Joanna Abaraoha Swim Lessons
About
I have been swimming since the age of 5 and swam on a competitive swim team for over 6 years beginning at age of 8. I began teaching swim lessons five years ago and volunteered as an assistant swim coach for my local swim club. I have taught swim lessons at two different community centers. I am a lifeguard, certified in CPR, First Aid and Oxygen. I am also a certified Y Instructor. I am extremely flexible having taught children as young as 3 years old, teens and adults.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before getting in the water I discuss my student's goals. I like to talk to the students and parents about what they would like to get out of the lessons. Then I perform a preliminary swim assessment to find a good starting point for instruction.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began taking swim lessons at the age of 4. I joined my local swim team at the age of 8 swimming during both the summer and winter season. At the age of 14, I began volunteering at a community center as an assistant swim coach. I became a certified lifeguard at the age of 15 and a swim instructor at the age of 16. I have experience teaching child and adults of all levels. I also have coaching experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard pricing for lessons is $40 for private lessons, $50 for semi-private lessons (2-3 people) and coaching sessions starting at $60. I offer 30 minute long lessons for children ages 5 and under and 45 minute long lessons for older children and adults. Coaching sessions are typically 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching by volunteering at the pool at my local community center. This was also the place where I grew up swimming. Due to the relationship I had with my former instructor, the Aquatics Director, my duties as a volunteer included coming up with new workouts for the swim team based on my own experience.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children as young as 3 years old and adults as old as 50. I also have some experience teaching children on the autism spectrum and those whose first language is not English.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have been teaching a little girl on and off for about 2 years now starting from when she was only 4 years old. She used to be so afraid of the water I would carry her in the pool while she cried for 30 minutes straight. She has improved greatly and asked her grandmother to come watch her swim. That day, I started the lesson by telling her to jump in the pool, thread for 30 seconds, swim 25 yards of freestyle and 25 yards of backstroke. The grandmother had was in disbelief as the last time she came to the pool, the little girl was too afraid to even jump in.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals? Why do you want to learn how to swim? What exactly are you hoping to gain from me?