Strategies for Highly Effective Athletic Training Education Program Directors: A Practical Approach to Interdependence
Objective: Following Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, this article seeks to communicate effective strategies for athletic training education Program Directors (PDs) to follow. Commentary of Covey's work and practical strategies to integrate them into PD practice and responsibilities are provided.
Background: Due to a lack of professional preparation, Program Directors often relate to what they know best–working long hours to get the job accomplished. It is not uncommon for PDs to mirror the work schedules of clinically practicing certified athletic trainers. With this in mind, we propose approaching the role of PD using Stephen Covey's wisdom from his literary work, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Practical strategies for integrating Covey's work into a PD's daily responsibilities, as well as remaining compliant with CAATE Standard expectations, are discussed.
Contributor Notes
James E. Leone is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University and has been an AT educator for 6 years. He has served as a program director and clinical education coordinator. j.leone@neu.edu.
Kimberly A. Gray is the clinical education coordinator at SIU and has been teaching in the AT education program.