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Head Instructor Jobs in Saranac, MI (NOW HIRING)

Head Instructor information

See Saranac, MI salary details

$11

$21

$33

How much do head instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for head instructor in Saranac, MI is $21.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head instructor do?

A Head Instructor is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and delivery of educational or training programs within an organization or institution. They supervise other instructors, develop curriculum, ensure teaching standards are met, and often teach advanced classes themselves. Additionally, Head Instructors may be involved in evaluating student progress, mentoring staff, and addressing any issues that arise within their team. Their leadership ensures that the learning environment is effective and that educational objectives are achieved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Instructor, you need extensive subject matter expertise, teaching experience, and relevant educational credentials, often including advanced degrees or certifications in your field. Familiarity with curriculum development tools, learning management systems (LMS), and assessment software is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and the ability to mentor others are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective instruction, foster team development, and maintain high educational standards within an institution.

What are some common challenges faced by a head instructor and how can they be addressed?

Head Instructors often face the challenge of balancing administrative duties with hands-on teaching. Managing a diverse team of instructors, addressing student needs, and updating curriculum to meet industry standards can be demanding. Effective time management, clear communication, and staying current with best practices are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with staff and seeking regular feedback from both students and instructors can also enhance program quality and team morale.

What is the difference between Head Instructor vs Assistant Instructor?

AspectHead InstructorAssistant Instructor
Required CredentialsCertifications in teaching, leadership experienceBasic teaching certifications, training
Work EnvironmentLeads classes, manages curriculum, supervises staffSupports lead instructor, assists with classes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in education, martial arts, fitnessCommon in similar settings, supporting roles
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for leadership roles, advanced responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level support roles

The main difference between a Head Instructor and an Assistant Instructor lies in their responsibilities and experience. The Head Instructor leads classes, manages curriculum, and supervises staff, requiring more certifications and leadership skills. The Assistant Instructor supports the lead, assists with classes, and typically has fewer certifications. Both roles are common in educational, fitness, and martial arts industries, but the Head Instructor holds a more senior, leadership position.

What are the responsibilities of a Head Instructor?

A Head Instructor is responsible for overseeing training sessions, developing lesson plans, mentoring instructors, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and maintaining a positive learning environment. They often evaluate instructor performance, coordinate schedules, and may hold certifications relevant to their field. Strong leadership, communication skills, and subject matter expertise are essential for this role.

What cities near Saranac, MI are hiring for Head Instructor jobs?

Cities near Saranac, MI with the most Head Instructor job openings:

Swim Instructor Full Time

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site


Goldfish Swim School
Fitness and Sports Centers • 11 - 50 employees

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 275 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 224 rated education and training

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Responsive recruiter
Smile... it's a small action that makes a big difference!
We have a mission to teach kids how to swim and be safer, in and around the water, while making their experience GOLDEN! We desire to maintain a "get it" mentality, a "want it" attitude, and the "capacity" to learn and grow professionally and personally. That is "why" we smile!
Goldfish Swim School Core Values:
• We go above and beyond with every detail to create a GOLDEN EXPERIENCE!
• We believe in nurturing a culture that provides WOW! CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• We do the right things, make the right decisions and treat people with INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, and TRUST.
• We meet and exceed expectations, so you see EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS.
• We make a big deal about life's accomplishments by remembering to CELEBRATE!
Our team is growing, and we are looking for team players who are enthusiastic, have a can-do perspective, and enjoy working with kids. We provide paid on-the-job training, flexible scheduling, a rewarding work environment, and a one-of-a-kind culture that will make you smile too!
Role: Swim Instructor
Summary: Instructs students on water safety and proper swim techniques based on thorough knowledge of the Goldfish Swim School curriculum.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Provides swim instruction based on the Goldfish Swim School curriculum
• Enforces safety rules and regulations to prevent accidents; rescues and administers first aid when necessary
• Inspects pool areas before and after each class for possible maintenance, cleanliness or damage issues
• Evaluates students' progress and completes paperwork timely
• Advances through cross-training in multiple roles and substitutes when necessary
• Acts as a GSS "ambassador" to provide a Golden Experience to our students, families, and team members
Job Qualifications and Skills
• Ability to work with children
• Prior related leadership and teaching experience is preferred (supervisory roles)
• Problem solver and creative thinking skills to identify and resolve challenges that students encounter
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Must pass background examinations prior to training
Safety Standards:
The safety of our swimmers, parents and team members is of the utmost importance. Goldfish Swim School follows all CDC and WHO safety standards along with following any local guidelines. In addition here are some additional safety precautions and procedures we follow:
• Every shift has an on-staff cleaner to sanitize high touch areas in our lobby and pool areas
• Our pools are disinfected with chlorine to provide the safest swimming environment
• Our state-of-the-art ventilation system allows fresh air to continuously circulate into our building, further minimizing the spread of any airborne virus
If you, or someone you know, desires to work for a place where you can make a difference, explore, apply and then join us.
Goldfish Swim School - Grand Rapids is a learn-to-swim facility for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. Our proven confidence-building curriculum promotes a love of swimming and teaches children to be safer in and around the water. For additional information see http://www.goldfishswimschool.com.
NOTE: The information within this posting is not all-inclusive and may be subject to change. Goldfish Swim School - Grand Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Tropical Vibes & Impacting Lives!
You feel it the moment you walk in. There's more than vibrant colors, a tropical theme and happy children. There's something different, something extraordinary. Something truly GOLDEN. It's passionNot just a passion for kids or a passion for swimming...it's a special passion for changing - even saving - lives, by being a part of kids learning to swim.
When you work at Goldfish, you're not just an employee. You're a part of something bigger. You're making an impact; a splash in the lives of the children in your community. You're an integral part of a team, working together to move forward a mission. You're also making waves in your future, learning life lessons in and out of the pool through mentorship, leadership and passion. At Goldfish, it's more than a job - it's an endless pool of possibilities, opportunities and life-changing moments!
Making Waves with Passion, Purpose & Core Values!
At Goldfish, our core values are at the heart of everything we do, and behind every decision that we make. To us, these values are more than just words - they're embraced with purpose in our everyday lives, and what allows us to make a splash in our community, and in the lives of our members and our team!
We go above and beyond with every detail to create a GOLDEN Experience!
We believe in nurturing a culture that provides WOW! Customer Service
We do the right things, make the right decisions and treat people with Integrity • Compassion • Trust
We meet and exceed expectations so you see Extraordinary Results
We make a big deal about life's accomplishments by remembering to Celebrate!
Each Goldfish Swim School is an independently owned and operated franchise. The respective Franchisee is the employer at each Goldfish Swim School location. Each franchisee can set their own wages, benefit programs and terms and conditions of employment, which may vary at each Goldfish Swim School location.


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