I love teaching and I have come to realize that I am good at it too! While I continue to lecture, guilds simply are not booking teaching gigs so after being asked several time by a local quilt shop, I agreed to teach. They too have been having difficulty getting people to sign up for classes. It is a traditional shop so I had my concerns. I was to be their first "art quilt" or as one of my students so wonderfully called me "not boring." I have offered three classes and all three have gone with at least four students. I have loved reconnecting with my local quilt community, opening people to new experiences and thinking outside of the box. My evaluations have been incredible. I love sharing and getting people to know that they are capable of creating something unique. I understand the role of a teacher teaching in a quilt shop (get your students to support the shop). In past lives, I have managed a quilt shop and taught in several. I know this shop is much more focused on selling sewing machines (the money is there) than classes. Shortly I am going to have to decide whether to teach there again. I am struggling. Twice the time I asked to teach was cut. The last time I taught my samples were hang above the classroom door with huge thumb tacks and one was upside down (there are sleeves and labels on all my quilts). My class time was not only cut but changed. I found out by checking the website. I did express my disappointment. It was not really dealt with at all. I am suffering from a nasty sinus infection and bronchitis (the universe did not hear my cry of "uncle") and the anniversary of my dad's death is approaching so I am asking your advice. I feel too emotional lately and tired. Do I continue or do I let it go?
As for the quilt shown, it is one that I started many months ago and because of the class I taught I was inspired to finish it. It gave me an opportunity to show how you can alter fabric with fabric markers. It is also square but I am too tired to reshoot it. Life it too short! Might just be my answer too. Hugs.
yes,,,if you can do it...teach. I have been asked over and over, but not a teacher. I would leave steps out that ai take for granted...then again, prepare?? Lol. I love that piece you're showing
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words and loving my piece. Send me your address and it's yours!
DeleteIt is sad that the shop owner/staff pay so little attention to detail (in the hanging of your sample, for example) - and changing/cutting time without notifying you is simply bad manners. I suspect you are not desperate enough to subject yourself to this kind of treatment? Perhaps you could find a venue to teach that does NOT involve a LQS setting?
ReplyDeleteReleasing with love. Hopefully guilds will want me to teach. Time to write a book! Hugs.
DeleteAs I get older, my time becomes more precious to me and as much as I love teaching, I'm doing less of it. It depends on where you want to spend your time and if this shop is not that supportive, it gives you less incentive. The other aspect is the students. I get as much back from the students as I give so it is its own reward. Perhaps when you feel better you'll be clearer about what you want.
ReplyDeleteI love my students and could not agree with you more. They feed my soul and I will miss that. However, life is just too short to be constantly frustrated so I'm releasing with love. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI hear 1) your teaching time was cut twice, 2) your teaching time was changed without notifying you, and 3) your work was not respected when it was hung for demonstration. You have answered your own question.
ReplyDeleteYes, I did and thanks for your input! Releasing with love and moving on. Hugs.
DeleteIf you enjoy teaching and it fills your soul then continue...but perhaps more on your terms. Would a contract help or be more work? Perhaps the shop you were teaching at wasn't a good fit for you since they seemed disrespectful of you and your quilts. Maybe a different shop would treat you better.
ReplyDeleteI think I have outgrown teaching in quilt shops and should have remembered that. I am releasing with love and moving on. Thanks for your thoughts. Hugs, Karen
DeleteI also love teaching. The shop I teach at is a delight and I'm treated as a valuable member of their team. I suggest you find another shop. Teaching is important because we learn and grow from our students as well as share our talents. You should not be disrespected which is what is happening at your current shop and it sounds like they are not able to listen and learn. Find a new venue.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen... I have to admit I haven't stopped by your blog for some time, but am so glad I did. We are kindred spirits re: teaching.... love it, and there ARE students who want to study with us. Please know your skills are so valuable! (Wish I were closer). You have to make your own way in the teaching arena and stop teaching at shops who do not respect your knowledge, skills and abilities! Find a small venue which will offer teaching space and set your own times and classes. As NancyE said - some shops highly value their teaching staff and bend over backwards to help fill the classes. Thinking of you as you mend from your health issues and sending all best wishes for a great next year!!! A Fan from Kingston, ON Canada
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