Expectations of Instructors
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Prepare thoroughly. Study the course content you are going to teach.
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Establish a collaborative and constructive classroom environment.
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Communicate expectations.
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Encourage student engagement.
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Respect student diversity in backgrounds, talent, experience, and learning style.
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Professionally represent your instructor cadre, your home unit, and your agency.
Minimum Instructor Qualifications
Minimum Instructor Qualifications Requirements have been established for instructors for RT-130. These requirements will ensure that an appropriate level of expertise and knowledge is available to facilitate refresher training exercises and discussions.
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Lead instructor must be a qualified single resource boss.
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Unit instructors must be qualified firefighters type 1 (FFT1).
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Adjunct instructors may be utilized to provide limited instruction in specialized knowledge and skills at the discretion of the lead instructor. They must be experienced, proficient and knowledgeable of current issues in their field of expertise.
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All instructors will need the knowledge and skills to utilize current educational technology as it relates to Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (RT-130) content, such as video streaming, downloading interactive videos, and use of mobile applications and devices.
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Instructors must be prepared to facilitate a quality refresher that engages all students regardless of ICS qualification or experience level.
See Instructor Standards Section for more information.
Recommended Class Size
Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.
Cadre Meetings
Conduct initial, pre-course, and close-out instructor cadre meetings. These provide opportunities to plan, organize, preview materials, review training and exercises, and identify and address concerns and issues. Consider using an informal After Action Review process. Instructor cadre meetings are critical for instructors who do not have previous experience with the course. Additional information is located in the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1.
Course Materials
This is a list of equipment and materials that you will need to facilitate a RT-130. If there are additional items needed, that will be in the Module Tools section below the videos you choose.
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Desktop computer, laptop, or tablet with Internet with connection to YouTube, or
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Ability to download modules from WFSTAR website
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Ability to play media files
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Large screen or projection device for classroom visibility
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Flip chart(s) or dry erase board with markers
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Facilitator Guide available within Module Resources on the module page
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Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 for each student
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Sign-in sheet/training documentation form
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Optional: New Generation Fire Shelter video, NFES #2711
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Optional: The New Generation Fire Shelter booklet, NFES #2710
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Optional: Materials for games which may be utilized to enhance refresher
Course Evaluations
Use the NWCG Course Evaluation Feedback form to collect information critical to future training improvements.
Students and cadre members are asked to contribute course evaluations. Input is welcome on all aspects of the training course, including course content, pre-course work, reference materials, quality of instruction, delivery methods, and testing procedures.