How to Teach an After-School Class

Okay, maybe you don’t have what it takes to be a substitute teacher—which entails low pay, lots of stress and a low level of respect from the kids. But teaching an after-school class is a low-impact way to earn money from your local public or private school. Here’s how to go about it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Figure out what you have to offer. Unlike regular classes, after-school classes are geared to specific, fun activities—anything from writing poetry to flying kites. If you’ve mastered a specific hobby, like knitting or jewelry-making, you’re as qualified as anyone else to impart your wisdom to kids. (If you don’t have any special skills, you may still be employable as a playground supervisor, although at a lower hourly rate.)

2. Make sure you like children. You may be the best bead-stringer within 500 miles and seven states, but if you’re uncomfortable around grade-school kids, your experience as an after-school teacher will be a total flop. Understand that kids, unlike adults, often don’t follow instructions, can be disruptive and have short attention spans. If you’re the impatient type, this is not the job for you.

3. Find a reference. Ideally, you don’t want to approach your local school as a complete stranger. If one of your kids is already attending, you have an automatic in—but if not, see if you have any friends who are school parents. At the very least, you can write in your introductory email, “Lisa Atkins, the mother of Becky Atkins in the fifth grade, suggested I write to you …”

4. Accept the going rate. At the vast majority of schools, the hourly rate for teaching an after-school class is completely non-negotiable, ranging from as low as $10 per hour at a poorly funded public school to as high as $50 or $75 an hour at a well-heeled private school.

5. Do a good job. If the kids aren’t enjoying your paper-airplane class, their parents will be the first to know—and they’ll be sure to communicate their dissatisfaction to the after-school program coordinator. If this is your first gig, doing a bang-up, beyond-the-call-of-duty job will practically guarantee return engagements for years to come.

[CrzyDiaster]

on 10/2/2007 It says 'Step 5 - Do a good job'.
WHAT GUIDELINES ARE THERE FOR DOING A 'GOOD JOB'?
Do you have to be funny or strict? How do you keep peoples attention in class? How do you help them learn? What are the Guidelines?