Teachers

Teaching is Communication.
It is communicating knowledge to students in the best possible way. Essential to being a good teacher is giving that information away freely. Teachers need to inspire self-confidence and enthusiasm. This is not something that can be learnt - a teacher either has it or she doesn't.

The definition of a teacher's job is to cover all bases within a structured time and space; therefore class material must be organized in an interesting and logical sequence.

• Structure and Discipline are essential to achieve this.
• Planning a workshop is like planning a puzzle; all the pieces must fit.

A new teacher must ensure that she has a good foundation of knowledge in the subject she is teaching. There is nothing worse than being asked a question by a student and not being able to answer it correctly. As a Teacher, planning a class takes time, you need to gain confidence and have experienced the process yourself so as to avoid any pitfalls there might be. The class should always be planned to accommodate the slowest students, have something up your sleeve to keep the faster ones occupied until all the students are up to the same level. You are required to give an even amount of attention to each student, after all everyone has paid the same amount for their class.

When you feel that you are ready and would like to become an accredited teacher contact your nearest Guild. Request that an accredited teacher come and sit in your class to give you positive feedback.

• Familiarize yourself with the Code of Ethics for Teachers.
• Your fees should be according to experience.
• For each class plan and draw up your own notes
• Give credit where credit is due -always request permission
• Samples of classes to be given are better than a thousand words ? display them to gain the attention of prospective students.
• Encourage student to be creative and not copycats.
• Teach with enthusiasm and ALWAYS be prepared to learn from others.
• Learn from evaluation forms to be able to correct your weak points. Students should be helped to complete a quilt from start to finish, not just a few blocks.
• Inform students about plagiarism and copyright - ignorance is not an excuse in the eyes of the law.

Finally ensure that your students have a continuing interest in Patchwork and Quilting. information about Home Groups in their area and also educate them on the benefits of joining GRG.

One of the curious but rewarding perks of this profession is that the more that is given away, the more there seems to be to give and it returns tenfold.

Submitted by Grace Nobili
Some tips and notes taken from "A Teachers Eye View" by Virginia Avery