a photo of an OLLI instructor teaching a class

Info about our "Teaching at OLLI" class is below!

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.

Introduction to Teaching at OLLI Course

In April 2024, OLLI will hold a course dedicated to learning more about teaching at OLLI. Participants do not need to be a member of OLLI to participate in the course.

The course is not required in order to teach at OLLI, but it will provide a lot of information that will be helpful in creating an OLLI course and completing your first course proposal form.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach an OLLI course yourself? This three-session course is designed to answer that question and to help you prepare a course. We’ll talk about OLLI demographics and the OLLI learner. You'll hear from experienced instructors about teaching online and in the classroom, and the art of lecturing and leading discussions.

Seasoned instructors will also help you with your own course design during the final session. This course will be led by the OLLI Curriculum Committee and will include some distinguished guests. Join us to see how your dedication to lifelong learning can include the creative endeavor of course design and teaching. Join us to learn how sharing your passion can bring joy to yourself and others.

The facilitators of this course are the co-chairs of the Curriculum Committee, Ginny Blankinship and Anne Coleman. Support for teaching this course also comes from committee members who specialize in technology or a specific curriculum area. Many of these are also OLLI instructors who love sharing their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm with OLLI members, and who look forward to sharing their teaching experience as well.

Thursdays, 11:00-12:30
3 sessions starting April 18, 2024

The course is held both in-person and via Zoom.
Classes will be help instructors teaching both in-person and via Zoom.

For more information or to register for the course, or contact the OLLI office at olli@sou.edu or 541-552-6048

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.