As part of our ongoing conversation with school owners, administrators, and instructors, we reached out to a few of our ABMP partner schools to get their best tips to share with the broader school community.
Let’s meet Brandon Smith, director of Laurel Highlands Therapeutic Academy in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.
ABMP: How long have you been with Laurel Highlands Therapeutic Academy?
Brandon Smith: I have been with the school since 2009 and director since 2020.
ABMP: Please share any bits of advice you have that can make an instructor’s life easier.
BS: Teaching in a hands-on, therapeutic field like massage therapy can be incredibly rewarding but also demanding. One of the best ways to make an instructor’s life easier is to plan ahead while staying flexible. I like to take a few minutes at the end of each week to reflect on what worked well and where students struggled. This helps me adjust upcoming lessons so I’m teaching to the group’s current needs rather than sticking rigidly to a plan.
ABMP: What advice do you have that might be relevant to either admin or school function-type issues or in your student clinic?
BS: Strong communication between instructors, administration, and clinic staff keeps everything running smoothly. Clear expectations about scheduling, grading, clinic flow, and student professionalism reduces stressors.
Specifically for student clinic, consistency is key. Setting professional standards early (punctuality, client interaction, documentation) helps students transition from “learner” to “professional.” Encourage them to view clinic time as real-world experience, not just a requirement.
Also, it’s helpful to keep organized digital and physical records so if changes or audits arise, you’re prepared. When instructors stay organized, administrators can focus on growth instead of troubleshooting problems.
ABMP: Do you have any overarching advice you can share with new school owners or new instructors?
BS: For anyone new to teaching or managing a therapeutic education program, my biggest piece of advice is to remember why you started. It’s easy to get caught up in schedules, grading, and logistics. However, at the heart of massage therapy education is helping people grow personally and professionally through healing work. Start small and build confidence gradually.
Don’t feel pressured to have every answer right away. Instead, focus on creating a supportive, engaging atmosphere, where students feel safe to learn. Incorporate your own personality into your teaching, whether that’s humor, mindfulness, or creativity, because authenticity inspires trust and respect. Never stop learning!
I’ve found that transparency and empathy go a long way as students respect honesty, and when they see that you’re navigating challenges calmly, they tend to mirror that energy.
Learn more about what ABMP offers educators and schools.
Related Content:
“Tips for Instructors, Administrators, and School Owners with Michael Jacobus”