Watch Soon for the NEW ST Academy Instructors to begin answering your questions!

[gwencox]

Hi Signing Time Fans,
Just wanted to let you know that we are going to start directing the NEW Signing Time Academy Instructors to the Forum, to answer questions you may have or inquire about classes that might be coming to your area. We are fortunate to have an awesome (do they still use that word?) group of professionals that are beginning to offer classes, workshops, presentations, and seminars in your area. So feel free to ask anything questions about the ST Academy and how to become an Instructor, or class information.:)

[Megan8987]

Hi everyone my name is Megan and I am a Baby Signing Time instructor here in Nevada.

Megan McEntire
Signing Little Ones
www.signinglittleones.webs.com
Henderson, NV

(LOL Gwen I hope this is where I'm supposed to post, because the other Instructors may follow my lead :D )

[lilstar]

Hi, i'm Rachel (no, not THAT Rachel!) and I'm beginning my classes in Beaverton, OR next month! I have some great deals for my "grand opening" so if you're around here, check it out! My website is www.littlesigningstars.com

[gwencox]

I can't believe no one has a question for the Instructors!!! Come on Signing Time fans...put them to the test! LOL!

[melisamons]

My name is Melisa Mons, and I'm a long time fan of Signing Time. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to be connected to such an amazing company! I'm currently living in Philadelphia, so please let me know if you have interest in a class or if you would like some merchandise. My website is www.signingwithasmile.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

[Malean]

Hi Everyone.

My name is Margot Holmes. I live in Vermont and will be offering classes in the Upper Valley area starting in January. Please visit my website at

www.uppervalleysupersigners.com

I'm really excited to be offering sign language classes with the best (in my opinion) asl program available! If you're in the area please come learn with me. :)

-Margot

[brilliantbeginning]

Hi!

My name is Jennifer Turnbull and I am a Master Signing Time Instructor in Maine. I am offering a few classes for parents in January and will do trainings for schools or daycares if requested.

My website is www.BrilliantBeginning.com and you can contact me from there.

[danielleg]

Hi Signing Time fans!

My name is Danielle Gaylord and I am a Master Signing Time Instructor in Ottawa, Ontario. Classes will be getting started in January, so please check out wwwSigningStart.com for details. See you in January! :)

[Mlyn7576]

My name is Melissa Greer. I am a Baby Signing Time Instructor in Vineland, NJ. I will be starting classes in January. I am currently working on getting my website up and running but as of right now it's still in the works :D

I have been signing on and off for 19 years and have had college courses in ASL. I am excited to be an instructor for a great company!

[AlixandLevi]

Hi everyone,

I'm Kyle and I'm a BST Instructor in Colorado. I will starting classes in January. Look me up at www.Balancedbeginnings.com

[carlobee]

it's really nice seeing all of you here. :)

http://storeyourpicture.com/images/signature_dvd.jpg

[ronaisigns]

My name is Ronai Brumett. I am a Master Signing Time Instructor in Maple Grove, MN. I will be starting classes in January. I am currently working on my website www.ronaisigns.com but please visit and see what i have done :)

I have been signing for 19 years. I have 2 Deaf Studies Certificates and am currently enrolled in an ASL interpreting program at St. Paul College.

[absue2]

Hi Everyone,
I'm Abbey and I am a Master Signing Time Instructor as well as a Speech Language Pathologist. I will be teaching Signing Time Academy classes in Peoria, IL

www.communicationjunction.net

[LittleMommy]

Ok, I'll start us off with a few questions!

Right now I don't have the time & money to become an instructor, but I am so jealous of those of you who have signed up already! :D

Now that you are advertising & beginning classes, how is enrollment going? Have you gotten a good response in your area?

How did you decide on your fees to charge? Does the Signing Time Academy assist you with that, or do you come up with it all on your own? Did you have similar classes in your area to compare to?

One more question. How much time have you spent/do you plan to spend preparing for a class each week?


If I get the chance to join, I will start out at the first level and possibly upgrade to 2nd level after I get used to it.

Thanks for everyone's input!

Sandy

[Malean]

Hi Sandy,
Thanks for all you questions!

In my case I joined towards the end of November and am planning to start classes Jan 11. I may have started earlier had the holiday season not been coming up, but you should know that it does take a little time to get all set up before classes can begin. Depending on your state there are various requirements for starting your own business and getting licenses and such. Personally I have not had anyone sign up yet, but I have 2-3 people that wanted to be informed when my classes were starting so they could, and I only started posting flyers yesterday!

The Signing Time Academy staff and the other instructors are really helpful in setting prices. STA gives you a ballpark to shoot for and each instructor comes up with what works best for them based on their area. We are all willing and eager to share that information with new instructors.

I have not really starting preparing for classes on a weekly basis yet but I have been doing a lot of business set up work in the last 3-4 weeks. It does take some time, but in my case, I have no idea how long I've spent because it's been so much fun that I haven't even paid attention to it! :D As I start holding classes I will have a better idea of how much time preparation takes.

I hope you decide to join us, it really is a lot of fun!

[LittleMommy]

Malean, thanks for your reply!

I just thought of another question...

Instructors, in addition to now teaching ST classes, do you have another job? Part-time, full-time?

I currently work full-time at a great company, so if I eventually join STA, all of my class stuff would have to be done in evenings or on weekends. Anybody else balancing the work?

Sandy

[AlixandLevi]

How did you decide on your fees to charge? Does the Signing Time Academy assist you with that, or do you come up with it all on your own? Did you have similar classes in your area to compare to?

The Instructor Community is Awesome!:cool: (Yes Gwen we still use that in CO)

We get to set up our own fees. The instructor manual has guideline and ideas but we have been doing a ton of talking about this among the instructors also. It's great because everyone has different ideas and they think of things I would never think of. Gwen and the Academy staff are always available. In my experience they are really quick at returning e-mails.



One more question. How much time have you spent/do you plan to spend preparing for a class each week?

I'm a previous Preschool teacher and teacher trainer. I was really impressed with the Manual for instructors. It is very detailed. The lesson plans suggestion are broken down minute by minute. You do not have to follow them exactly but I thought it was great for people who have never taught before.



If I get the chance to join, I will start out at the first level and possibly upgrade to 2nd level after I get used to it.

I took my ASL coarse through www.signingonline.com it was great! I really enjoyed it. I'm hoping to upgrade after my first class. Everyone at STA has been wonderful. you should really joins us when you can.:D

OK so I guess I'm really excited to be part of STA. Am I oozing with excitement?:D

[Malean]

I have two children, 1 in kindergarten and the the other is almost 2. I am going to school trying to finish my BA in child development. I am doing school online so my schedule with that is flexible. I have noticed it is a lot of work to balance school and ST stuff, but part of that is my (was it oozing Kyle? :D) with excitement since joining STA and wanting to focus only on that!

[melisamons]

Ok, I'll start us off with a few questions!

Right now I don't have the time & money to become an instructor, but I am so jealous of those of you who have signed up already! :D

Well, we are a fun group, so jealousy is understandable. LOL!



Now that you are advertising & beginning classes, how is enrollment going? Have you gotten a good response in your area?

I feel pretty happy with the responses I've gotten, especially since it is the middle of the holidays. So far I have 2 schools and a YMCA that want me to teach there during the day. I have 1 or 2 people that want to take a night class, but I'm still working on a location for that.


How did you decide on your fees to charge? Does the Signing Time Academy assist you with that, or do you come up with it all on your own? Did you have similar classes in your area to compare to?

Like the other gals said, the Instructors' Forum is an amazing tool for feedback and learning. Everyone is so supportive and eager to help out.


One more question. How much time have you spent/do you plan to spend preparing for a class each week?

A lot of the prep work is done for you as far as the classes go. You just have to be comfortable with the lesson plan. There is a lot of prep that goes into starting your own business though. But, also like the other girls, I'm having so much fun with it, it doesn't feel like work!



If I get the chance to join, I will start out at the first level and possibly upgrade to 2nd level after I get used to it.

That's a great way to get started! There are so many benefits to joining, I hope you can get on-board soon!

Oh, and I don't work another job. I do have 3 kids that I have to figure out what to do with while I'm teaching though. :)

[LittleMommy]

Ok, so you mention having to start your own business... any tips on that?? I've done Web programming on a contract basis and on my taxes I file that I did the work as self-employed & claim expenses (internet, office space rent, cell phone, gas to meetings, etc). But that's about the extent of my "own business"!

Is there some type of information I should look up for my state (Alabama) ?

At least if I'm able to join STA, I can be fully prepared!! haha

Thanks!!
Sandy

[LittleMommy]

Ok, one more question LOL (I'm bored at work...haha)

If I become an instructor, can my husband and daughter (almost 4) be my assistants in class? :D My daughter loves to help her cousin (16 months) and her preschool class with signing! I'm sure she'd love to help with other kids as well. And my husband actually mentioned that he would be interested in helping me too.


Ok, time for my husband to get a job so I can relax and become a STA instructor....... LOL


Sandy

[gwencox]

Hi Sandy,
I have to say I have enjoyed your posts:) To answer your question...If your family wants to help you, I think it is great. Every person has to find their comfort level in a classroom, so try it out and see if it works!
I am anxiously waiting to see your application come through so we can get you on board with this amazing group of Instructors. This is the most sharing group of people I have ever worked with and I think you will benefit from the association with such wonderful people.
Are you applying today???

[LittleMommy]

I don't know when I'll be able to apply. I don't have the money to do it right now. My husband has been out of work for the last 4 or 5 months, and my paychecks only barely cover the bills... But we are hoping to hear about a specific job for him next month! Tho if he gets it we will eventually move about 45 mins from where we currently live, so that might also put a delay in my joining... haha

But SOMEDAY hopefully I will join!! :eek:


Sandy

[gwencox]

Hi Sandy,
Well when you are ready...we are going to be here waiting for you! I wish you all the best for 2010 and I will send good thoughts your way in hopes that your husband finds a job. Keep posting...we love your funny posts!

[melisamons]

I don't know when I'll be able to apply. I don't have the money to do it right now. My husband has been out of work for the last 4 or 5 months, and my paychecks only barely cover the bills... But we are hoping to hear about a specific job for him next month! Tho if he gets it we will eventually move about 45 mins from where we currently live, so that might also put a delay in my joining... haha

But SOMEDAY hopefully I will join!! :eek:


Sandy

Hi, Sandy! If you are comfortable with it, I think it would be great to bring a helper. Modeling from children of a similar age is helpful! In my case though, my kids aren't well behaved enough for me to brave it. ;)

It sounds like you already have a great background for running your own business and I look forward to working with you when you are able!