Teach A Class

Inspire Creativity, Curiosity, and Experimentation as an On-Site or Online Instructor

MechaSpark strives to create quality learning experiences from skilled instructors. What drives our class programming is our excitement for experimentation and curiosity-driven learning.

We are always seeking motivated educators who are interested in designing and offering fun, quirky, and inspiring classes in the arts, electronics, digital technologies, or traditional craftwork.

Become a part of our community to help shape the future of hands-on learning!

For Interested Instructors

If you have not already met with a member of our team, we ask you to submit your class idea to teach@mechaspark.com with a course outline, your resume, and a portfolio, if you have one. We will reach out to schedule an interview and guide you through the onboarding process.

Once we’ve had an opportunity to meet and provide guidance on the class idea, we invite you to review our Instructor Handbook where you’ll find information about hiring paperwork, how to submit for payment, and how to see and review your course roster.

FAQs for Instructors

Why should I become a teacher at MechaSpark?
You are giving people the ability to make. You would teach people how to safely and effectively use tools. You’re helping your community, having fun, and making some money doing something you already love to do.

Can I set my own class schedule?
We will work with you to find times that don’t conflict with other classes and can offer input as to what has worked well in the past.

Do I have to be a member to teach?
You do not have to be a member to teach at MechaSpark. If you are not a member, you will need to teach on-site courses when we have front desk staff available. If you are teaching online, we can work with you on timing your class with our regular class model.

How much could I make?
Teachers of group classes get 50% of the class tuition. How much you make will depend on the market value of the type of class you’re offering and how many of those seats fill. While we do our part in marketing your class, instructors who help promote often see higher enrollments and more money in their pockets.

Instructors can also set up private lessons in our space when it’s available – you can set your own rates, but we ask for 25% of the revenue in exchange for the use of our facilities and ask you not to monopolize the relevant shop area.

Do I have to teach on-site at MechaSpark?
No. If you have an online class idea, we can list your class on our roster. From coding to finance & business classes for artists and makers, there are plenty of class topics that work for online classes. We’ll work with you to arrange videos and other online resources to run your virtual class. We also offer two options for material kits: mail out or pickup. Just let us know which you prefer.

Would I have help advertising my classes?
We do publicity for all our classes and reach most students through our website or email newsletters. Instructors who reach out to their own network and put some effort into marketing do see a payoff for their efforts as well.

We’re teaching some dangerous processes. As an instructor, is my liability protected?
While we encourage you to have your own insurance, our waivers, and general liability insurance indemnify your actions, so long as you are not acting in gross negligence. If you would like to teach under a corporate umbrella, we request that you obtain your own general liability insurance, and name MechaSpark as additionally insured.

What if I want to teach something unrelated to fabrication?
MechaSpark is particularly known for our fabrication classes, but we’re ready to experiment with you on your class idea. We can’t guarantee our audience will sign up, but we’re always looking for innovative class ideas. We also suggest offering a free workshop to start to gauge interest. You can share a single skill or reduce the scope of the project and try offering it with us.

What if I want to teach for free?
We love the enthusiasm for the learning process and appreciate those who want to dedicate time and resources to further student learning goals. We’d love to speak to you about opportunities for you to donate your time and talent for publicly available events. Please reach out to teach@mechaspark.com to share your idea with us.