Esty Educator Newsletter 2025 Issue 4

Speak the student's language
Maybe the most important thing for today's student is having an instructor who makes an effort to connect. Sharicka Washington, owner of Institute of Skin Science in New Hampshire, tells instructors to push themselves to that end: "Have an understanding of communication styles outside of your own generation and culture. Develop an understanding of neurodiversity, communication, and learning styles other than your own. You need to be able to connect with and support everyone in your program equally, she says.

Patience and understanding
Maintaining patience and understanding with your students is critical. "We were all in their shoes once and chances are it wasn’t easy for anyone," Washington says. "Starting a new career path/life journey/routine/etc. within a whole new, unknown world and with new people can be overwhelming. We can't expect students to always show up as their best, but it is our role as educators to show up as our best consistently, no matter what. Doing this will act as a pillar of motivation as the students move through the ups and downs of their own journey."

HOW INSTRUCTORS CAN MAKE THEIR OWN LIVES EASIER
As an instructor, you have a busy schedule and demands on your time from all directions. Planning is an important tool at your fingertips.

Plan ahead, but remain flexible
Steffi Toth, esthetics manager at Penrose Academy in Arizona, says her best advice for instructors is to "stay organized, plan ahead, and always have a backup plan." But backup plans aren't just for when things go completely south during the day; they're also for when the classroom energy needs a boost, or when students aren't engaging with the topic. "Students love seeing educators refresh a demo, it keeps them inspired and engaged. If the clinic slows down, create a quick daily challenge or mini competition. I’m a big believer in keeping momentum, playing a game, or doing product knowledge to fill downtime and keep the energy up," Toth says.

Anticipate the questions
As part of lesson planning, Washington says to consider frequently asked or expected questions, even myths about a topic that could come up with students and include the answers in your presentation. “Our textbooks often have superficial information that requires more in-depth explanations for a well-rounded understanding of a concept, and presentations have an opportunity to flow better if we can supplement additional information when needed,” she says.

Lean on your team
Don't go it alone, says Toth. Part of being a great educator is working in tandem with your colleagues. "Build strong relationships with your team and don't hesitate to lean on veteran educators for ideas or support."

Empower students
Teaching students critical thinking skills is empowering for you and them. Don't let learners rely solely on the instructor for their answers. Showing students how to do their own research and educate themselves is an important part of the learning journey, Washington says. "Early on, we give the expectation to the students that we are not holding their hand throughout their whole career, so they will get used to finding the answer for themselves. We introduce tools like the ASCP Skin Pro app, and other resources they will have access to after graduation to compare what we are learning in the textbook to how to apply that information in everyday working world scenarios." (Want to know more about ASCP Skin Pro? Go to ascpskincare.com/skinpro.)

CREATING A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
Sometimes it's the practical things and sometimes it's the big-picture things that make your school great. Here are bits of advice on both.

Be a critical observer
Be willing to walk in the shoes of others, says Washington, who has owned her school for over 10 years. "For new school owners—schedule your time in a way that allows you to personally experience the daily life of a student, instructor, or other staff members to truly understand their daily ups and downs, while allowing yourself to step back and improve the environment, systems, etc., as needed."

Set strong, kind standards
A good leader needs to find the balance between rules and structure and being adaptable. "Lead with empathy, consistency, and kindness," says Toth. "Students mirror your energy, so model professionalism, patience, and passion every day. Protect your culture by creating structure while offering encouragement and flexibility. Train your students as future professionals, not just current learners, and never stop growing yourself—the beauty industry evolves fast, and so should we." 

READ ALL THE GREAT IDEAS FROM THESE INSTRUCTORS:

• "Tips for Instructors, Administrators, and School Owners with Brandon Smith," director, Laurel Highlands Therapeutic Academy in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania
• "Tips for Instructors, Administrators, and School Owners with Steffi Toth," esthetics manager, Penrose Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona
• "Tips for Instructors, Administrators, and School Owners with Sharicka Washington," school owner/president, Institute of Skin Science in Stratham, New Hampshire