Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-12.24 - Mentor and certified instructor responsibilities and requirements

(1) A mentor or certified instructor has the following responsibilities:

a. To follow all administrative rules and applicable policies and procedures as set forth by the department for the specified education program.

b. To assist in the recruitment of additional instructors and mentors.

c. To recruit and train students or mentees.

d. To actively promote and publicize the education courses and mentorship opportunities. A course must be posted at least 30 days prior to the start date.

e. To maintain order and discipline in the learning environment at all times.

f. To accurately and completely fill out forms and reports within the online event and instructor management system, or on paper forms if applicable.

g. To teach the education course or perform the mentorship role as prescribed by the department.

(2) A certified instructor must teach a minimum of one course every two years. If this requirement is not met, the instructor's certification may be revoked after notification by certified mail. If an instructor's certification is revoked due to inactivity, the instructor may reapply pursuant to rule 571-12.22 (321G,321I,462A,483A). Based upon the period of inactivity, some of the requirements in rule 571-12.23 (321G,321I,462A,483A) may be waived by the program coordinator or outdoor skills specialist.

(3) A certified hunter, bow hunter, or fur harvester education instructor must attend one continuing education instructor workshop every two years. A certified ATV, boating, snowmobile, or snow groomer operator education instructor must attend one continuing education workshop every three years.

(4) A certified instructor or mentor shall represent the department in a professional and positive manner that supports the department's goals and mission. The certified instructor or mentor shall avoid even the appearance of impropriety while instructing or mentoring students.

(5) A certified instructor must teach the education course with another adult present unless prior approval is obtained from the department. It is the department's preference that the certified instructor is assisted by another certified instructor. A noncertified assistant over 18 years of age may assist and must meet the same standards and expectations for character and behavior as the department has for its instructors and mentors. The certified instructor is responsible for the conduct of the noncertified assistant. The certified instructor is subject to suspension or revocation of certification based upon the actions of the noncertified assistant. A parent or legal guardian of a student in the class who is present as a direct result of the student's participation is not eligible to assist with the class.

This subrule does not apply to a conservation officer or any other department representative who is teaching an education course alone.

(6) A certified instructor shall not use private residences for classes and shall limit instruction to public buildings or facilities unless a private, nonresidence venue is approved beforehand by the program coordinator or outdoor skills specialist.

(7) All recreation education courses shall be made available to the public except for special circumstances that are preapproved by the department, such as courses being held in conjunction with schools, camps, and other special events.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-12.24

ARC 8816B, lAB 6/2/10, effective 7/7/10 Adopted by IAB May 1, 2024/Volume XLVI, Number 22, effective 6/5/2024