“We’re planning for Spring/Summer 2023!” A recent post by Administrative Assistant Angie Goutermont said this on the Lake Superior School District Community Education Facebook page. The post continued, asking “What classes would you like to see? Bonus if you know who might want to teach that class! What class would you be willing to teach?”
Goutermont reports she received 100 comments, many with class ideas, but there was virtually no interest from anyone interested in being an instructor. Requests for classes ranged in diversity from Chinese/Asian cooking to salsa dancing to gymnastics. “It seems that there is interest in many different topics, but we are really struggling to find those in the community that are willing to share their talents,” Goutermont said. Classes can revolve around one’s hobbies, passions, and interests, not only one’s talents. As the instructor, you get to choose the class size, age range the class is geared towards, and when you are able to teach.
Teaching a community education class can be a great way to connect with multiple generations, meet new people, and give back to the community. Instructors need to be at least sixteen years old, and a simple background check is required by the school district. No previous teaching experience is necessary. “We’re happy to help new instructors with any questions they have. We’re here to help our instructors be successful!” Goutermont explained.
Instructors are paid for their class, the simple calculation being that the instructor gets 80% of generated class revenue, and 20% goes back to Community Education. Payment takes place at the end of the course via direct deposit.
Classes can be set up at any time. If you are interested in teaching a class, you can contact any Community Education office staff: Angie Goutermont, Administrative Assistant in Silver Bay (agoutermont@isd381.org) ; Colleen McMillan, Administrative Assistant in Two Harbors (cmcmillan@isd381.org) ; or Bruce Remme, Community Education Director (bremme@isd381.org).