3 Reasons I Love to Teach
Reserved Champion! 3rd year 4-H project. My student learned how to use a walking foot machine.
It's August, and since the kiddos (or you) are returning to school soon, I thought this was a good time to write about why I teach and why I love it.
Large Group Teaching: Giving Back to my Workroom Community
My first time teaching as a professional was at the Custom Workroom Conference in 2019. This was a large group presentation, and I was SO nervous! Imposter syndrome made me question my abilities, but hours of prep work and practice paid off: the class went well.
Large group presentations are different for me than small groups. I had presented sewing topics in the past for American Sewing Guild groups and the Indiana WCAA chapter. They were small, informal groups, and I was familiar with everyone in the room.
Why teach to professionals? Wasn't I giving away trade secrets? NO! After 30 years in business, it was time for me to give back to my workroom community and help ensure the industry thrives. I didn't want anyone to struggle to learn new techniques like I did when I was new in the business. I don't consider other workrooms competitors; there is plenty of work for everyone.
A photo from my Bedding class at the 2022 Custom Workroom Conference.
One-on-One Teaching: Keeping the Art of Sewing Alive
While large group teaching is a little scary, I was just as nervous on the first day of teaching a neighbor how to sew a project for 4-H. Does she want to be here? Will I be able to explain techniques to someone new to sewing? In the end, we both had fun. This past June was her third year and project with me, and her skills continue to improve. In all, she has received two blue ribbons and Reserved Champion - I was so proud of her!
Why did I volunteer my time to help someone? Some say sewing is a dying art; I was happy she wanted to learn. I know she will be able to take away lifetime skills she learned during her lessons.
First and Second year 4-H projects: working on a home sewing machine and hand sewing.
Webinars: Teaching Near and Far
Large group—check! Small group—check! One-on-one—check! Webinar presentation? No problem, or so I thought. Doing a webinar presentation is a whole new ballgame! Fortunately, it was a revised class that I had already taught, so I was prepped and ready. What I wasn't ready for was silence. It felt like it was just me practicing in front of my computer. Yes, there was a moderator and questions in the chat, but I didn't have immediate feedback; I couldn't "read the room" to see people's faces or reactions.
Why do a webinar? I've presented two to date. Although somewhat awkward for the presenter, webinars provide valuable information for those who cannot travel to a conference for in-person classes. Webinars are also usually recorded, so if an attendee needs to review, they can watch the recording.
A screen shot of me during my pillow presentation to the WCAA Virtual Chapter.
No one I know teaches for the money. I learned that from my dad during his 35 years as a school teacher. I teach to help others learn new skills that may help them in life or in their business. As a lifelong learner, I know that teaching is important.
Those who can, do.
Those who can teach what they do, are needed!
If you have a question about upholstery or sewing, reach out! I’d love to chat with you!
Until next time,
Laura