensure teams are formed with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Language is a key consideration when forming Instructor Teams who will be teaching in non-US locations. Instructors from the host country will be used to the greatest extent possible.

Become a Core Course Instructors

Those with an interest in teaching a core course and meet the criteria should complete the Core Course Instructor Candidate Questionaire. Once the questionnaire is submitted candidates will be contacted for further discussion and additional information will be provided. If a candidate is selected to move forward, they will have an opportunity to observe the course being taught by a qualified instructor.

Core Course Candidate Questionnaire

We Are Currently in Search of Instructors for the Following Core Courses:

Volunteer Instructor Compensation

IOA members and supporters benefit when colleagues share their skills and expertise by volunteering as an instructor for PDC-sponsored courses. To show our gratitude we offer in-kind compensation. The compensation policy applies to volunteer instructors who teach a course on behalf of the Professional Development Committee that is three hours or longer. 

View Instructor Compensation Policy