Teach at CEMI
So, you want to teach at CEMI?
Thank you for checking out our Teacher's FAQ. Below we have a developing document that will familiarize you with our general workflow and policies. If you have any questions, or prefer to reach out to someone directly, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What types of classes does CEMI offer?
Our education department is dedicated to providing a course program that will broaden the perspective of the electronic arts community by introducing its members to new types of electronic mixed-media, as well as new techniques in media with which they're already familiar. We want our members to be on the cutting edge of awesome, and to have exposure to the tools that will make their projects shine.
Classes
Some of our most popular classes have been introductory in nature, such as "Intro to Music Theory for Electronic Musicians." These 8-hour classes meet for 2 hours a session for a month. Class formats are fairly fluid and hands-on, our students benefit from having a chance to apply what they are learning in the collaborative setting at A2.
Workshops, or Seminars
Single-session seminars or 'workshops' offer the opportunity to teach an interactive master class in a particular subject. We prefer to schedule these on the week-ends before our Saturday evening labs, though there is some flexibility.
Get Funky!
We also offer time and space for short-form classes, such as a 4- or 6-hour course that meets for two weeks in 2- or 3-hour sessions. This type of class is ideal for a specialized topic: one session might be instructive and the second could be a guided jam. This type of class can be condensed into an all-day crash-course where the totally naive participant receives a The Matrix-style brain dump and walks away with a working knowledge of -fu.
How would you prefer to share your knowledge? We're open to it!
What are the resources available at Artisan's Asylum?
A2 has been our continuing partner in both outreach and infrastructure. In January 2012, we partnered with them to raise funds for a state-of-the-art computer lab which is available for class sessions. A2 has many additional facilities: machine shop, welding area, bike shop, social space, and electronics / robotics workshop. These facilities are available for classes, though pre-requisite training on equipment is necessary for safety reasons.
CEMI also offers skilled TAs in some subjects, particularly for introductory classes. For example, if you'd like to teach a class that requires programming and include people with no prior experience, we suggest that you arrange to have at least one TA with helpful knowledge available for the first class.
CEMI will help you distribute your course materials as well. We can format and print handouts for you, provided that we receive them 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the class. We can also host course materials online.
How do I sign up to teach a class?
You may have been brought here by filling out our Teaching Inquiry Form. If not, its a good way to be put on our radar.
Please visit our online course proposal form. The answers to these questions will help us schedule your class, and develop promotional material. It doesn't have to be polished, but the sooner you submit your proposal, the faster we can it crank through the CEMI-educational marketing machine. We suggest submitting a proposal at least 60 days prior to your proposed start date, to give us time to work out scheduling with A2.
When preparing your course proposal, we suggest you try to answer the following in your description:
- What will the students take away from the class (either a track they produced, understanding of a technique, or object that they built)? This defines the SCOPE.
- What is your unique angle on the subject to be taught? How is your background going to make this class rock?
- What resources will be necessary for the class? Will the students need prior knowledge or equipment? Will there be materials provided for them or a materials fee?
- How long is the class going to run and how long do you need to prepare enough materials to cover?
- What is the expected skill level of your audience? Would it help to have TAs?
- What will the set-up timeframe look like? Will it be necessary to spend the first class installing special software?
Will I receive financial compensation for teaching?
CEMI instructors receive half of fees collected from sales after any expenses. The other 50% pays for the venue and CEMI marketing, administration, and future programming.
We are, of course, open to other payment strategies. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
How will prospective students hear about my class?
CEMI offers several methods of student outreach. Once you submit a course proposal, our process works like this:
- Schedule the class with A2 (60+ days prior)
- Create a Ticketing page with course description (30-45 days prior)
- Create a Facebook event for the course (30-45 days prior)
- Create a CEMI.org official class webpage (30 days prior) with link to Eventbrite - this page will eventually host your course materials
- Monthly email to CEMI list with upcoming classes
- Monthly email to A2 list with upcoming classes
- Space on the front page of CEMI.org and artisansasylum.com
- CEMI-official Facebook blasts advertising the class
- Fliers in local meatspace & for your distribution
We encourage our instructors to head to our forums and virtually meet our community there, as well as attend our weekly A/V Jam sessions on Saturdays from 7-10pm at A2.
You will be your best promoter! It is important you reach out to your email lists, social media networks, and social circles as well to help ensure your classes success.
Who owns intellectual property developed for CEMI classes?
The short answer: YOU. We have developed a Creative Commons licensing agreement for CEMI's use of your course material, which you can read here. If for some reason you find this to be too restrictive, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll work with you to find amenable licensing terms. Likewise, if you have already developed materials that you would like to use for your course, please contact us to arrange for the best way to disseminate them.
Fast links:
CEMI Teaching Inquiry Short Form
CEMI Comprehensive Course proposal form
CEMI Intellectual Property Policy