Trainer-of-Trainers (ToTs)

Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Trainers-of-Trainers (ToTs) co-instruct PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses to build a cadre of future PSA Trainers and PSA Lead Trainers. It is critically important that PSA ToTs be highly skilled and knowledgeable to ensure information about the PSA curriculum and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule is conveyed to prospective trainers and growers with the utmost accuracy. It is anticipated that only advanced produce safety professionals and trainers will apply to become PSA ToTs. PSA ToTs are expected to conduct PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses each year, so only those who have the time and motivation to be actively involved in PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses should apply.

The PSA Trainer-of-Trainers (ToT) Process is designed to assess ToT candidates and generate enough PSA ToTs to meet the demand for PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses domestically and internationally. At least two PSA ToTs are required to conduct in-person PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses and at least three PSA ToTs are required to conduct remote PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses. The PSA maintains strict control over the PSA ToT Process and registration of Train-the-Trainer Courses conducted by approved PSA ToTs. Because assessing candidates is time-consuming and the PSA Team is limited, the PSA intends to keep the PSA ToT cadre to a minimum, approving only the applications necessary to meet current needs for PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses.

To be successful, it is important that PSA ToTs have in-depth knowledge of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and the PSA curriculum. PSA ToTs must also demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of all four competency areas and effectively teach the curriculum to adult learners by clearly presenting the modules of the PSA GT Course, addressing a range of questions, and facilitating meaningful and insightful discussions.

PSA ToTs are able to:

  • Register PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses through the PSA, follow the course registration process and abide by all PSA training policies as outlined in the PSA Training Manual.
  • Conduct PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses with at least one other PSA ToT for in-person trainings or two other PSA ToTs for remote delivery.
  • Participate in all aspects of PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses, including delivering any of the PSA Grower Training Curriculum, Train-the-Trainer modules, and guiding discussions and activities

Criteria to Apply to Become a PSA ToT

PSA ToT candidates must meet the following minimum criteria before they apply:

  • Attended a PSA Grower Training Course,
  • Attended a PSA Train-the-Trainer Course,
  • Achieved PSA Lead Trainer status,
  • Served as a PSA Lead Trainer for at least five PSA Grower Training Courses, with a cumulative attendance of 100 or more participants,
  • Taught every module of the PSA Grower Training Curriculum, and
  • Must read and write English proficiently (General Professional Proficiency or higher on the Interagency Language Roundtable scale).

How do I apply to become a PSA ToT?

The PSA ToT application and evaluation is a two-part process.

Part 1: Application Evaluation by PSA ToT Review Committee

  1. PSA Lead Trainers who are interested in becoming PSA ToTs submit a PSA ToT application to the PSA. This application includes listing two references and responding to two questions (one question about intent and one question about the applicant’s ability to effectively administer a PSA TTT Course).
  2. PSA Staff will verify PSA Lead Trainer status and confirm that minimum criteria are met.
  3. If minimum requirements are met, the PSA ToT Review Committee will review the PSA ToT candidate’s application and provide a recommendation for approval to co-train. Evaluation includes:
    1. Review of ToT candidate’s experience serving as a PSA Lead Trainer at PSA Grower Training Courses. This includes reviewing PSA GT Course agendas, modules taught, and course evaluations.
    2. Review of the applicant’s response to the question about intent.
    3. Review of the applicant’s response to the question about their ability to administer a PSA TTT Course and make other contributions to the training team.
    4. Contacting candidate’s references (2 required), if needed.
    5. Other relevant information about the applicant's proficiency to become a PSA ToT.

If approved by PSA ToT Review Committee, the PSA ToT candidate will be notified of the invitation to co-train at a PSA Train-the-Trainer Course. If the PSA ToT candidate does not have the necessary training experience or background after committee review, the candidate will be notified of the decision including recommendations for improvement or how to address deficiencies.

Part 2: Co-training Evaluation

After initial application and evaluation, the candidate may be invited to participate (at their own expense) as a co-trainer for a PSA Train-the-Trainer Course with at least two other PSA ToTs. The PSA will coordinate with the candidate to schedule a co-training opportunity, keeping remote training opportunities or convenience of regional location in mind to keep travel costs low. The PSA cannot guarantee that the PSA ToT candidate will be scheduled to co-train at their preferred Train-the-Trainer Course date and location.

The candidate will be asked to:

  • Present three or more modules during the PSA Train-the-Trainer Course,
  • Facilitate discussions among participants during the training,
  • Lead at least one break-out discussion or activity with participants, and
  • Pay all travel expenses required to attend and participate in the course.

The candidate’s performance will be evaluated against a standardized evaluation rubric to enhance fair and equitable evaluation of competency. This rubric is designed to measure the candidate’s competency in the following areas:

  • Ability to answer questions about the PSA Grower Training Curriculum,
  • Ability to communicate the FSMA PSR requirements and GAPs concepts supporting produce safety, specifically to a trainer audience,
  • Ability to lead a discussion among trainers focusing on critical aspects of produce safety and the curriculum materials,
  • Ability to effectively conduct a PSA Train-the-Trainer Course, as evidenced by evaluation input from course participants and PSA Train-the-Trainer co-instructors.

Final PSA ToT status will be determined as a result of the PSA ToT Evaluations

Candidates earning ‘Meets Expectations’ in all trainer proficiencies within the evaluation rubric will be granted PSA ToT status. If a candidate scores ‘Needs Further Evaluation’ in any proficiency area, the reviewers will provide feedback on actions to address the issue. For example, reviewers may decide that consultation after the review process is sufficient to address the concern(s) or the reviewers may decide that the candidate needs more time to develop the necessary skills to become a PSA ToT, through the delivery of future PSA Grower Training Courses or by co-training during another Train-the-Trainer Course. Candidates scoring ‘Below Expectations’ in any of the competency areas will not be accepted as a PSA ToT.

Approved candidates will be issued a PSA Trainer-of-Trainers Certificate and will be added to the list of approved PSA ToTs posted on the PSA’s website.

Any questions about PSA ToTs or the PSA ToT application process can be sent to psatrainers [at] cornell.edu (psatrainers[at]cornell[dot]edu).

 

A PSA Trainer-of-Trainers (ToTs) must use the PSA Curriculum and follow the outlined protocols, including the course registration process, use of core training materials, provide printed manuals to participants, and follow standard training formats. They are also responsible for returning the required evaluations and submitting fees for certificates. If evaluations indicate poor performance or there are violations of PSA and AFDO course training requirements, the Produce Safety Alliance reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to revoke PSA Trainer-of-Trainers status at any time.