Holding a Class: Instructor's Guide
[WORK IN PROGRESS]
So you want to teach a class. Here's a guide to help you through the process. (you can also try this via a google form format at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLXwCM4dEEwltkQ7yU4tuilNjoKQzAsqqOwyBzUNd6yTXjsw/viewform?usp=sf_link)
Not all topics listed will apply to all types of classes, and instructors have a great deal of discretion when it comes to class organization, fees, scheduling, advertising, etc.
Each topic will include one of the three notations below:
REQUIRED
RECOMMENDED
AS NEEDED
REQUIRED: All classes MUST follow these instructions
RECOMMENDED: Most classes will follow these instructions.
AS NEEDED: Solely dependent on the needs of the class.
What are you teaching?
Class name
REQUIRED
What's the name of your class?
Description
REQUIRED
What are you teaching?
Duration
REQUIRED
How long will it take?
Pre-requisites
RECOMMENDED
What do students need to know, or be approved for, before they can take this class?
Requirements
RECOMMENDED
Are there any additional requirements, such as specific clothing to wear (or not wear)?
Materials
AS NEEDED
What materials will be provided? What materials do the students need to bring? Are the material costs included in the price?
Price
REQUIRED
How much, if anything, will you charge for the class? How does this break down for members (pro and hobbyists) and non-members? What is the split with MakeIt?
Class Size
REQUIRED
What is the smallest class you will teach? What is the largest?
Facilities
REQUIRED
What space will you use? What equipment will you use? Any other special facilities requirements?
Class Approval
Send the following to classes@makeitlabs.com
REQUIRED
All the details under "What are you teaching?"
Proposed date for the first class
Once Approved
Finalize date and time
AS NEEDED
Confirm date and time with resource manager
REQUIRED
Check the MakeIt scheduling calendar for conflicts
Check the MakeIt public calendar for conflicts
RECOMMENDED
Avoid holidays and holiday weekends
Schedule
RECOMMENDED
Use Eventbrite (preferably linked to MakeIt's Eventbrite) to organize tickets and promotion
Here's the Eventbrite Guide: Eventbrite Guide
Link Eventbrite to Facebook (preferably via MakeIt's Facebook Page) to create a Facebook event
Post to MakeIt's Slack #-everybody and #space-classes
Post to other Slack channels that are appropriate
Cross post to #makerspace-collab to advertise to other NH maker spaces
REQUIRED
Post class details to MakeIt's scheduling calendar. Reserve rooms if required.
RECOMMENDED
Post class details to MakeIt's public calendar. Include Eventbrite link if available.
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The day before your class:
Add an announcement to the slack channel for your room (example: resource-machine-shop) that the area is reserved.
The day of your class:
Arrive an hour early!
Arrange the room as needed: Find chairs, move tables, pass out materials.
Interface your laptop with the projector
*** Teach the class ***
Police the class area, pick up trash as needed
Replace tables and chairs, as needed
Refund EventBrite tickets, as needed
*** Get reimbursed***
Coordinate with MakeIt's Treasurer for any reimbursements/payments. The current policy is that a course instructor may submit receipts for reimbursement for class expenses, and can further request up to 60% of the remaining profit from the course fees. There will not be reimbursement beyond the class fee income.
Use this form to submit a reimbursement request: