Each CodyNick instructor certificate level has it’s own scope. Teaching courses not within one’s scope is not permitted, and may lead to diciplinary action by CodyNick.
You can see the current scope of all CodyNick instructor certificates below.
Definitions:
- “IND”: May teach this course independently and be the primary instructor.
- “SUP”: May only teach this course under supervision of a person who has a certificate allowing them to teach the course independently (see criteria below)
- “N”: Not permitted to teach this course, with or without supervision, unless being shadowed by a certified instructor acting within their scope (see criteria below)
| / | Full (ALL) | Beginner only | Assistant | Uncertified persons |
| Pre-CodyNick Beginner Curriculums | IND | IND | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Beginner: DISCOVER | IND | IND | IND | SUP |
| CodyNick Beginner: DEVELOP | IND | IND | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Beginner: EXPLORE | IND | IND | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Beginner: CREATE | IND | IND | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Beginner: BUILD | IND | IND | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Beginner: DESIGN | IND | IND | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Intermediate: INNOVATE | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Intermediate: COMBINE | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Intermediate: CONTROL | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Intermediate: PROGRAM | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Intermediate: ENHANCE | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Intermediate: CONSTRUCT | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Advanced: ELEVATE | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Advanced: PIONEER | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Advanced: DEVELOP | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Advanced: ENGINEER | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Advanced: PERFECT | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Advanced: MASTRY | IND | SUP | SUP | N |
| Special Events and Competitions | IND | SUP* | SUP | N |
| CodyNick Instructor: Assistant | IND** | IND** | N | N |
| CodyNick Instructor: Beginner Only | IND** | IND** | N | N |
| CodyNick Instructor: Full (All) | IND** | N | N | N |
| ToT Endorsement*** | N | N | N | N |
*If the competition or special event only covers content at the CodyNick Beginner level, a Beginner Only instructor may conduct it independently. However, this is not recommended as students even in lower levels may require mentoring at a level outside of a Beginner Only instructor’s training.
**Valid ToT Endorsement or supervision by a person with one is required in addition to valid instructor certificate.
***May only be taught by CodyNick Staff or with CNIF+ToT+Special Accreditation.
What does “Supervision” Mean in the context of CodyNick Instruction?
As a CodyNick Instructor, you can teach courses that are out of your level of training if you are working under the supervision of a qualified instructor, as outlined in the table above. All certified CodyNick Instructors have at least one level at which they can teach independently and supervise others in, along with levels which they need supervision to teach (other than CNIF+ToT Instructors). so it is essencial for all instructors to know the expectations of CodyNick in such arrangements.
These arrangements help ensure effective classroom management and proper learning standards, while providing flexibility to instructors and facilities.
Criteria for Supervision:
- One primary instructor at the Beginner-Only or Full level can supervise a maximum of 3 classes and 6 instructors requiring supervision at a time (in any combination), however, they are only expected to be comfortable with supervising one class and two instructors at a time. Assistant instructors teaching CodyNick Beginner: DISCOVER are expected and allowed to supervise a maximum of one uncertified person at a time. Supervising instructors should consider their own level of comfort and experience, as well as that of their supervised instructors to decide this ratio for themselves.
- Except for CodyNick Beginner: DISCOVER, persons without CodyNick Instructor certification (or where the table of scopes indicates an “N” for their level of training and the level of the course) should not be allowed to participate in any instructional activities unless they are being “shadowed” by a trained instructor (who is under the supervision of a supervising instructor if needed). “Shadowed” means that the instructor shadowing the person must be close enough to clearly see and hear them at all times (ideally within 2 meters), and must be available for immediate assistance. Uncertified persons present in the classroom that are not engaging in instructional activities (e.g., observers or other staff members) do not need supervision or shadowing, but should not be left alone in the classroom. Each trained instructor may shadow only one uncertified person at a time. Primary instructors actively shadowing untrained persons are restricted to supervising only 1 classroom and 2 supervised instructors at a time.
- In classrooms that are remote or have students with documented or suspected medical conditions requiring instructor/staff attention, at least one person with a level of first aid training equivelant or higher to the primary instructor’s minimum required training AND knowledge of the medical condition (if any) must be present at all times. This can be the primary instructor themself, a designated first aid attendant, other instructors or personnel on-site, or the instructor needing supervision themself if they have the required training.
- The primary instructor must oversee and approve all short-term and long-term lesson plans and activities, especially if they diverge from typical activites at the given level (e.g., new projects). Furtheremore, they must actively communicate with supervised instructor and always have an overall sense of how the class is going.
- In courses with certifications and evaluations, the primary instructor is the sole decision-maker. However, they are encouraged to ask for input from the supervised instructor, especially if they have not been actively present in the classroom.
- While the primary instructor does not need to watch the supervised instructor directly at all times, it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure that the class is safe, engaged, and moving forward when the supervised instructor is teaching.
- If a primary instructor leaves the supervised instructor in charge of a class alone (or with other instructors requiring supervision) by becoming unavailable for providing assistance within 5 minutes of it being requested by the supervised instructor (e.g., going early or taking a sick day), they must ensure that the supervised instructor has all the required materials and equipment needed, understands their role as the lead instructor, and is ready, proficient, and comfortable enough to lead the class smoothly and safely. The supervised instructor should not be expected to be comfortable leading the class on their own, nor should they be punished for declaring this. If the supervised instructors is not ready or comfortable with taking charge of the classroom (either by declaring this or given the primary instructor’s opinion), a substitute supervising instructor must supervise them instead.
- Other than in cases that the primary instructor is not available in a timely manner (see above paragraph) and/or an immediate danger of physical harm exists, the supervised instructor is not allowed to take any diciplinary action such as removing or expelling a student from the classroom or contacing parents/guardians without the primary instructor’s approval.
Summary of Supervision rules:
| Privilage | Primary or Supervising Instructor (IND) | Supervised Instructor (SUP) | Unauthorized (N) persons and instructors |
| Teaching | No restrictions | Under supervision | When being shadowed |
| Taking charge of the classroom | No restrictions | Only with primary instructor approval and if first aid requirements are met | Not allowed under any circumstances |
| Lesson planning | No restrictions | Under primary instructor guidance | Not allowed under any circumstances |
| Evaluating | No restrictions | May advise primary instructor | Not allowed |
| Taking diciplinary action | No restrictions | Only if in charge of classroom and/or if immediate danger exists | Not allowed under any circumstances |
Pre-requisits for CodyNick Instructor Courses
Note that instructors that are under the minimum regulatory age for working in their jurisdiction must comply with any regulatory requirements (such as only volunteering or obtaining parental consent, etc.) to be considered working within the scope of their certificates.
CodyNick Instructor: Assistant
At least 14 Years of age.
(Recommended) At least 15 years of age.
(Recommended) CodyNick Beginner: DISCOVER (co-teaching or participation as a student)
(Recommended) A First Aid certification of any kind.
CodyNick Instructor: Beginner Only
The following criteria:
- At least 15 Years of age, or at least 14 years of age and either:
- CodyNick Instructor: Assistant, or
- CodyNick Beginner: DESIGN or higher (successful completion and official certificate required)
Certification in First Aid (Unless granted an exemption – any kind including online courses, but courses with at least 8 hours of instruction and an in-person portion are recommended). May be used even if expired.
(Recommended) At least 16 years of age.
(Recommended) CodyNick Instructor: Assistant
(Recommended) Experience co-teaching 2-3 CodyNick Beginner Courses (if holding assistant certificate) and/or general teaching, instructing, or coaching experience.
CodyNick Instructor: Full (All)
The following criteria:
- At least 17 Years of age, or at least 15 years of age and:
- CodyNick Instructor: Assistant certificate held for at least 360 days, or
- CodyNick Instructor: Beginner Only certificate held for at least 180 days, or
- Any CodyNick Instructor certificate with documentation of at least 10 hours of teaching experience (supervised or unsupervised but within the correct scope), or
- CodyNick Advanced: MASTERY (successful completion and official certificate required)
Comperhensive First Aid Certification (Unless granted an exemption). Must be from a course that is at least 16 hours long and includes CPR/C (or equivelant) training. Must be unexpired at the time of certification. Some examples may include:
- Occupational First Aid Certifications or equivelant (highly recommended)
- First Aid Courses Provided by organizations such as Red Cross (make sure the course is at least 16 hours long)
- Vocational Certifications in related fields, such as Lifeguard or Firefighter training (as long as they meet the criteria at CodyNick’s sole discresion)
- Other certifications requiring similar First Aid certifications (e.g., teaching or childcare worker licenses in some jurisdictions)
- EMR, Paramedic, Nursing, or Medical Credentials.
(Recommended) Any other CodyNick Instructor Certificate
(Recommended) 2-3 Months experience co-teaching Intermediate and/or Advanced CodyNick Courses (if holding certificate) or participation in such courses as an student or observer.
(Recommended) Prior experience with teaching/instruction, coding, robotics, and electronics.
Instructor Renewal (Any level)
CodyNick Instructor certificate at the renewal course level or above. Must be valid or expired less than 3 years prior to renewal course end date.
If renewing a Full certificate, a current First Aid credential meeting the original criteria (see above).
(Recommended) Teaching Experience within the last year.
ToT Endorsement (Trainer of Teachers) and Renewal
CodyNick Instructor: Full (All) or CodyNick Instructor: Beginner Only. Must be issued within the last 12 months. Must have held a certificate at one of the said levels for at least 6 months (Unless exempted).
(Recommended) First Aid Certification at the level required for CodyNick Instructor: Full (All)
(Recommended) 4-6 Months experience teaching at the instructor level you intend to teach.
(Recommended) Prior experience with ToT Training.
