Instructor Handbook
General Info
This is a copy of a google doc, which is the primary version. For the latest version please go to the following link:
Proposing a new class
To submit a class proposal, fill out this application online: New Event or Class Form
You can also send an email to classes@portcitymakerspace.com with the necessary information.
You should have a prepared syllabus that outlines what your class will be like. Please use the Instructor Syllabus Template as a guide.
Scheduling and promoting a class
To schedule a class first consult the calendar on our site to make sure that the space you need is not already occupied. Then contact classes@portcitymakerspace.com with the information above.
Once you have a class on the calendar it is up to you to promote it and fill it. If the class is scheduled in advance far enough, it can be included in the monthly newsletter and be published online where it will get visibility from our social media. This works just fine for some classes, but others need additional promotion to really fill. See the Instructor Resources section for a list of possible outlets for free advertising of classes.
Class Pricing
Instructors get to set their own pricing for classes as a per student cost. Instructors may also set a minimum class enrollment, this number must be decided on before the class is listed so that students are notified and refunded at least the day before if the class will not be running due to low enrollment. If the class is not canceled at least 24 hours before the start time the instructor will need to run the class regardless of enrolment.
As a general rule classes should be priced between $15 and $50 per student hour.
Instructor Payment
Class profit is split 50-50 between Port City Makerspace and Instructors. If the instructor paid for some materials cost, that gets reimbursed to them and the remaining profit is split 50-50.
Example:
The Intro to Welding needs $80 in materials for its students. Things like welding wire, steel, and shielding gas.
5 students sign up at $50 each: 5x$50=$250
Total class income is $250
The remaining profit after cost of materials: $250-$80=$170
The instructor and Port City Makerspace each make half of $170 = $85
For interested instructors, we can negotiate a better split of 70-30 between Instructor and Makerspace respectively if they are willing to commit to doing programming for multiple months.
Types of Classes/Events
Intro Classes
Intro classes function as tool training and ideally should be offered a minimum of once a month in each shop discipline.
At the end of an intro class students should have the safety knowledge in that shop to use each tool correctly. Any tool in a shop that is not covered in the intro class should have it’s own tool training class available on request.
Example: Intro to Wood Shop
Tools covered in class:
- Table Saw
- Miter Saw
- Planer
- Belt and Disc Sander
- Finish Nailers
- Drill Press
Example: Intro to CNC Routers
Tools covered in class:
- CNC Router
Public Events and Gatherings
During an event in which the general public is invited to tour the shop all machinery should be off and unplugged for the duration of the event. These are our Open Houses, Anniversary Parties, and Social Nights.
One-Off Classes
Classes that offer something that we don't typically have. These can be unique project-based workshops, for example "Build a Birdhouse" or "Crafting with Soft Circuits".
Multi-session Classes
These are classes that take place over two or more sessions. Not often held, these are for more in-depth subjects or bigger projects that can't be done in 2-4 hours. Preferably these are scheduled well in advance, as they will involve repeated use of resources that members of the shop may be expecting to use.
Instructor Etiquette
Conduct
Instructors are expected to be friendly and helpful to their attendees. When teaching classes at the makerspace, you are representing the organization and typically setting an example for those that are new to the makerspace.
Tours
If you have time before or during your class/event, show attendees around the makerspace so they know what the full extent of it is. People that take a class for the first time and only stay in one room won't really know what they're missing. There are tips for tours down in the "What to say on shop tours" section.
Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy
Port City Makerspace is committed in all areas to providing a environment that is free from harassment. Harassment based upon an individual's sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, and religion or any other legally characteristics will not be tolerated. All occupants of the space, including supervisors and other management personnel, are expected and required to abide by this policy. No person will be adversely affected in Membership or employment with the Makerspace as a result of bringing complaints of unlawful harassment.
Sexual harassment is behavior of a sexual nature that is unwelcome and offensive to the person or persons it is targeted toward. Examples of harassing behavior may include unwanted physical contact, foul language of an offensive sexual nature, sexual propositions, sexual jokes or remarks, obscene gestures, and displays of pornographic or sexually explicit pictures, drawings, or caricatures. Use of the computer system for the purpose of viewing, displaying, or disseminating material that is sexual in nature may also constitute harassing behavior.
Syllabus standards
Safety will be emphasized as the most important thing in each class involving tools or hazards.
Shop spaces will be left cleaner then they were found. Plan for plenty of cleanup time during your scheduled class time and emphasize the importance of cleaning in a community space.
Students should be offered a tour and told about membership
For help developing a syllabus, please use our Instructor Syllabus Template. You can also contact programming@portcitymakerspace.com if you would like help developing your class.
Safety
Class size will be kept small enough that instructors can maintain proper supervision. It is your responsibility as an instructor to ensure the safety of all of your students.
Please submit a syllabus to the Makerspace management that includes safety standards for each tool that you will use in your class. Deviation from your prepared syllabus is allowed as long as the approved safety standards are still met.
All students must have a signed liability waiver on file prior to the start of the class.
Instructor Resources
Places to list and advertise
- Rye civic league
- Granite state sentinel, a free weekly newspaper
- Post in our groups
Ask our staff for:
- Facebook post
- Facebook event
- Newsletter promotion
Available from the Makerspace on request
- Projector and screen
- Folding chairs
- Whiteboards
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