“When you remember a good teacher you think … They taught me what I know today. But when you think of a great teacher you think … They made me who I am today.”
If you understand the dynamic effect a positive teacher can have on a child’s self belief and outlook … then you will understand our single minded obsession to find teachers who are not just great … but teachers who love learning and who get a thrill in seeing their students (big or small) empowered by the confidence that learning brings.
Kids in Motion is now in its 20th year and it has been a long, consistent, enduring search for outstanding trainers to join us on our journey. The question still eludes me …. Why are they so hard to find? What motivates some teachers to continually improve on their practice, while others are content to keep running the same playbook?
At Kids in Motion we are only interested in employing teachers who can self-reflect and self-motivate. It is for that very reason, that we require our trainers to be interested in studying the complexity of both the subject they are teaching and studying more about the craft of teaching itself. A great teacher really never stops learning on their students’ behalf and it is this curiosity that drives them to improve the art of teaching. I expect us to deliver the best kids activity in Melbourne so I am only looking to keep great teachers with me.
We also require our trainers to have a nurturing character. Without this natural empathy for kids, their heart isn’t in the right place and the warmth of their language will always be missing. We believe … “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care!”
And finally … a great teacher (to young children especially) needs to be playfully entertaining in their manner or character, words or humour or all of these things combined.
With the team we have assembled, you can be safe in the knowledge that we will do everything in our power to work towards your individual goals and dreams … It’s time now, to meet the team.
After high school I threw myself into an undergraduate degree at Monash University, but when the chance arose to join the circus as a trapeze artist, I was never going to say no. Adventure and movement are two of my favourite vices. The next few years were spent traveling and teaching circus all over south east Asia. I returned from overseas teaching flying trapeze and working in the circus to become a sports tutor for some home schooled children in 1996.
In the early 90’s I began Kung Fu training and after attaining instructor level, I was lucky to spend some time teaching in Los Angeles. On returning to Australia I entered the personal training industry in 1996 while it was still in it’s infancy. Between 1997 and 2011 I developed my craft at various personal training studios (SWEAT in Middle Park, Donna Astons in Toorak and One on One Personal training in Prahran) and I accumulated a wealth of experience that re-affirmed my love of teaching movement in all its forms, especially technique analysis of skills and fitness.
I have spent the past 34 years teaching various disciplines (gymnastics, rock climbing, Kung Fu, trampolining, circus, personal training) to different ages (2-80) and nationalities around the world. I love my job and feel blessed that it allows me to help and inspire others. I have just published the second edition of my book The Art of Teaching Without Teaching and I truly believe that when it comes to teaching … with a little Imagination and Participation … anything is possible! In my own time you will find me reading books on teaching, human anatomy, re-training the brain, creativity and teaching, but that’s only when I’m resting … the rest of the time you might find me running with the dog, rock climbing at the Grampians or helping my buddies run their flying trapeze school.
Scout is a 13 year old rescue dog that is possibly the most popular member of the Kids in Motion team . Her ears are soft, her coat is silky and her smile is BIG.
Scout is a kelpie-cross and she is the official therapy dog used at the studio.
What is a therapy dog?
A therapy dog is a dog with an outstanding temperament that loves children and is bred in an environment full of kids. Scout is used for everything from teaching empathy and respect, to making children laugh and teaching our students gym rules and responsibility. Scout is also fantastic at comforting students in time of grief or frustration, especially the kids with some degree of Autism . Whilst management understands that some children may have anxieties when it comes to dogs, Scout provides the perfect opportunity to help your child build up their resilience and overcome their fears. We also respect that some children may have allergies to pets and it is our understanding that most children who do suffer from pet allergies are only allergic when they touch the pet. Therefore we educate those children not to pat Scout. Scout has big shoes to fill and those clients that have been with us for over a decade can recall all the adventures and positive experiences Kato provided for their kids.
Scout likes to sleep on the soft mats (the red one is her favourite), she likes to steal tennis balls (my trainers are not too happy about that one) and she likes to watch kids try new things and be brave. She especially likes to sleep on her favourite chair in the main office … so come and say HELLO … she is waiting to meet you. Please remember to always ask first if you can come in the office to pat her, approach her slowly and don’t chase her around the gym. Give her a long soft pat and she could be your new best friend.
Our business can only be as good as our people and we are dedicated to providing an environment that fosters the talent and imagination of our staff. I feel very lucky to have had the privilege and opportunity to employee and work with some wonderful trainers and at the moment I am very proud of the team we have brought together with the sole aim of giving the most we can to the kids each and every lesson. For those waiting to become a part our our team, we offer a great variety of work and there are plenty of opportunities to specialise and build a reputation in one field or diversify and gain a wide variety of experience. Part-time positions are available. Experience and qualifications are important but will be assessed in balance with energy and drive. Training and development opportunities exist. The company has a wonderful client base that, due to the effort and energy of our staff, and as it continues to grow we will require staff who are well presented, well spoken, knowledgeable and fit the company image and positioning.
If you would like to work in the coolest gym in town that provides unique kids activities in Melbourne … We would love to hear from you.
Here’s what our past trainer Jack has to say about his experience with coaching at Kids in Motion:
Hi Dave!
I just wanted to send you and the guys an email thanking you for giving me the opportunity to work at Kids in Motion!
I have now come to the decision to leave Australia.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Kids in motion, and it really made the whole experience of moving to Australia an unforgettable one.
From day 1, you and the team made me feel welcome. I walked in to meet Brett nervous but left excited.
A little introduction to the staff and a tour around the place brought me so much excitement.Before moving to Australia I was desperate to work in teaching/coaching with kids, as there was not a lot of work available in the area I am from!
Since working with you guys, it’s made me realise my passion for teaching and coaching!
Once I return to the UK, I am going to make sure that I go into the teaching and coaching industry.
You and the team have made me realise what I want my future to look like and made me believe in my abilities as a coach.You have an amazing set up that is so unique, and will always make people want to and feel privileged to work for you.
However, what really makes Kids in Motion stand out, is the staff! They are so dedicated in making the future bright for kids.
They all know how to teach, and how to control kids. They are the reason kids will go on to be so successful and ready for the years ahead of them!
When shadowing a coach, I knew what was expected and what was intended for their kids to do.Every kid was kept in line, and always looked like they really wanted to learn and gain experience.
They were ‘wowed’ with what each coach could do (Josh doing a double, or Dom doing 5 keepy ups with a ‘soccer’ ball).
When coaching my own classes, I always knew that I had someone near me that was happy to help.
Whether that was with knew ideas right up to helping out with disciplining a kid. They made me feel comfortable and express myself within coaching!
In 5 months of work I gained experience and knowledge that with any other company would have taken a few years of hard work.
I am so thankful towards all of the staff for everything they helped me with! They all do an unbelievable job, and you are extremely lucky to have them coaching at Kids in Motion!Thank you again so much for the opportunities and experience!
I hope that one day I am treated with the opportunity to work with you again (hopefully open up a gym in the UK).Thanks,
Jack Satterley