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Welcome to Episode 203 of the Salsa Kings LIVE podcast
We have been featured as #1 in “Top 10 Salsa Podcasts” on FeedSpot.
Intro
Welcome to Episode 203, “What Makes a Teacher?” I’m here with Andres and Rico. First, thank you. I say it a lot, but I’m really grateful. Almost a hundred episodes together, and it still feels fresh. Today we’re digging into a question that matters to all of us: what really makes a teacher? Not just someone who knows steps, or who talks, but someone who guides and inspires.
Key Points
- Teacher vs. Someone Who Teaches
I said it clear: there’s a difference between a real teacher and just a person who’s teaching. If you’re a teacher by nature, then you’re a good teacher. Otherwise, you’re just someone sharing moves or facts. Same with dancers: in Spanish, there’s bailador and bailarín—different words for different levels. - Professional or Hobby?
In salsa, anyone who knows a little more can call themselves a teacher. There’s no big certification system. That’s why we started Salsa Kings Instructor Certification. We want to raise the bar. Too many just treat it like a hobby, and that can hold students back. - What Makes a Good Teacher
For me, a good teacher has two big things:
- Knowledge – They know their craft.
- Inspiration – They make you like it more. They get you excited to learn.
- Knowledge – They know their craft.
- Different Styles of Teaching
Some teachers challenge you and make it a mission. Others make it fun and light. Both can work, but the key is connection. You can’t just dump info on students. A library gives info, but it’s not a teacher. A teacher connects human to human, on the soul level. - Wide and Deep
A strong teacher can go wide and deep. Wide means knowing lots of material. Deep means being able to explain one thing very well. But they can also simplify, cut out what isn’t needed, and make the important things clear. - Teaching Is About Students, Not Ego
Too many schools use levels and systems that confuse students. They think they’re getting better, but when they go out dancing, it doesn’t work. That’s the teacher’s fault. A real teacher guides students to their real goals—whether that’s social dancing, performing, or just having fun. - Good Teachers Promote Their Subject
A chemistry teacher should make you like chemistry. A salsa teacher should make you love salsa. It’s not about the teacher’s name. It’s about passing on passion for the subject. - Personal Story: Chemistry 101
I had a chemistry teacher at FIU who walked in late, told us none of us cared about chemistry, and gave us all the test answers. Sounds crazy, but he had us hooked. He showed us cool experiments and made it easy. I still remember his lessons today. That’s teaching. - Knowing the Student’s Journey
A teacher has to know what stage the student is in—past, present, and future. They should guide them like a parent, sometimes letting them make mistakes, but being ready to help when they’re open. - Coachability vs. Agreeability
A coachable student asks questions. Agreeable just nods yes. A teacher welcomes the tough questions and answers honestly, even when it stings. That’s how real growth happens.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, a teacher is more than knowledge. A teacher inspires, simplifies, and connects. They see the journey of the student and guide them toward their goals. The student also has a role—ask questions, stay focused, and know what you want.
I’ll close with this: when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. That’s true in salsa, in school, and in life. Keep asking questions. Keep seeking growth. And if the answer you get rubs you the wrong way, maybe that’s the truth you need.
Thank you for sticking with me through Episode 203. I’m grateful for you, for this platform, and for the chance to share. Until next time, keep dancing, keep learning, and keep asking.
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