By Antuanette Wheeler
Copyright © 2003 Antuanette Wheeler  

Tips On Becoming a Scrapbook Instructor:

Sit down and write out a "business plan" along with your goals. Be specific about what you want to do and what you want to achieve.

Figure out what your costs are going to be and what you will need to make in order to make a profit from teaching.

Write up a contract that can be altered for each store that you work with. Being very specific up front can help to stop any misunderstandings later. Some things you may want to include in your contract:

* Whether you are an employee or independent contractor
* Who will supply the materials for classes
* Who will decide which classes are being taught
* What the class minimums are
* What you will be paid per class
* How many classes you will be teaching each month
* When will the store owner need a list of classes
* Who will handle advertising
* What methods will be used to advertise
* How you will handle "no-shows"

Contact store owners and talk to them about being a "guest teacher" or a regular instructor at their store. Make an appointment with the store owner so that you can bring samples of projects and layouts that you have done. Have a list handy of all of the classes that you have taught or classes that you are willing to teach.

Tips On Being a Good Instructor:

Be prepared. Review your class materials the night before so they are fresh in your mind. Have a checklist of everything that you need to take along to a class. Show up early and have the room set up before people arrive.

Be enthusiastic. Even if you are feeling sluggish or having a bad day, you need to always be enthusiastic and smiling during your classes.

Be personable. Try to make eye contact and/or talk to each and every person in your class. Keep an eye out for anyone that may need extra attention and be willing to offer help to them if needed.

Always thank everyone for coming to class. Have evaluations forms that can be filled out and use them to improve any future classes.