So, how do you get a teaching gig?
First of all, have a clear idea of which kids of gigs you want to go after: A school, private teaching, community college, whatever. Imagine your ideal situation: Would you do your creative work in the morning? Or are you a performer who needs to work nights? When and where are students available? (If you are hoping to teach kids, you’re pretty much limited to after school and weekends, unless you can make an arrangement to teach inside a school. Adults have varied schedules. Seniors and homeschoolers may be available during the day.)
Then it’s time to start reaching out.
Not every strategy works in every community, but here are some to try:
- Call other people who do what you do and introduce yourself. Some may not teach, but they may get inquiries they can refer to you. Some may teach, but may have overflow. Some may teach only advanced students, but be willing to send beginners your way.
- You’ll need business cards and brochures. They don’t have to be fancy, but they should look professional. Brochures should include statements regarding what you offer (a group writing workshop, private lessons, a one-day seminar), your training and expertise in in your field, and perhaps a few words about your teaching philosophy.
- Stop in at all the stores in your area that sell materials pertaining to your art. For example: Booskstores (and also libraries) for writers, photo equipment stores for photographers, music stores for musicians, art supply shops and galleries for artists. Leave a stack of cards. If you are targeting parents of small children, stop in at locally owned children’s stores, as well.
- Send letters of introduction to people you may not feel comfortable calling (or who are very difficult to reach), but who you would like to make aware of your presence: This list could include school teachers in various arts or department heads at the college level.
- Check out the local papers and see who’s advertising programs and classes in your field. Could you fit in somewhere?
- If the community college is offering a beginning writing class, could you take on a “how to get published” class?
- Find out what the effective local advertising media are and use them. In my town, it’s not the daily paper or the weekly community paper, it’s the advertising-only “Shopper’s Guide” that people read to find out who is selling and offering what.
- Check out local bulletin boards where you can post notices: These might include boards outside some businesses, and in supermarkets, libraries, and coffeehouses, and bookstores. Ask first: Some are limited to non-profits.
- Neighborhood brochures can be effective.
- Give a free introductory program at a local library.
- Use the Internet. If you are already using social networking such as Facebook or Linkdin, use it for this. Develop a website (A free one-page site using blogging software is simple to set up).
- Advertise or list your name on free Internet services ranging from the general (Craig’s List) to the specific (A list solely for people who give writing seminars, or music lessons).
- SHOW UP. Benefits, concerts, gallery events are all places where you can meet someone who might hire you.
- Solicit and generate word of mouth.
