Teaching FAQ
This page answers questions about instructor requirements, payments, scheduling, space use, class formats, and more.
General
Do I need to be an FAA member to teach?
It depends on the tier:
• Outreach: No
• Workspace Rental: Yes
• FAA-Hosted: Yes
• Online Library: No
• Meetups: Yes
What’s the difference between the five teaching tiers?
Each tier supports a different kind of teaching opportunity:
• Outreach Classes: Free, grant-funded workshops with experienced instructors.
• Workspace Rental Classes: Members rent the space and run their own class.
• FAA-Hosted Classes: FAA manages registration, payment, and major marketing.
• Online Library: Short video lessons contributed by creators.
• Member-Led Meetups: Free, member-led gatherings with no fees or paid instruction.
What if I’m not sure which tier to choose?
Start by reading the descriptions on the Teaching page. If you’re still unsure, email info@frankfortarts.org with a short description of your idea and we’ll help you find the best fit.
Can I propose more than one idea?
Yes. You may propose multiple classes, videos, and meetup ideas across different tiers.
Do offerings need to be art-related?
Yes. All offerings must be arts, creativity, or art-adjacent and align with FAA’s mission.
Can I collaborate with another teacher?
Yes. You can collaborate as long as the tier’s rules are followed, including membership requirements, safety guidelines, and compensation limits.
Instructor Experience
Do Outreach or FAA-Hosted instructors need teaching experience?
Yes. Outreach and FAA-Hosted programs require instructors with prior teaching experience and the ability to lead a group independently.
Do Workspace Rental instructors need teaching experience?
Experience is helpful but not required. In Workspace Rental Classes, you manage your own students, communication, and class structure.
Can high school students teach?
Yes, with some limits:
• They may contribute to the Online Class Library (video submissions).
• They may teach Outreach Classes with prior FAA approval and appropriate supervision.
Can I teach if I’ve never led a class before?
Yes. You can start with Workspace Rental Classes, Member-Led Meetups, or Online Library videos, as long as your idea is clear and safe.
Payment & Materials
How much does FAA pay instructors?
• Outreach Classes: Instructor is paid through grant funding.
• FAA-Hosted Classes: 70/30 split (70% to the instructor, 30% to FAA).
• Workspace Rental Classes: You keep 100% of what you charge students.
• Online Library: $50 per accepted video or 3 community service hours.
• Meetups: Volunteer-led; no compensation.
Can meetup hosts accept tips or charge a fee?
No. Meetups must remain free and volunteer-led. Hosts cannot charge a fee or accept tips. For public meetups, hosts may invite small voluntary donations to FAA.
Who pays for materials?
• Outreach: Limited materials may be covered by grant funding.
• FAA-Hosted: Students may bring their own supplies or pay a materials fee set with FAA.
• Workspace Rental: Teachers handle all materials and may charge students directly.
• Online Library: Contributors provide their own setup, supplies, and equipment.
• Meetups: Hosts keep materials minimal and may suggest BYO supplies.
Are there rental fees for using Underground?
• Workspace Rental Classes: $25/hour for members.
• Outreach Classes, FAA-Hosted Classes, Online Library, and Meetups: No rental fee applies.
Scheduling & Format
Can I teach a multi-session class or series?
• Workspace Rental Classes: Yes.
• FAA-Hosted Classes: Yes, with approval.
• Outreach Classes: No; outreach must be a one-day workshop (up to 4 hours).
• Meetups: Yes.
• Online Library: Video submissions only.
How far in advance should I submit my idea?
Please submit your proposal at least 4–6 weeks before your preferred date so FAA can coordinate, schedule, and promote effectively.
Can I request specific dates and times?
Yes. You can request preferred dates and times, but final scheduling depends on Underground’s availability, existing programs, and board approval.
Can classes take place outside Underground?
• Outreach Classes may be held at partner organizations.
• Workspace Rental, FAA-Hosted Classes, and Meetups typically take place at Underground unless otherwise approved.
• Online Library content is created and filmed wherever the contributor works best.
Space & Access
What does FAA provide for Underground Workspace access?
FAA will arrange key box access before your program date and review the opening/closing checklist with you so you know how to unlock, set up, and secure the space.
Can I use Underground for private events or birthday parties?
Not at this time. Workspace Rental is only for arts-based classes taught by FAA members, not private events or parties.
Can meetups be held outside Underground?
Yes. Meetups can take place at Underground, other FAA venues, or public spaces such as cafés and parks, as long as they remain free and welcoming.
What are my responsibilities when using the Workspace?
All instructors and meetup hosts are responsible for setup, basic cleaning, and returning the space to its original condition, including lights, trash, and locking up.
What is the Workspace?
The Workspace is FAA’s flexible teaching and workshop area inside Underground. Members may rent the Workspace to teach their own classes. It is separate from Studio C, which is FAA’s exhibit space.
Promotion & Registration
Who handles registration for classes?
• FAA-Hosted Classes: FAA creates the class listing, manages registration through the website, processes payments, and handles all communication with students.
• Workspace Rental Classes: The teacher manages all registration, communication, and payment directly with participants.
• Outreach Classes: Free workshops coordinated with partner organizations; registration is handled by the partner or by FAA depending on the agreement.
• Member-Led Meetups: Usually no formal registration. If a sign-up form is needed, FAA can provide one, and the host will receive the submissions.
• Online Library: Subscription-based access; no registration is required for individual videos.
Who handles marketing and promotion?
• FAA-Hosted Classes: FAA provides marketing through its channels.
• Outreach Classes: Promotion varies by event and partner.
• Workspace Rental Classes: Teachers are primarily responsible for their own marketing; limited listing support may be available.
• Meetups: FAA may provide light promotion when appropriate.
• Online Library: Videos are promoted as part of FAA’s digital offerings.
Can FAA promote my Workspace Rental class?
FAA may provide light support such as a calendar listing if appropriate, but primary marketing for Workspace Rental Classes is the teacher’s responsibility.
Online Library
How long should Online Library videos be?
Most videos should be around 10 minutes long—short, focused, and easy to watch.
What kinds of videos can I submit?
You can submit videos that share techniques, creative tips, mini-demonstrations, studio basics, or practical guidance such as how to wire artwork or prepare pieces for hanging.
Who owns the videos I submit?
Contributors sign an agreement granting FAA permission to host and use the video in the Online Class Library. FAA may promote or feature approved videos as part of its programming.
Where should I film my video?
You can film wherever you work best—your studio, home, classroom, or another quiet space—as long as the lighting and audio are clear.
Member-Led Meetups
Can meetups include instruction or demos?
Yes. Meetups may include informal instruction, demos, or shared activities, but the host is never paid and the event must remain free for attendees.
Who can attend meetups?
Hosts may choose the audience for their meetup: members only, invited guests, or open to the public. For public meetups, hosts are encouraged to invite small voluntary donations to FAA.
Can meetups recur regularly?
Yes. Meetups can be one-time or recurring (for example, a monthly sketch night), as long as the host is reliable and the events follow FAA guidelines.
Proposals & Approvals
What should my proposal include?
Proposals should include a clear description of your idea, goals for participants, any materials needed, preferred dates or timing, and confirmation of your teaching experience (for Outreach or FAA-Hosted).
How long does it take FAA to review proposals?
Most proposals are reviewed within 1–2 weeks, depending on board workload, calendar availability, and program type.
Can my class or idea be declined?
Yes. FAA may decline proposals that don’t align with our mission, aren’t feasible with our volunteer capacity, raise safety concerns, or overlap too closely with existing programs.