Empowering TSPA Fargo Massage School Educators April 22, 2024

“Empowering Educators: Reflections from the 2024 ABMP School Forum”

Introduction: Hello, readers! Before delving into the enriching experience of the 2024 ABMP School Forum, let me introduce myself. I’m Kaitlyn Swartz, the massage program director and lead educator at TSPA Fargo. With five years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and nearly two years of teaching under my belt, I’m deeply committed to enhancing the educational journey of aspiring massage therapists. Joining me at the forum was Angela (LMT), an esteemed colleague and a certified athletic trainer, who brings her expertise to our program by teaching the science portion and advanced massage techniques. Together, we embarked on this transformative journey at the ABMP School Forum, eager to gather insights that would enrich our teaching practices and elevate our program.

At TSPA Fargo, we take pride in offering a unique and advanced massage therapy program that goes beyond the basics. By attending events like the ABMP School Forum, we ensure that our educators stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. This commitment to continuous learning and professional development enables us to provide our students with a comprehensive and cutting-edge education that prepares them for success in the ever-evolving field of massage therapy.

Day One Highlights: The forum kicked off with a captivating keynote address by Eric Stephenson, where he not only urged us to reinvent ourselves, our schools, and the profession but also emphasized the importance of showing up for our students no matter what. Stephenson’s message resonated deeply, reminding us of our responsibility to instill this ethic in our students and create an atmosphere of trust in our classrooms. We were inspired to embrace change and pursue excellence in our practices, all while prioritizing the well-being and growth of our students.

Following this, Cal Cates and Kerry Jordan led an illuminating session on implicit bias in the classroom. They reminded us that implicit bias isn’t inherently bad; rather, it’s important for us to acknowledge the biases we may have and explore ways to overcome them. Their insights prompted thoughtful reflection on our own biases and how they may impact our interactions with students. Through open dialogue and self-awareness, we were empowered to create more equitable learning environments.

Kristin Coverly and Taffie Lewis then captivated our attention with their presentation on full spectrum marketing for massage programs, offering valuable insights into effective promotional strategies. The day concluded with a wealth of knowledge that left us energized and eager for more.

Day Two Highlights: The second day commenced with a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Les Sweeney, Debra Persinger, and Dawn Hogue on crucial conversations in legislative matters. We gained a deeper understanding of the policy landscape shaping our profession and the importance of advocacy.

During the panel discussion, there was significant discourse surrounding legislative changes, particularly regarding hour requirements for trade schools. With new laws set to go into effect in July, the Department of Education is poised to implement reforms that may impact massage therapy education programs. These changes underscored the importance of staying informed and actively engaging in advocacy efforts to ensure that the interests of both educators and students are represented.

Following the panel discussion, Amanda Baskwill presented on the exploration of artificial intelligence in massage and bodywork education. Not only did she delve into the theoretical aspects, but she also provided practical insights into how massage educators can leverage AI in the classroom. From personalized learning experiences to automated assessment tools, the possibilities presented by AI are vast and promising for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.

The un-session provided a unique opportunity for collaborative dialogue on pressing classroom issues. Participants engaged in discussions on several topics, including:

• Supporting neurodivergent students in the classroom: Strategies for creating inclusive learning environments and adapting teaching methods to meet diverse student needs.
• Helping students with anxiety: Techniques for addressing student anxiety and promoting mental well-being in the classroom.
• Introducing technology and hybrid learning: Exploring effective ways to integrate technology into massage therapy education and navigate the transition to hybrid learning models.
• Hiring and training new educators: Best practices for recruiting, onboarding, and supporting new educators to ensure the continuity and quality of massage therapy education.
• Turning alumni into staff: Strategies for fostering alumni engagement and leveraging their expertise to enrich the educational experience for current students.

The un-session fostered collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing, empowering participants to address challenges and explore innovative solutions in massage therapy education.

Conclusion: As we bid farewell to the 2024 ABMP School Forum, Angela and I left with hearts full of inspiration and minds brimming with new ideas. The knowledge gained and connections forged will undoubtedly fuel our journey as educators, empowering us to nurture the next generation of massage therapists. Additionally, our shared experience at the forum has deepened our understanding and strengthened the bond between us. This closer connection will not only benefit our present students but also shape our approach to teaching and mentoring future generations. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this transformative experience and look forward to applying these insights, both individually and collaboratively, in our classrooms.

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