I was called by another wilton instructor at the store where I took one of the classes and was asked if I would consider becoming an instructor. I never got a chance to take course 3 becasue they never were able to get enough students to hold one. But this site has really given me a leg up and I have learned a lot on my own. But I should be able to take course 3 next month.

Anyway, I thought maybe it might be fun. I might enjoy getting out of the house a bit to do my own thing. Does anyone have any words of advice or tips for someone just starting out teaching?

I don't have any advice. Just wanted to say congratulations!

There are many different posts around here with comments about teaching. You may want to try searching the board.

I love teaching and have been doing it over 2.5 years. But while it is a fun job and it is a great part time job, it is not something that will pay the bills.

What store is it?

it would be at joanns. Right, I understand it wont pay a lot. plus you have to do a lot of preparation at home and bring your own stuff. But I thought what the heck, I could use some time away from the house. Plus my mom always says "something good always comes from every honest effort you make." Meaning maybe it might lead to something else! Who knows!

Just wondered if there were any tips on dealing with the store, paperwork, students, the fact that I dont do the "wilton way" all the time. You know stuff like that. I will search around though! Thanks!

Merissa, I'm a Michaels instructor so I can't help you to what all you are required to do at JoAnn's, which is why I asked. Hopefully there is a JoAnn's instructor here that can let you know the specifics of that account.

Paper work varies from account to account, but you will have to have your students fill out Forms and you will have a tracking form to mail off to Wilton once a month.

I believe that JoAnn's have events cordinators as well, though I might be wrong. If they do, you will go through them to set up your class schedule and they can help you sometimes with questions. You will get a Wilton supervisor as well that you can contact if you have any questions they do not know the answers for at your store or you are having problems with your store.

As far as the Wilton Way. We are required to teach things the Wilton Way in class. That doesn't mean we always do everything the Wilton Way at home, but according to Wilton that is the only way that it should be taught in class. Many instructors will throw in tips or tricks they have learned to help make things easier, but you must show them the Wilton Way.

Now the other pros and cons....

Yes there is outside of class things we have to do to get ready for classes. We use our supplies in class. We have to make a cake and icing in L1 of C1. Are suppose to make royal icing in L1 of C2. In C3 there is fondant that you will use. And in the new Fondant and Gumpaste class there is Fondant and Gumpaste you will use in class. So those things come out of pocket.

Some accounts require a min of students to run a class so if you are at one of those and you do not have the 4 students to do the class you have to cancel class that month. So you do not know until the beginning of the month which classes you will and how much money you will make for the month. (Which is why I say you can't really depend on it to pay bills, but that it is a great chance to make spending money.)

Wilton does offer us some incentives and things to encourage us. You do get 40% off when you order directly from Wilton. You do have to pay shipping but it is a chance to save some money on things you will end up using for class. Some stores give the instructor's employee discounts as well, but I do not know if JoAnn's does.

Also Wilton gives us monthly goals like teach X number of students each month and you can earn $10 in gift certificates, which can be used on Wilton products or a few other items they have. There are other ones from time to time as well, depending on your account.

Wilton will also send you free things here and there as well.

I do love teaching and for me the cost of doing it doesn't bother me as it is usually not too much in the long run. I'm not trying to talk you out of it by posting the negatives to teaching, I just like people to be aware of what they are signing themselves up for.

If you have any questions about teaching the classes in general please feel free to PM me. I can't answer account specific questions about that store, but I can try to answer other things.

Have you gone to the Wilton Website to fill out the App yet?

This is my first post on CC but I have been a diligent user and reader for about 3 months now! I love it!

Anyways, I am a Wilton Instructor at Joann's in Ohio. Based on what TexasSugar said things are very similar between Joann's and Michaels.

Here are some things specific to Joann's:

Each store has an Education Coordinator that does a lot of the work for you. I walk the "Wilton" aisle before every class with her and make sure that we have enough product for the upcoming class. I have only had a few classes cancel due to lack of enrollment. But word of mouth spreads quickly....my students like my style of teaching and they tell their friends. Almost of all of my Course 1 students come back for Course 2. Course 3 is another story. I have been unsuccessful in running this course. Some people shy away because of the fondat and gumpaste. So I have yet to run one of those classes.

The Wilton Way is what we are supposed to teach and nothing else. I don't do everything that way for my own business. I share some personal tips and tricks but do pretty much stick to the book when it comes to this. I don't want to lose this job!

I think our pays works a little different than Michael's. We get paid for the number of students that we teach. It is a flat rate per student and the least amount you can make from a class of 6 is $120 for the month. (This may be store specific)

You will need to bring your own supplies, but I have a lot of things from my business anyways, so that really isn't a problem for me. The Wilton incentives are great! I have hit every goal, and have received over $200 in free product in the last 7 months! Plus they have styrofoam cakes you can order for extremely cheap! I don't do store demos and I don't really advertise the class, I let the Education Coordinator take care of that. Like I said, word of mouth goes a long way.

I was asked by my store's Education Coordinator to start teaching. They were in a pinch because their instructor quit out of the blue and so I just kind of assumed the role with no teaching experience! It was a smooth transition, but it could have been better. I love doing it, and interacting with the people. Plus, the store lets me promote my business as much as I want. FREE advertising....how can you beat that!?!?!?!

hi! Thanks for the replies. Yes I have filled out the application on line and have been in touch with the marketing supervisors. So I just have to send in for the teaching kit. They want for me to start teaching in March.

There is another instructor at the store (the one who contacted me) because she feels it is too much for her alone. She has a long drive in as well (I dont) So she thought we could take turns each month taking on course 1 and then following through with course 2 and 3 (if there is interest) Plus we could be back up for eachother. I am not too concerned about how much money I will make, but I want it to be at least worth my time (in money or in fun!)