Pre-certification education targets people entering the tennis-teaching profession and those preparing for USPTA certification. USPTA's educational resources include, but are not limited to, professional tennis management programs, allied group events, educational publications, videos, local, district and divisional meetings, USPTA Coaches Workshops, Tennis Teachers Courses, Certification Training Courses, specialty courses, divisional conventions and USPTA's World Conference on Tennis. Future resources will include Internet and CD-ROM distance learning opportunities.

Post-certification education is made up of general, continuing and advanced education. General education is the core curriculum that every tennis-teaching professional should have as a foundation. Continuing education is the program through which USPTA delivers cutting-edge technology and information on an ongoing basis to all certified members. This module specifically provides education to members who wish to advance within their profession. Approximately 300 days of instruction are offered annually through activities that are generated directly by USPTA as well as certain approved activities generated by external resources, such as allied associations and other groups. The advanced education curriculum allows tennis professionals to concentrate on specific areas of interest and reach the highest levels of education within those areas.

Today’s tennis teachers are expected to be accomplished at a broad range of tasks including lesson program development, activity and program direction, pro shop management, facility and court maintenance, human relations and business skills. Those who choose to specialize must demonstrate even more knowledge and proficiency in one or more of these areas.

USPTA’s Career Development Program allows members to accomplish several goals, the two most important of which are:

1. Become qualified and competent teaching professionals
2. Set high standards for the entire profession

Once these goals are met, teaching professionals will be able to attain two career-enhancing objectives. These include:

• Security – More career options, long-term employment and increased salaries
• Image – Recognition of USPTA Professionals as the most comprehensively qualified in the world and communicated through an extensive public relations campaign

In order for members to seriously commit to any program, there must be a clear reason for them to participate. What more positive reason is there than becoming the most educated tennis-teaching professionals in the job market? This translates into more opportunities and better jobs for those who are truly qualified. Participation in a comprehensive career development program not only results in job security, but also will improve the image of the tennis-teaching profession and individual USPTA members. It allows USPTA to establish its membership as the industry’s true tennis specialists.

Back