Self-enrichment instructors work with a variety of different students teaching subjects ranging from music to foreign language. These classes are taken for self-improvement or personal interest rather than for academic credit. Students may be children or adults. Courses can also include practical skill-building lessons or supervised recreational activities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists potential job duties as the following:
- Curriculum planning and delivery of lessons.
- Development and proposal of new class ideas.
- Evaluation of current course work and implementation of changes.
- Advertisement and promotion of classes.
Self-enrichment teachers may help their students gain valuable life skills, pursue a new hobby or recreational activity, or diversify their resume. In fact, may professionals may enroll in self-enrichment courses to boost their attractiveness to potential employers. With this growing demand, the number of jobs in self-enrichment teaching is predicted to increase by 21% in the coming years, or much faster than the average for jobs overall.
Self-Enrichment Teacher at a Glance
Projected Job Growth
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Job Growth for
Self-Enrichment Teacher
Average Pay for Self-Enrichment Teacher
- Annual Pay National Average
- Hourly Pay National Average
Best States for Self-Enrichment Teacher
| Employment in 2011 |
Average Annual Pay |
Average Hourly Pay |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 26,440 | $47,780 | $23 |
| New Jersey | 7,910 | $51,580 | $25 |
| Massachusetts | 6,920 | $44,100 | $21 |
Becoming a Self-Enrichment Teacher
The required educational background for careers in self-enrichment teaching can vary widely since instructors may be leading classes in a wide range of subjects. Foreign language teachers, for instance, may have a degree in the language they teach, or may be native speakers. Music teachers may have formal training, or may have simply taken lessons for a number of years themselves. This can all depend on the requirements of the employer. They will, however, need to demonstrate proficiency in their subject area and many employers prefer to hire instructors with teaching experience.
Since students enrolling in these types of courses are not earning academic credit, certification is not typically required for teachers. Of course, instructors will stronger credentials and experience may be better able to promote their classes and take on more students, thus improving their earning potential. Some common classes that can be helpful to those interested in a career in self-enrichment teaching include:
- Communication
- Learning Psychology
- Human Development
- Core Content (depending on the area of specialization)
If you are considering a career as this type of instructor, you may already have an area of expertise. However, developing strong communication and interpersonal skills in addition to learning about teaching practice fundamentals can be very helpful.