Dear Pokemon Professors, would you mind helping with a project?

[Deej]

So, I'm doing a research paper on Pokemon, I know, pretty awesome, but I need to know a little more about the Professor program..So if you would just answer a couple questions, it would be awesome.
1. What exactly is the program?
2. Why did you want to join the program?
3. Do you get anything out of being a Professor?
4. What is the best part of being a Professor?

that should be all, but feel free to add anything and everything you want about the program, like how long you've been in it or whatever else your heart desires. Thank you<3

 

[DNA]

...Sounds interesting. All right, I'll give you some feedback.

1) The Pokemon Professor Program is a program in which the more knowledgeable members of the Pokemon community are recognized for their devotion and know-how of the game, and is a way for them to give back to the game (Pokemon) they love and wish to support. Generally, those who are in the program are well-versed with card rulings, and are more likely to be selected for judging or staffing at tournaments than non-Professors would be.

Note - the requirements to join the program is that you must pass the Pokemon Professor Exam, a 40-question exam that covers card rulings, tournament procedures, and judge know-how. To be eligible for the test to begin with, you need a Player ID (POP ID) and be at least 18 years of age; a passing score on the test is 32 out of 40 or more - or 80% and up.

2) Why? I wanted to find a way to give back to Pokemon - since I love the franchise, the creatures, and the trading card game as a whole, I wanted to find a way to contribute more and put my knowledge to good use. I'd judged one tournament before I was 18 (at the very start of January 2009) and have been judging regularly ever since. Granted, the perks are really nice (I'll cover those in question 3), but I was in it primarily for the aspect of helping out.

3) In addition to the Professors being respected members of the community, Professors also gain "Professor Points" based on how many leagues and tournaments they help to facilitate - for leagues that implies being a league leader or owner; for tournaments that implies being a judge or TO. These points can be traded in for various goodies at the Professor Store, which range to dice to special foil cards to the coveted Professor Lab Coat.

4) Helping to educate people. I honestly find that sharing my knowledge with others is a great thing to do. I'm not exactly in it for any personal glory - my goal is to help others, not to elevate myself for any reason. I've found the job to be richly rewarding, yes, and I've found judging more fun than playing (and it's not just because I get paid in packs), so all in all, these past 3 years have been some of the best years of my life - and I don't want to quit any time soon.

If you want more info, you can look here to hear straight from the horse's mouth what the Professor Program really is.

Hope this helps!

 

[King Arceus]

1. What exactly is the program?
DNA answered that pretty well already.

2. Why did you want to join the program?

I joined the program because I enjoy helping others. This is a good way for me to give back to the community. Ever since passing the exam I think three years ago now, I've had to judge at States, head judge at that.

3. Do you get anything out of being a Professor?

Adding on to what DNA said, you also can learn about opportunities to volunteer at other events that are basically closed doors where the general public can't apply to staff. One such thing I did last year was the Pokemon Black and White Mall tour. I enjoyed that a lot. I was recognized by quite a number of people since I'm pretty well known in MN. Another opportunity I loved was judging at the VGC at US Nationals. I have always treasured those moments I've had. Not many people get such an opportunity. I had to turn down offers for staffing at Worlds because it just wasn't in my budget to travel to Hawaii.

4. What is the best part of being a Professor?

I'd say the best part about being a professor is just helping people out. It makes you feel like you are giving back to the community, which you are. Meeting new people is always fun though as well. Going back to one of the years I judged VGC Nats, I actually was asked to teach one parent's son about competitive battling after the day was over. That's one moment I will never forget. Sure I tutor people competetively all the time online, but doing it in person is not something I do often.