Build Better Lessons: A Smarter Way to Create Progressions

Want to build better ski and snowboard lessons? This episode breaks down a smarter way to create progressions that actually work for your guests. In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with Scott McGee and Jake Crawford—co-authors of a 32 Degrees article—about how to move beyond the traditional “bag of tricks” approach to teaching. Instead of defaulting to preset drills, they introduce the SSCA framework (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied) as a way to focus on the movement you want to change and build lessons more intentionally. You’ll learn how to use micro vs. macro progressions, when to simplify or increase challenge, and how to let your guests’ performance guide your teaching decisions in real time. Whether you’re a newer instructor or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a clear, flexible approach to creating more effective, engaging lessons on snow. What You’ll Learn: How to use the SSCA framework (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied) The difference between micro and macro progressions Why the “bag of tricks” approach can hold instructors back How to choose drills based on movement, not habit When to simplify vs. increase challenge in a lesson How to stay student-centered and adapt in real time Resources: Learn more about PSIA-AASI: https://thesnowpros.org Membership + certification info: https://members.thesnowpros.org/register Online learning + CEUs: https://lms.thesnowpros.org About First Chair: The PSIA-AASI podcast for instructors looking to grow their teaching, technical, and people skills. 0:00 – Intro: From article to podcast 1:00 – How Scott & Jake collaborated (without meeting in person) 3:00 – What is SSCA? (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied) 5:30 – Micro vs. macro progressions explained 8:30 – Moving beyond the “bag of tricks” 11:00 – Using movement to guide drill selection 14:00 – Breaking down drills: static → simple → complex 18:30 – Teaching example: stork turns + movement focus 22:30 – Why applied phase is the best place to start MA 26:00 – Teaching to guest goals vs. instructor bias 30:00 – Flexibility in teaching (especially with kids) 34:00 – When to progress vs. when to simplify 38:00 – Engagement vs. mastery: finding the balance 42:00 – Skipping steps (and when it actually works) 46:00 – Simplifying teaching for newer instructors 50:00 – Final takeaways: adapt, observe, and stay student-centered