In July, I applied and was accepted for a position with Michaels Bead Corner Design Academy. I teach the jewelry classes at the Michaels store in Hurst, TX. Over the past three or so months, I've been struggling to get a grip on what, exactly, to do! I've had some good experiences and some learning experiences. And I figure that some other brand new instructors are going through the same confusion that I've had, so I put together a few tips and helpful hints to help guide new instructors:
1. Your CEM is priceless! She's the main person who will help you get what you need, including supplies, students, information, and paychecks! She is there to help her, so call on her when you need her!
2. Starting out, you have to do A LOT of work! Be prepared to dedicate some time to getting yourself organized and ready. Each class is a new learning experience for not only the students but also for the instructor!
3. Customers are going to expect you to know where everything in the store is located. Some BCDA instructors are regular Michaels employees, but some are not. I fall in the latter group. I only teach jewelry classes at Michaels. While I am a regular Michaels customer, I am not incredibly familiar with the inventory. But, I still have a responsibility to help the customer. Here's and example of what I've found to be best:
Customer: Do you know where the gold leaf is?
Me: I am the jewelry instructor, and I'm not here full time, so I'm not sure, but let me help you find someone who can help you!
Customer: Ok. Thanks!
I go find an associate or direct the customer to an associate (hopefully with a headset) so they can find the answer they need!
Typically, the customer is satisfied with this answer. Sometimes, they get annoyed and walk away, but I try my best to find them the help they need.
4. This goes back to #2 and the work you'll be doing. The website for BCDA says that instructors should use demo time to create the completed projects for each class. However, I have found that I need more time than that to practice and make a presentation piece. Here's what I do:
Calendar-By the 10th of the current month, I have my calendar ready for the next month. So, for example, today, I completed my November calendar. My CEM appreciates receiving my dates early so she can make the store calendar in a timely manner, and it helps me to be prepared. I typically schedule 2-3 classes per week, and I try to do at least one series of classes each month. For example, this month, every Wednesday, I'm offering a different wire wrapping class at the same time.
Instructor's Guide-I think there's supposed to be a binder at the store full of all the pre-printed instructions for each class. My store does not have one of these, so I've had to print everything myself at home. Note that each class has approximately 20 full-color pages. So, I recommend trying to find somewhere you can print for free. Try to print on both sides, in black and white if possible. If you can't print for free, flip through the file and print just the pages you need. I've noticed that a lot of the pages are repeated in throughout different courses. At the beginning of the week, I print all the information I'll need for all the classes that coming week.
Projects-I like to take 1-2 completed projects to class so the students can see what they'll be making. As I mentioned before, I have done quite a bit of practicing on my own time. However, I have discovered, that as I offer more and more classes, I do not have to practice as often because I've already completed the projects and practiced the techniques. Typically, the day before the class, I will set aside at least one hour, if not two, to read through the instructions for the class and practice the techniques from the instructions. I also use this time to make an example project for the class.
WOW! I have a lot more tips than I thought when I started writing today's piece. I think that's enough for today. I will post some more soon!
