The ALSO Program is based on an adult learning model whereby participants prepare through advanced reading from the ALSO Syllabus and take responsibility for their own learning before and during a provider course.
Instructors, course directors and advisory faculty are expected to approach learners in a positive, constructive and respectful manner, and to have demonstrated these attributes during the training of new providers. The ALSO program requests and expects honest feedback to instructors regarding their effectiveness. The program reserves the right to remediate or terminate instructor status of individual faculty who do not model these attitudes and approaches.
A minimum of 50 percent of the faculty at each provider course must be instructor candidates or approved instructors.
Approved ALSO Instructor Requirements and Responsibilities
ALSO Instructors
Approved Instructor Requirements
An individual who wishes to achieve approved instructor status must:
- Be a licensed physician, certified nurse midwife or registered nurse.
- Achieve successful completion of the ALSO Instructor Course to gain designation as an “ALSO Instructor Candidate."
- Have his/her teaching performance observed and evaluated within one year by an advisory faculty member. If the evaluation does not occur within a year, the candidate's status reverts back to provider status. The advisory faculty member must complete and sign an Instructor Candidate Evaluation Form and submit it to the AAFP. Only then will a wallet card be issued designating the individual as an approved instructor.
Instructor Candidates and Approved Instructors Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the instructor candidates and the approved instructors include all of the following:
- Willingness and ability to assist the course director and advisory faculty in maintaining the consistency and integrity of the ALSO Program by ensuring the course adheres to all AAFP requirements for conducting a provider course.
- Willingness and ability to assist the advisory faculty member and course director in answering participants' questions regarding course content.
- Willingness and ability to function as effective team leaders, to exhibit good leadership skills, and to be able to convey a sense of order while role-playing in the workstations.
- Willingness and ability to remain on-site during the entire course.
Maintenance of ALSO-Approved Instructor Status
The ALSO Approved Instructor status may be maintained by teaching in three ALSO courses within a five year period of time. Valid teaching experiences include teaching in provider or instructor courses. Instructors must also maintain an active maternity care practice, either personally, or through the supervision of residents. As long as an approved instructor maintains active status, retaking the ALSO Provider Course is not necessary.
