About Our Aerial Teacher Certification Prep Program

Safety is at the forefront of our teaching methodology at Refuge Aerial. We achieve this through ongoing education and certifications in our chosen disciplines. All of our teachers have undergone and achieved teaching certifications, most through the Circus Arts Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. Because of our history with and trust in the CAI program, we follow their framework for providing and overseeing teacher training, observation, and co-teaching hours in preparation for certification through CAI. Please understand that Refuge Aerial does not offer aerial teaching certifications.

 Program Requirements

Following the Circus Arts Institute requirements for assessment and certification, our teacher certification prep program provides private and supervised hours in the following required areas:

• 5 Hours - One-to-One, Out-of-Class Training Hours

• 5-10 Hours - Classroom Observation & Spotting

• 30-60 Hours - Coteaching

• 5 Hours - Supervised Teaching

*These are an average amount of hours generally needed for trainees. Some trainees may need more or less. 

CAI currently runs beginner teacher training several times a year. This is a 4-day virtual training that can include a teaching assessment and certification if the participant is ready and has the necessary hours. Once a teacher-in-training has completed both the Circus Arts Institute training and gained enough practice hours with a certified CAI supervisor at Refuge Aerial they can request to certify through CAI. Trainees have the option to participate in the Refuge Aerial Teacher Certification Prep Program either before or after taking the CAI 25 Classroom hours. Contact us to chat more about what option would work best for you. 

Learn more about the Circus Arts Institute

Aerial Teacher Training Program:

What To Expect

While all trainees are able to work on their hours on their own time, Refuge provides a structure for you to complete your hours in preparation for assessment and certification at the time of CAI’s training. In joining this semester of teacher certification prep with Refuge Aerial, you can expect the following:

• 16 hours of dedicated teacher certification preparation

  • These dedicated teacher training sessions cover the one-to-one/out-of-class hours, and several of the co-teaching and observation and spotting hours referenced above.

  • During these sessions, you will learn the techniques and vocabulary helpful for training beginner students through beginner progression skills. You will also learn various spotting techniques, how to cue appropriate muscle engagement, as well as skill risk assessment.

  • Each training will be hands-on, giving trainees the opportunity to demo and spot each other through various beginner skills. In a portion of the training hours, we will ask for student volunteers to join in order to provide trainees an opportunity to work with students prior to co-teaching in a live classroom.

  • If a student desires additional training hours, these can be scheduled once the initial 16 hours are complete.

• 5-10 hours of classroom observation and spotting and 30-60 hours of co-teaching

  • Once you’ve completed the initial sessions with Refuge, you can select weekly aerial classes to co-teach with our certified instructors. This will give you hands-on experience in a live classroom setting with new and experienced students. The certified instructor will give the teacher-in-training a quick debrief after the end of the class. The total number of hours needed before certification will vary depending on each individual’s level of prior experience, personal desire for practice, and also Refuge’s recommendation. 

• A community of encouragement, support, and empowerment.

  • Refuge Aerial’s mission is to be a safe space for anyone, somewhere everyone can build self-confidence and feel empowered. This includes our teachers. As aerial arts is an extreme sport, there are certain safety standards that must be upheld, but any critique or feedback to that end is given out of a desire to build up our instructors and their students, never to tear down. Our training program is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to feel confident in your teaching abilities, and our attitude towards this training - and our classes in general - is one of positivity, empowerment, and encouragement.

Dates and Pricing - TBD

16 Hours of Teacher Certification Preparation 

• This generally takes place over 8 weeks during 2-hour group sessions. A make-up day will be included.

• $400 one-time or $50 weekly, whichever option works best for you!

30-60 Hours of Co-Teaching

• Flexible and based on class times you choose to co-teach.

• No cost

Circus Arts Institute Aerial Teacher Training (Link to Program)

• *If there is not one upcoming, please contact us for alternative options.

• $760 early bird Special (paid in full 3 weeks prior to training) or $795 if paid after

• $325 Beginner Assessment (paid to CAI as an add-on) *

• Total: $1,085 (with early bird pricing)

  • We know this is a BIG commitment, and we want you to know we are committed to you and your success. If you complete teacher certification prep with Refuge Aerial and would like to teach with us after certifying with CAI, we will cover the Qualification and Beginner Assessment Fees associated with your certification. Please also feel free to discuss any additional financial concerns with us.

*If, after the Teacher Certification Prep Program with Refuge, you are not sure if you are ready to Assess for Certification, CAI does offer a  “Qualification session” to help you determine if you are ready for the Assessment for Certification. The fee for this is $100 per hour.

 Payment Options

One-Time, Up Front: $400

Weekly, Subscription Option: $50 Each Week, for 8 Weeks of Training ($400 total)