Difference between revisions of "Teaching at Asmbly"

From Asmbly Wiki
(Updated with newly enacted policies around machine/shop certification and minimum required notice.)
Line 1: Line 1:
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As an educational nonprofit, classes are a vital component of Asmbly and we are always interested in adding more teachers and courses to our schedule. Read on to learn more about classes we offer and how to teach classes at Asmbly.
+
As an educational nonprofit, classes are a vital component of Asmbly and we are always interested in adding more teachers and courses to our schedule. Read on to learn more about classes we offer and how teaching works at Asmbly.
 +
 
 +
If you have an idea for a class you'd like to teach, or are interested in teaching one of our current classes, please reach out to [mailto:Classes@asmbly.org classes@asmbly.org]. We'd love to connect and learn more!
  
 
== Core Classes ==
 
== Core Classes ==
−
Several shop areas and machines have established curriculum that is taught by trained teachers. These serve as our "core" classes. We offer these classes regularly and they are required for clearance to use certain shops or equipment.
+
Most shop areas and machines have established curricula that are taught by trained teachers. These serve as our "core" classes. We offer these classes regularly and they are required for clearance to use certain shops or equipment.
  
 
Examples:
 
Examples:
−
* Woodshop Safety
+
 
−
* Wood Lathe Basics
+
* Woodshop and Metal Shop Safety
 +
* Intro to Wood Lathe
 
* Big Lasers
 
* Big Lasers
 
* Small Lasers
 
* Small Lasers
−
* CNC Router
+
* Beginner CNC Router
 
* MIG Welding
 
* MIG Welding
 
* Intro to 3D Printing
 
* Intro to 3D Printing
  
−
== Special Topics Classes ==
+
== Additional Classes ==
−
We also have "special topics" classes that vary depending on teacher availability and student demand. These change regularly and examples listed below are a sampling of some of the classes we have had at some point in time.
+
Asmbly also offers many other classes that are not required to use tools or shop areas. The focus of these classes varies from more detailed coverage of topics introduced in Core classes, to advanced techniques, to specific project-based classes. Some of these classes are offered on a regular schedule, but others are offered less frequently or on an on-demand basis.  
  
−
If you have an idea for a special topics class you'd like to teach, please reach out at classes@asmbly.org.  We'd love to get your class on the schedule!
+
The examples listed below are a sampling of some of these classes:
  
−
Examples:
 
 
* Illustrator and Design Basics
 
* Illustrator and Design Basics
 
* Cutting Board Build
 
* Cutting Board Build
 
* Pen Turning
 
* Pen Turning
 +
* Fusion 360 for Wood CNC
 +
* Stained Glass
 +
* Laser Engraving Round Materials
  
 
== Details of Teaching at Asmbly ==
 
== Details of Teaching at Asmbly ==
−
All paid instruction that occurs at Asmbly must go through the Asmbly Education Team. We do not permit private instruction using our facilities and machines outside our scheduling without written approval from the board. Certification for machine or shop use is granted by Asmbly as an organization, not by teachers as individuals.  Asmbly reserves the right to award free classes to volunteer contributors with approval.    
+
All paid instruction that occurs at Asmbly must go through the Asmbly Education Team. We do not permit private instruction using our facilities and machines outside our scheduling without written approval from the board. Certification for machine or shop use is granted by Asmbly as an organization, not by teachers as individuals.  Asmbly reserves the right to award free classes to volunteer contributors with approval.      
 +
 
 +
Asmbly aims to keep most classes on the schedule 45+ days in advance. As an Asmbly teacher, we expect you to work with the Asmbly Education Team to find dates and times 45+ days out when you can teach your classes.
 +
 
 +
Asmbly teachers are required to read and sign our [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1svohN37bCJoG9h99IPL3UUPSuswDw52XsKFkrlLek8E/edit?usp=sharing Instructor Agreement]. You will be sent a copy of the agreement to sign through SignNow as part of the teacher onboarding process.
 +
 
 +
=== Teaching Formats ===
 +
 
 +
==== Group Classes ====
 +
Most classes at Asmbly are taught in a group format, consisting of 2-5 students and the teacher. We find that this size range offers a good balance of accessibility, hands-on time, and teacher interaction. We also strive to keep most group classes under ~$30/hr for student registration fees to keep classes affordable and accessible to the community.
 +
 
 +
==== Private Classes ====
 +
For many classes, we also offer the option of private sessions. Asmbly teachers are paid the same rate for private classes as normal group classes, but are not required to offer this option. These private classes can be 1-on-1 or have multiple students. The Education Team will coordinate scheduling of these classes.
 +
 
 +
==== Checkout Classes ====
 +
In the interest of accessibility, Asmbly offers checkout classes for many (but not all) tools in the space. However, we must ensure that any students who wish to bypass normal intro classes have the same or greater level of knowledge as students who have taken our intro classes. Additionally, students who do a checkout must be made aware of any policies and procedures specific to Asmbly.
 +
 
 +
Like private classes, Asmbly teachers are not required to offer checkout classes. Checkout classes are paid at the same hourly rate as normal classes, but are typically much shorter. Checkout classes consist of the student completing an intermediate-level task using the tool while being supervised by the teacher, but without being aided or guided by the teacher. The teacher will also brief the student on any Asmbly-specific policies and procedures.
 +
 
 +
We rely on our teachers to use good judgment when conducting checkout classes. We do not wish for students to be granted access to tools simply because they paid for a checkout class. Like private classes, the Education Team will coordinate scheduling of these classes.
 +
 
 +
=== Payments ===
 +
Teachers at Asmbly are paid as 1099 contractors at an hourly rate that varies by class. Teachers must fill out a W-9 in Quickbooks in order to receive compensation. An invitation to fill out the W-9 will be sent to new teachers during onboarding. The information obtained is securely stored in Quickbooks for accounting and tax purposes.
 +
 
 +
==== Class Payments ====
 +
At Asmbly, compensation rates are determined by a Class Tier system that takes into account a number of factors including tool complexity, required instructor knowledge/experience, required prep work for each class, and the complexity of the specific application of the tool being taught, among other factors. The Class Tier of all new classes will be determined by the Asmbly Education Team during class development.
 +
 
 +
Classes are split into three tiers with the following compensation rates for each tier:
  
−
To maintain a positive, hands-on class experience, we aim to keep class sizes small.  We also strive to keep classes in the $25-30/hr or less range for student registration fees to keep classes affordable and accessible to the community.  Class schedule notification should be given 30 days in advance with a minimum notice of 14 days in advance.  Instructors that fail to provide the minimum notice for class schedule will be paid based on actual registrations rather than the assumed full class outlined below.   
+
Tier 1 - $36/hr
  
−
=== Payment ===
+
Tier 2 - $54/hr
−
Teachers at Asmbly are paid as 1099 contractors at a flat rate regardless of the number of student registrations.  Teachers must fill out a W-9 in Quickbooks in order to receive compensation.  The information obtained is securely stored in Quickbooks and is not visible to anyone at Asmbly. 
 
  
−
Compensation rates are calculated using the student registration fee and max number of students allowed per class.  The current compensation split is 60% to teachers.  Here is an example of what a teacher would be paid for a 2 hour class that costs students $50 and has the max number of students set to 4:
+
Tier 3 - $72/hr
  
−
($50 x 4) x 0.6 = $120
+
Hours are determined by the length of the class in Neon. For new classes, the appropriate length of the class will be worked out during class development.
  
−
Classes that include materials that the teacher will provide are calculated without the material cost. For example, if the student fee is $100 for a 3 hour class but $25 of the fee is allocated to material cost, the calculation for a max of 4 students class would look like this:
+
The Class Tier of every class taught at Asmbly can be found in the table below.
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+Class Tiers
 +
!Tier 1
 +
!Tier 2
 +
!Tier 3
 +
|-
 +
|Intro to Filament 3D Printing
 +
|Bowl Turning
 +
|1-on-1 Tormach Class
 +
|-
 +
|Intro to Sublimation Printing
 +
|Fusion 360 CAM for Tormach
 +
|Beginner CNC Router
 +
|-
 +
|Intro to Vinyl Cutter
 +
|Intro to Resin 3D Printing
 +
|Big Lasers Class
 +
|-
 +
|Beginning Sewing
 +
|Intro to Milling
 +
|Laser Engrave Round Materials
 +
|-
 +
|Stationary Sanders
 +
|Intro to Wood Lathe
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|Metal Shop Safety
 +
|Metal Lathe
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|Woodshop Safety
 +
|MIG Welding
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|Pen Turning
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|Shaper Origin Certification
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|Small Lasers Class
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|TIG Welding
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|Woodshop Specialty Tools
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|Illustrator & Design Basics
 +
|
 +
|}
 +
Class materials and consumables should be discussed with and approved by the Asmbly Education Team during class development.  Teachers will be reimbursed for any approved consumable materials necessary for class.
  
−
($75 x 4) x 0.6 = $180
+
Teacher payouts and material reimbursements are handled by the Treasurer using Zelle and occur twice a month for classes held during the 1st through 15th (payouts on or before the 20th), and 16th through the end of the month (payouts on or before the 5th of the following month).  
  
−
In this example, teachers would be reimbursed separately for class material cost based on actual student registrations (e.g. 2 students register, $50 reimbursed for materials).
+
Payouts are based on event information in Neon. Teachers must inform the Education Team ([mailto:Classes@asmbly.org classes@asmbly.org]) of any changes to classes as soon as possible in order to ensure proper payouts.
  
 +
==== Curriculum Development ====
 +
In addition to normal payments for teaching, Asmbly will in some cases compensate teachers for developing new class curricula. Payments for curriculum development can vary from $0 to $200 depending on factors such as class complexity as well as time and effort spent on development. Note that these payments are not based on an hourly rate and will be determined by the Education Team in consultation with the Leadership Team. Not every new class curriculum will be eligible for payment. The Education Team will be happy to provide a more specific estimate if you provide us with a brief class proposal.
  
−
Teacher payouts and material reimbursements are handled by the treasurer using Zelle and occur twice a month for classes held during the 1st through 15th, and 16th through the end of the month.  Payouts are based on event information in Neon.  Teachers must inform the Education Team (classes@asmbly.org) of any changes to classes as soon as possible in order to ensure proper payouts.
+
Payments for curriculum development will be made in the first pay period after the class has been on the schedule for 2 months, or 5 classes have been taught, whichever comes first.
  
 
=== Teacher Responsibilities ===
 
=== Teacher Responsibilities ===
−
* Submitting proposed class content, price, and schedule to Education Team (classes@asmbly.org)
+
 
−
* Arriving to scheduled class location prior to the start of the session and helping students gather for the class
+
* Working with the Asmbly Education Team (classes@asmbly.org) to determine class content and price.
−
* Communicating any pertinent info students need prior to the class ahead of time  
+
* Maintaining class scheduling availability 45+ days in advance.
−
** E.g. if you are hosting a portion of your class virtually and have not set this up through Asmbly, you must communicate this to your students directly.
+
* Arriving at the scheduled class location 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the session to prepare, and helping students gather for the class.
 +
* Communicating with the Education Team when issues arise (e.g. you are running late for class). Slack is the preferred method for timely communication.
 +
* Marking attendance in Neon after each class.
 +
* Communicating any pertinent info students need prior to the class ahead of time
 +
** E.g. If you are hosting a portion or all of your class virtually, you must communicate video conferencing links to your students directly.
  
 
=== Asmbly Responsibilities ===
 
=== Asmbly Responsibilities ===
−
* Approving class content, price, and schedule
+
 
−
* Posting class to Neon and opening student registration
+
* Approving class content and price.
−
* Scheduling shop areas in Skedda
+
* Scheduling classes. We are flexible on the specific dates/times classes are offered and will work with instructors to find mutually agreeable times.
−
* Onboarding new teachers in Quickbooks (W9) and Neon backend (for checking registrations and contacting students)
+
* Posting class to Neon and opening student registration.
 +
* Scheduling shop areas in Skedda.
 +
* Onboarding new teachers in Quickbooks (W9), Neon backend (for checking registrations, contacting students, and marking attendance), and Slack.
  
 
[[Category:Operations]]
 
[[Category:Operations]]

Revision as of 21:31, 5 May 2023

As an educational nonprofit, classes are a vital component of Asmbly and we are always interested in adding more teachers and courses to our schedule. Read on to learn more about classes we offer and how teaching works at Asmbly.

If you have an idea for a class you'd like to teach, or are interested in teaching one of our current classes, please reach out to classes@asmbly.org. We'd love to connect and learn more!

Core Classes

Most shop areas and machines have established curricula that are taught by trained teachers. These serve as our "core" classes. We offer these classes regularly and they are required for clearance to use certain shops or equipment.

Examples:

  • Woodshop and Metal Shop Safety
  • Intro to Wood Lathe
  • Big Lasers
  • Small Lasers
  • Beginner CNC Router
  • MIG Welding
  • Intro to 3D Printing

Additional Classes

Asmbly also offers many other classes that are not required to use tools or shop areas. The focus of these classes varies from more detailed coverage of topics introduced in Core classes, to advanced techniques, to specific project-based classes. Some of these classes are offered on a regular schedule, but others are offered less frequently or on an on-demand basis.

The examples listed below are a sampling of some of these classes:

  • Illustrator and Design Basics
  • Cutting Board Build
  • Pen Turning
  • Fusion 360 for Wood CNC
  • Stained Glass
  • Laser Engraving Round Materials

Details of Teaching at Asmbly

All paid instruction that occurs at Asmbly must go through the Asmbly Education Team. We do not permit private instruction using our facilities and machines outside our scheduling without written approval from the board. Certification for machine or shop use is granted by Asmbly as an organization, not by teachers as individuals.  Asmbly reserves the right to award free classes to volunteer contributors with approval.

Asmbly aims to keep most classes on the schedule 45+ days in advance. As an Asmbly teacher, we expect you to work with the Asmbly Education Team to find dates and times 45+ days out when you can teach your classes.

Asmbly teachers are required to read and sign our Instructor Agreement. You will be sent a copy of the agreement to sign through SignNow as part of the teacher onboarding process.

Teaching Formats

Group Classes

Most classes at Asmbly are taught in a group format, consisting of 2-5 students and the teacher. We find that this size range offers a good balance of accessibility, hands-on time, and teacher interaction. We also strive to keep most group classes under ~$30/hr for student registration fees to keep classes affordable and accessible to the community.

Private Classes

For many classes, we also offer the option of private sessions. Asmbly teachers are paid the same rate for private classes as normal group classes, but are not required to offer this option. These private classes can be 1-on-1 or have multiple students. The Education Team will coordinate scheduling of these classes.

Checkout Classes

In the interest of accessibility, Asmbly offers checkout classes for many (but not all) tools in the space. However, we must ensure that any students who wish to bypass normal intro classes have the same or greater level of knowledge as students who have taken our intro classes. Additionally, students who do a checkout must be made aware of any policies and procedures specific to Asmbly.

Like private classes, Asmbly teachers are not required to offer checkout classes. Checkout classes are paid at the same hourly rate as normal classes, but are typically much shorter. Checkout classes consist of the student completing an intermediate-level task using the tool while being supervised by the teacher, but without being aided or guided by the teacher. The teacher will also brief the student on any Asmbly-specific policies and procedures.

We rely on our teachers to use good judgment when conducting checkout classes. We do not wish for students to be granted access to tools simply because they paid for a checkout class. Like private classes, the Education Team will coordinate scheduling of these classes.

Payments

Teachers at Asmbly are paid as 1099 contractors at an hourly rate that varies by class. Teachers must fill out a W-9 in Quickbooks in order to receive compensation. An invitation to fill out the W-9 will be sent to new teachers during onboarding. The information obtained is securely stored in Quickbooks for accounting and tax purposes.

Class Payments

At Asmbly, compensation rates are determined by a Class Tier system that takes into account a number of factors including tool complexity, required instructor knowledge/experience, required prep work for each class, and the complexity of the specific application of the tool being taught, among other factors. The Class Tier of all new classes will be determined by the Asmbly Education Team during class development.

Classes are split into three tiers with the following compensation rates for each tier:

Tier 1 - $36/hr

Tier 2 - $54/hr

Tier 3 - $72/hr

Hours are determined by the length of the class in Neon. For new classes, the appropriate length of the class will be worked out during class development.

The Class Tier of every class taught at Asmbly can be found in the table below.

Class Tiers
Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
Intro to Filament 3D Printing Bowl Turning 1-on-1 Tormach Class
Intro to Sublimation Printing Fusion 360 CAM for Tormach Beginner CNC Router
Intro to Vinyl Cutter Intro to Resin 3D Printing Big Lasers Class
Beginning Sewing Intro to Milling Laser Engrave Round Materials
Stationary Sanders Intro to Wood Lathe
Metal Shop Safety Metal Lathe
Woodshop Safety MIG Welding
Pen Turning
Shaper Origin Certification
Small Lasers Class
TIG Welding
Woodshop Specialty Tools
Illustrator & Design Basics

Class materials and consumables should be discussed with and approved by the Asmbly Education Team during class development.  Teachers will be reimbursed for any approved consumable materials necessary for class.

Teacher payouts and material reimbursements are handled by the Treasurer using Zelle and occur twice a month for classes held during the 1st through 15th (payouts on or before the 20th), and 16th through the end of the month (payouts on or before the 5th of the following month).

Payouts are based on event information in Neon. Teachers must inform the Education Team (classes@asmbly.org) of any changes to classes as soon as possible in order to ensure proper payouts.

Curriculum Development

In addition to normal payments for teaching, Asmbly will in some cases compensate teachers for developing new class curricula. Payments for curriculum development can vary from $0 to $200 depending on factors such as class complexity as well as time and effort spent on development. Note that these payments are not based on an hourly rate and will be determined by the Education Team in consultation with the Leadership Team. Not every new class curriculum will be eligible for payment. The Education Team will be happy to provide a more specific estimate if you provide us with a brief class proposal.

Payments for curriculum development will be made in the first pay period after the class has been on the schedule for 2 months, or 5 classes have been taught, whichever comes first.

Teacher Responsibilities

  • Working with the Asmbly Education Team (classes@asmbly.org) to determine class content and price.
  • Maintaining class scheduling availability 45+ days in advance.
  • Arriving at the scheduled class location 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the session to prepare, and helping students gather for the class.
  • Communicating with the Education Team when issues arise (e.g. you are running late for class). Slack is the preferred method for timely communication.
  • Marking attendance in Neon after each class.
  • Communicating any pertinent info students need prior to the class ahead of time
    • E.g. If you are hosting a portion or all of your class virtually, you must communicate video conferencing links to your students directly.

Asmbly Responsibilities

  • Approving class content and price.
  • Scheduling classes. We are flexible on the specific dates/times classes are offered and will work with instructors to find mutually agreeable times.
  • Posting class to Neon and opening student registration.
  • Scheduling shop areas in Skedda.
  • Onboarding new teachers in Quickbooks (W9), Neon backend (for checking registrations, contacting students, and marking attendance), and Slack.
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