Join Us in Sharing knowledge in craft, skill, or industry
Teaching a class at Winona Creators Collective is a great way to share your expertise with excited students, in a wide range of topics.
Rather hear about this in person? Come join an optional informational session about teaching at the space:
How to Teach a Class
What does it take to get a class together and get paid for your instruction?
1
Submit an idea
Fill out our class application and tell us about this idea. Share some examples of what you’ll teach or your related work
2
Meet for Coffee
If the idea seems like a fit for our space, we’ll have you schedule a coffee meeting. There, we’ll discuss your class idea, and brainstorm a price, equipment needs, hours, min and max class size, and more
3
Prep for your class
If selected, we’ll list your class and start marketing. You’ll get your course designed, and submit a background check
4
Teach the class
The big day! We’ll get students checked in, get their materials, etc. You share your knowledge with your students and make neat things!
5
Get Paid
Teachers are paid 50% of the class fees, as a 1099 contract employee, with the other 50% going to the makerspace for marketing and expenses.
Wanting to take a class?
Are you looking to take a class? Check out our schedule, or submit an idea for a class you want to take!
Frequently Anticipated Questions
Are you interested in teaching a class at the makerspace? You might have questions that we’ve answered below:
What are the steps to submit a class proposal?
Simply fill out our online form with your class idea and teaching experience to get started. If we believe your class will resonate with the space, we’ll follow up with a coffee discussion
Do I need teaching experience to lead a class?
While helpful, prior experience teaching isn’t required—passion and knowledge are key!
Do Students take a product home?
Generally yes, students should have something to show for their time spent taking a class. We also believe people learn better by getting their hands dirty, not just listening to a lecture on a technique.
What are the types of classes being held?
We try to focus our classes on topics in the following disciplines:
- Ceramics
- Glass
- 3d Printing
- Electronics
- Fabric Arts
- Woodshop
- Metalshop
- Printing & Printmaking
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Podcasting
But if you have a class outside of these categories that fits the makerspace audience, and we have the tools, send us a pitch!
Am I an employee of Winona Creators Collective?
While you will be paid for your teaching, you will be a 1099 contract worker with the makerspace. You are responsible for any taxes that might be due to the IRS for your work, and not eligible for any employment benefits.
How will I get paid?
We issue check payments through our bank twice a month. You will be mailed a check to your address on hand approximately two weeks after your class is complete. If you’re teaching a multi-session class, your payment will be sent after the last class is complete
How much are instructors paid?
For the majority of our classes, we set up a revenue share between the instructor and the makerspace. Often that is a 50/50 split for paid classes. That means, if you teach a class for $50 per student, you would receive $25 per student that signs up. Material fees are just that – costs for the materials themselves, and that amount would not go to the instructor if the makerspace sold the materials.
What happens with class discounts?
Students might receive a discount (normally 25% off) on classes if they’re currently a monthly member of the makerspace. If a student receives a discount, that will come off the makerspace side of the revenue, with teachers still receiving their 50% share of the retail value of the class.
Are tools provided?
Yes, instructors and students will have access to the makerspace for the course time. During our coffee meeting, we’ll discuss the tools required and make sure we have enough tools before we list the course. You’re welcome to bring your own tools or jigs if necessary, but we would rather students have access to the tools if they come back later.
Can I teach if I’m not a member of the makerspace?
For sure! We invite all creatives and experts to teach, even if you’re not a member.
How is my class promoted?
Classes will be added to our event calendar, sent out in newsletters, added to calendars on site, and potentially promoted in our social media. We ask you help promote your class as well, by sending it to friends and colleagues or putting flyers out on bulletin boards.
How long (or short) can classes be?
We ask that classes be a minimum of one hour long, and no longer than five hours max per session. Classes can be multiple sessions, but we are prioritizing classes that can be completed in three sessions or less. There’s always exceptions to this, so if you have an amazing class idea that goes all weekend long, let us know!
Begin Your Journey as an Instructor with Us
Ready to share your expertise? Submit your class idea and join our vibrant community, where your skills inspire and empower others. Follow our simple process to get started today.