So, I just got hired to teach Wilton classes and am a little nervous. Does anyone have any good ideas?

Teachers- Is there anything you do that is successful?

Students- Anything cool that your teacher's have done?

Teaching tips? Baking Tips? Decorating Tips? Class Management Tips? Any tips are welcomed. Thanks!

Congratulations!

There is an awesome yahoo e-group that is just for WMI's and a great place to get advice.

Send an email to [email protected]

Selina will ask you a few questions then get up set up on the board.

For me time management just comes with practice. Wilton suggests you use a timer to help keep things running long. The more you go through the things the more you will see where your students tend to need extra help and where they catch on to things pretty quickly and don't need the whole alloted time for it.

When you get the books and lesson plans put them together and read through and make notes. While I often give my students extra information, you have to be careful because alot of the lessons are alreach chalked full of all kinds of information and some of the classes can be informaton overload.

Separate the pages of each lesson plan and place them in plastic protective sleeves. That why your book will actually stay in tact, look professional and icing won't ruin the pages.

Remember to smile and have fun! After all, people in your classes are taking this for entertainment purposes not for credit. It will get easier with time and you will meet the best people and even make new friends.

Best Wishes!

Cookie - WMI
Hobby Lobby Stores
Houston/Spring, TX

yes, you need to get on our message board. you wont feel so alone, and infact you will be so excite to begin once you read through it.
Selina

As a "student" of wilton classes, I can say that it is great you are doing this. Some people may not be serious cake people but others will. I hope you have the patience to deal with both. I actually became friends with my instructor and we now trade tips and information. I never expected her to know everything but we had a ton of fun with the classes. Best of luck to you!

That was very helpful....thanks!!

Congratulations from a student who just completed 4 Wilton courses! In March 2010 I went to my very first class with a brand new instructor--it was her first class also. She was really nervous, but all of us, students and teacher, were very supportive of each other and, of course, we students were in awe of her skills. By the time I finished the fourth course, she was really getting the timing down and was using a timer that went off to keep her on track.

From a student perspective, most classes were nerve-wracking and overwhelming because there simply wasn't enough time to do everything we were supposed to do that session. I think every student probably feels that way in every class because it is all so new and is the first time for the techniques. I took the "old style" Wilton Courses 1-3, and the "new style" fondant and gum paste as my 4th class.

The biggest help I think you can offer students is to SHOW HOW you do it before they try it, and help each one hold their hands/tools just right to get it done instead of just talking about how to do it. I could have read or listened 50 times and not understood until she actually showed me.

The very best of luck to you. You will enrich your students' lives long after they've left your courses.