That's a wise choice, Trudi.

I always make a point to ask if there are people who've had surgery or injuries. Sometimes, however, people are hesitant to announce that in class. What I'd like to learn is to spot an injury by how a person moves. I wouldn't mention it during class, but would know how to modify moves for that person and keep moving.

This is so important, Tahja! People are just now starting to get the idea that maybe being certified is better than trying to figure out how to teach on your own. I'm a certified English teacher, and it's not so different. I couldn't just walk into a classroom and start teaching; I needed to learn the best techniques and approaches to instruct all types of learners. I'm teaching private dance lessons right now, and I am getting my Suhaila Level I in August at a weeklong workshop. After that, I may decide to teach a full dance class.
Besides, I keep learning new ways to do the basics! I went to an Urban Gypsy class yesterday and learned important techniques to improve my basic movements. I'm so glad I decided to get back to basics; I'm learning so much. And what better way to become a great teacher than to constantly learn and revisit movements and techniques?

There's another log I'd like to throw on the fire here about teaching in general. I think many people see teaching as the pinnacle of success as a dancer; one who teaches is a master at what he or she does. And the latter is true. You must be a master at whatever you are teaching, be it belly dance or badminton. But something I learned early on as an English teacher that really shaped my attitude about teaching. Teaching is a job of service, not of glory. If a person shows up to teach because he or she thinks it will a)bring money or b) bring fame, eventually he or she will be very disappointed. The value placed on the student's learning is reflected most readily in the student's ability to dance. If many students learning from a certain teacher cannot dance well, the teacher may not be really teaching effectively. We've all seen this and we have all been students in these classes. I'd love to see this stop or at least decrease drastically.
At the same time, particularly in your area Tahja, there is a need for a wider base of fusion and ATS teachers. Although there are good teachers teaching in both of these areas, they are not conveniently located to everyone. More options would grow your local community, which is always wonderful!
My two bits. : )
P.S.- I just recommended your arms DVD to someone- it's good teaching!