The ever-changing OLLI faculty is at the heart of the OLLI member experience. We welcome and appreciate new and returning instructors, and invite course proposals that range from academic subjects to skills and activities. We also encourage a variety of teaching formats, including facilitated discussions of books, films or ideas; informational lectures; hands-on instruction; and field trips.
Our volunteer instructors have found that teaching is a rich and rewarding experience. The topic selected may reflect either vocational expertise or an avocational passion. Invariably, OLLI instructors report that the teaching process deepens their own knowledge of the subject matter.
The relationship between instructors and students at OLLI is uniquely egalitarian. OLLI members are in an instructor’s class by choice. There are no tests or papers to grade, and the classroom environment is casual and relaxed. OLLI students bring their own expertise and life experiences to the classroom, which makes for lively exchanges.
OLLI instructors do not need to be OLLI members, hold a particular degree or have taught previously. What we do require is knowledge of the subject matter, thorough preparation, sensitivity to different learning styles, adherence to OLLI policies and guidelines, and an ability to communicate concepts in a clear fashion.
Who Does What
The OLLI office staff receives course proposals, clarifies information on the forms, schedules courses, prepares the course catalogs, and manages student registration. The all-volunteer OLLI Curriculum Committee reviews course proposals, provides instructor support and training, and accepts or rejects courses based on OLLI policies.
Instructor Membership Discount
While OLLI does not pay its instructors,they do receive a credit voucher based on the number of courses they teach in an academic year. The credit voucher is non-transferrable and can be used for the following academic year to offset the OLLI membership fee.that can be used to offset the OLLI membership fee. The credit voucher expires after one year and is non-transferrable. There are four levels of instructor memberships and each level is based on the number of courses taught in the prior academic year: one course earns a $100 membership; two courses earn a $75 membership; three courses a $50 membership, and four or more courses earn a complimentary membership.
More Information
Click here to review a list of frequently asked questions.
Click here to access the course proposal form.
