Become an Instructor Information Packet (PDF)
As social creatures, we learn from others. Instructors are a vital part of our community of lifelong learning and handcraft. Sharing skills is one way to build a stronger, more equitable society. Why not share your skills with others in a fun, safe, non-competitive space? Instructors are paid for their time and our team supports you along the way from class development to registration to day of support. Consider joining our community of more than 100 instructors!
We are currently seeking class ideas and instructors for the January-March 2024 and April-June 2024 sessions. Call, email, stop by to chat, or sign up on our website. We look forward to you joining and/or returning to this active and fun learning community.
Submit a Class Proposal Today!
Types of Classes
When considering what you would teach at Duluth Folk School, we encourage you to think about which type of class fits your topic, experience, and goals. Not sure? We can support you in navigating and planning!
Try-it: A one hour class or demonstration that provides a taste of a skill or project.
Introduction or informational: 1-3 hour classes that introduce a topic or skill with hands-on instruction and student practice of the skill. Students may or may not complete a finished product in an introductory class. No experience is necessary to participate.
Project: 3-8 hour classes where students apply skills to a particular project or application (e.g. apply sewing skills to quilting or banner fabrication). Prior experience may or may not be necessary to participate.
Advanced: 1-2 day classes that include some introduction to the topic, significant hands-on instruction and participation, and in some cases a certification.
Class Topics
Hundreds of different classes have been taught at Duluth Folk School since its founding. We focus on handcrafting, building community, and having fun and welcome class topics or experiences that support those things. What is your idea? What would you like to learn more about?
When asked – class participants and community members have asked for the following topics and levels of instruction. Would you consider teaching one of these?
- Introductory and informational classes in woodworking, sewing, knitting, croquet, foraging, painting, music, plant care, natural history, paper arts, beading, sustainability, and weaving
- Project classes in fiber arts, woodworking, printmaking, painting, upcycling, food preservation, winter recreation, and jewelry
- Advanced or multi-day classes in herbalism, home repairs, fiber arts, and gardening
What is Duluth Folk School’s role?
- We offer a positive, welcoming, and supportive infrastructure. We are the container and community for lifelong learning.
- We provide a venue that fits with your topic. Classrooms in Lincoln Park, a rustic outdoor classroom, and a commercial kitchen are available.
- We provide a host on the day of class to welcome participants, help you set-up and clean-up, assist as needed during class, and help carry materials to your car, bike, or bus.
- We advertise your course on-line, via social media, in our newsletter, at events, and at Dovetail Cafe.
- We handle registrations and payments.
- We provide liability insurance.
- We offer training and development opportunities for instructors. As a Duluth Folk School instructor, we want to help you be the best you can be! And, we want you to be a part of the DFS family.
We hope you’ll seize this opportunity to strengthen your community and make Duluth an even better place to live!
Click HERE to fill out a form for each class you’d like to teach. We will review your information and contact you about next steps.
Note: Some classes may not be a good fit for the Duluth Folk School. The Duluth Folk School retains the right to cancel classes due to low participation, weather, or other reasons. If classes are not held, instructors will not be paid.