Get Involved
We are glad to partner with our community to help fulfill our district’s mission. Our mission is to create a safe and caring climate and culture in which we prepare, engage, educate, empower and inspire all learners in partnership with their surrounding community to be successful in today’s and tomorrow’s society. From volunteering, using our facilities or serving on our Advisory Council there are many ways to be involved and make a difference in our schools.
Ways to get involved
Teach a Class
Do you have a passion, special skill or talent you want to share with others?
We welcome your desire to share your knowledge and passion.
- As an Adult Enrichment class instructor, you play an important role in inspiring and enhancing the lives of the participants.
- As an After-School Youth worker, you play an important role in enhancing the lives of our youth.
Class offerings are determined three times a year: Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer.
Please note: Community Education fees are kept as reasonable as possible to make the program accessible. We utilize instructor pay guidelines and have a set fee structure as part of this effort.
FAQ
- What happens after I submit my class proposal?
- When will I hear about whether my class proposal is accepted?
- What is the typical schedule for community education?
- What are the deadlines for submitting a class proposal?
- Do I need to be a licensed teacher?
- Do I need to follow a specific curriculum?
- Do you pay per hour or per student?
- How much does a community education instructor make?
- Who determines how much the class costs?
- What if there are supplies or copies I need for the class?
- Do I need to pay rent?
- Is there a minimum number of students required to hold the class?
- If I am hired will there be additional forms to fill out?
- Is there a place where I can get more information about all of this?
What happens after I submit my class proposal?
Once your class proposal is received, it is forwarded to the coordinator(s) at the location(s) you selected. If you did not indicate any locations, your proposal is forwarded to our locations city wide. The coordinator(s) will evaluate the level of interest they feel your class will generate, the courses they already offer and the time/space they have available. They will contact you if the course fits their current program needs.
When will I hear about whether my class proposal is accepted?
If your proposed class meets their program needs, the coordinator(s) will contact you. However, if you do not hear from them, please feel free to contact the site Coordinators to discuss the status of your application or address any questions you may have. Due to the extremely high number of class proposal submissions we are not able to respond back to all non-selected class proposals. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of submission, your class has not been selected. If you have further questions please email lifelong.learning@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-3939.
What is the typical schedule for community education?
Adult classes are typically scheduled for fall, winter and spring quarters. Each quarter runs from 6 to 8 weeks. We have a smaller summer session at select sites. Classes may be scheduled for one evening or many, depending on what you plan to teach. Some sites offer Saturday programming. Coordinators are happy to help with planning.
Youth after-school classes are scheduled for fall, winter, spring. We also offer various programming options for youth in the summer.
What are the deadlines for submitting a class proposal?
Do I need to be a licensed teacher?
Do I need to follow a specific curriculum?
You are not required to adhere to a specific curriculum. Coordinators may have curriculum materials you can use or you can construct your own. Coordinators may ask for an overview of your lesson plan which could include a class outline, learning objectives, a list of materials needed and/or a check-in meeting prior to class. Coordinators can help brainstorm, troubleshoot and give you feedback on your curriculum.
Do you pay per hour or per student?
How much does a community education instructor make?
Who determines how much the class costs?
What if there are supplies or copies I need for the class?
Do I need to pay rent?
Is there a minimum number of students required to hold the class?
If I am hired will there be additional forms to fill out?
Yes, you will receive a packet of paperwork that will be required to become either a MPS school district employee or, in a rare occasion, an independent contractor. All forms will need to be completed and submitted to your site coordinator. The coordinator then makes sure the paper work reaches Human Resources for processing.
Is there a place where I can get more information about all of this?
Yes, a couple of our sites offer a free one night class called "How to Become a Community Education Teacher." Check the class listing at mplscommunityed.com or give us a call at 612-668-3939 to get class information.
Advisory Council
Community Education is community based. Therefore, involvement of community members in the education process is essential. The Advisory Council is responsible for seeing that the Community Education program serves the interests and concerns of the community.
Community Education is looking for people who participate in our programs, are key stakeholders, or have a strong interest in Community Education in Minneapolis to join our Community Education Advisory Council. This council meets four times a year, October, January, March, and May. The purpose of the council is to provide insight, input and guidance for the programs of Community Education: Minneapolis Kids School Age Childcare, Adult & Youth Enrichment, Full Service Community Schools, and Adult Education.
What does Advisory Council member do?
As an Advisory member you are tasked with following duties,
1. To be a dynamic supporter and advocate for the goals and delivery of Community Education programs in Minneapolis.
2. To provide a comprehensive, balanced Community Education program offering programs to benefit all members of the community: from newborns to senior citizens.
3. To maximize use of all available resources in meeting existing and emerging educational, social, and cultural needs.
4. To develop positive, cooperative efforts with other community agencies and groups.
5. To support, foster, enrich, and integrate the educational opportunities of the pre-kindergarten through grade 12 program.
6. To ensure that community needs and resources are assessed and implement a process of evaluation of Community Education programs, services, and activities.
7. To improve life in Minneapolis and support community leadership and the involvement of citizens in improving life in Minneapolis.
8. To work for legislative support of Community Education
9. To annual recommend approval of the Community Education budget to the School Board.
10. To become a meaningful problem-solving group.
Interested in Joining?
Please contact Aviva Hillenbrand, Executive Director of Community Education at
aviva.hillenbrand@mpls.k12.mn.us
763-668-3940
Community Partners
Minneapolis is full of great organizations that work for the betterment of our community and we love building those connections. Our partners increase Community Education’s ability to bring exceptional programming to our participants and strengthen the overall community.
Each year, we partner with over 80 local businesses and nonprofits to provide high quality experiences and leverage our resources to provide more for the community of Minneapolis.
Interested in Becoming a Partner?
Volunteers
Interested in making a difference? Become a volunteer for our Adult Education or Enrichment programming!