The 5 Elements of inspirational Snowsports Instruction

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas (LIII Alpine) catches up with Pete Allison, Associate Professor at Penn State University and Josh Pighetti, Ph.D candidate researching how to be inspirational in your teaching regarding snowsports instruction and PSIA-AASI. Pete talks about where this research topic came from – the 2021 PSIA-AASI National Team tryouts – and how PSIA-AASI can work towards every instructor being inspirational. Josh goes on to explain the 5 main themes of his research and how they relate to the Learning Connection Model (LCM). This is an extraordinary episode with a lot of great information and ideas – take the time to listen to it in its entirety. Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

EPISODE 728 | Being Inspirational in Your Teaching – Research by Ph.D. Candidate Josh Pighetti

In Episode 755 of the First Chair Podcast, George Thomas talks with Dr. Josh Pighetti about the first two of the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Technical Expertise and Instructional Communication. These insights come from Josh’s doctoral research and offer practical tools for creating more impactful, student-centered lessons have powerful implications for instructors at all levels.

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 and emerging leaders like Sierra are helping shape the future of snowsports education. 

Listen to the next episode to continue the dive into Inspirational Instruction. To learn more about this collaboration, head to thesnowpros.org. 

Episode 755 | The Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction — Part 1 w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti

In Episode 756 of the First Chair Podcast, George Thomas continues the conversation with Dr. Josh Pighetti to explore the remaining three of the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Masterful Teaching, Personal and Professional Character, and the Student-Centered Approach. These principles—rooted in Josh’s doctoral research—offer actionable strategies to create meaningful, engaging lessons that put students at the heart of the learning experience.

This conversation is part of PSIA-AASI’s ongoing partnership with Penn State University, which supports instructors through access to online snowsports courses, certification-aligned academic programs, and advanced degrees. Leaders like Josh are helping shape a more inspired and research-driven future for snowsports education.

Catch up on Part 1 if you missed it, and visit thesnowpros.org to learn more about this exciting collaboration.

Episode 756 | The Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction — Part 2 w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti

In the final episode of this three-part series, host George Thomas is joined by Dr. Josh Pighetti and PSIA-AASI National Team members Matt Larson and Zoe Mavis for a deep dive into the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Technical Expertise, Instructional Communication, Masterful Teaching, Professional Character, and a Student-Centered Approach.

To hear more on Josh's keynote from National Academy 2024: copy and paste this link -https://www.youtube.com/live/dv3pdRhGimI. 

Together, they explore how inspirational instructors blend strong technical skills with empathy, creativity, and adaptability to meet students where they are. Zoe and Matt share real-world stories about modifying their delivery while staying true to themselves and how those small shifts lead to stronger student relationships and more meaningful learning moments. They also talk about building shared language, navigating tricky dynamics (like parent involvement), and helping students feel like they truly belong in the snowsports community.

Whether you're a first-year instructor or a seasoned trainer, this conversation offers thoughtful insights, practical tools, and plenty of inspiration for connecting more deeply with your students — and with the sport you love. Learn more about this research and the collaboration between Pennsylvania State University and PSIA-AASI by heading to thesnowpros.org. 

Episode 757 | The 5 Elements of Inspirational Instruction  - Part 3 - w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti

The First Chair Podcast brings you inspirational stories and educational tips from the country's best ski, snowboard, Nordic, and adaptive instructors. 

More than 34,000 individuals belong to PSIA-AASI (Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors), making it the world’s largest organization dedicated to snowsports. We are lifelong learners committed to changing lives through great experiences on snow. 

Connect with us to learn more: 
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YouTube: @thesnowpros

The 5 Elements of inspirational Snowsports Instruction

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast