Replies

1. 
   Westchester | Feb 17, 2010 07:45am | #1

   Paul -

   In the back of the Fine Woodworking Magazine there are instructors advertising.

   Maybe a place to start is evening adult education in the schools - I did it for 4 years - teaching craft classes - woodworking + refinishing - held in the  woodworking shop of the school  - all the tools you need right there -

   It paid fairly well and you get much satisfaction out of it as do your students -

   SA

2. 
   RalphBarker | Feb 17, 2010 09:34am | #2

   I'd think that you'd need to research the demographics in your specific area to determine some estimate of your local population of hobbyist woodworkers and the probability of them having extra money to spend on classes. Approaching it like any other business venture is probably the best way to go. Do the research, formulate a business plan, etc., etc.

   Teaching is very rewarding, but people need to be convinced that you have something special to teach them.

3. 
   Jfrostjr | Feb 17, 2010 10:38am | #3

   I heard Marc Adams respond to that question, or one like it: "You'd better be sure that you are well covered with insurance!" - or words to that effect.

4. 
   PSeverin | Feb 17, 2010 05:51pm | #4

   You might want to try teaching at a local community college.     I bet there are any number in the Chicago area and if nothing else it could give you insight into what is already being offered and how what you want to do fits in.  

   Teaching at a adult level is fun as the people who come really want to learn.  I suddenly found teaching to be a performance art.  I felt a certain obligation to have something to say and things to do which is easy to say and harder to do.  They pay a lot of money to be there.

   A while ago my wife wondered how much it costs per classroom hour for a student to be at the the university.  If private colleges cost $40,000 per year and students take 18 hours credit per semester... and somewhere not being very close to that business and increasingly dim memories we gave up the calculations.  Still it might be an interesting bit of knowledge for students to know.  

   Good luck 

    

   Peter 

5. 
   pinetree | Feb 17, 2010 08:42pm | #5

   Thanks for the input guys and we have the insurance people and our lawyer working on all those parts to make sure that we are covered.                                               

6. 
   pinetree | Feb 17, 2010 08:42pm | #6

   Thanks for the input guys and we have the insurance people and our lawyer working on all those parts to make sure that we are covered.                                               

7. 
   pinetree | Feb 17, 2010 08:42pm | #7

   Thanks for the input guys and we have the insurance people and our lawyer working on all those parts to make sure that we are covered.                                               

1. 
   GRW | Feb 18, 2010 11:44am | #8

   Paul,

   I'm now teaching afterschool handool WW programs to kids in my area. Just started in one town after Christmas, now 3 other towns want our program. Most towns don't know we're providing the class yet. I know you may be looking at an adult program. But I learned a thing or two while trying to teach .

   1) Insurance is expensive. You need to protect yourself.  I was told to talk to an accountant not a lawyer about business liability. They are generally more realistic, and know business better.

   2) You don't need 4 students at a time paying $30/hr. 8 students at $15/hr pays you the same and will draw more folks.

   3)Check out you local town Parks and Rec Dept. We chose to work through them. This is what they provide us.

   A) They cover us with $1 million insurance free.

   B) They do all the advertising for us, sign up the students, collect  the money, and provide us with a payment backed by the town. (the checks are good)

   C) They provide us with handicapped excessable space, in a clean maintained town owned building, like a school. (Think High School Woodshop)

   D) The Parks and Rec ensure that all students/parents have signed a release from liability.

   E) They let us (I have a partner) teach anytime we want as long as the space is available.

   F) We set our own wages and bill the town directly. They add on a few $$ to cover business cost.

   We set up a L3C business. (Like a LLC for education here in Vermont) So now we have $1M insurance coverage from the town plus the L3C protection, and a signed release from liability. Our account told us that was enough coverage.