Occupation
Self-Enrichment Teacher

Industry
Education

Median Wages (2008)
$17.17 hourly
$35,720 annually

Do you appreciate art, dancing or swimming? Do you have a creative skill that you can teach to others? If so, the job of a Self Enrichment Teacher may be up your alley. Self-Enrichment Teachers teach classes (e.g. yoga, dance, swimming, martial arts) that enhance others’ health and well-being.

Employment Trends
Between 2006 and 2016, 80,000 additional jobs are projected to be created in this profession - a faster than average projected growth rate of 31 percent.

Typical Work Activities

• Tailor your teaching methods to suit individual needs.
• Instruct classes, workshops, production, and demonstrations.
• Monitor student performance and provide personal feedback for improvement.
• Teach students in one-on-one and group settings using lectures and demonstrations.

Work Styles

• Ability to speak clearly, articulately, and project your voice in various classroom settings.
• Good listening skills and ability to respond appropriately to students’ needs.
• Confident speaking ability, especially in front of groups.

Examples of Work Locations

• Yoga or dance studio
• Community recreational center
• Cruise ship
• Gym

Stepping Stone Positions

• Most Self-Enrichment Teachers require previous training in your topic field (see below). A high school diploma is normally required - some organizations may require an associate’s degree.
  • If you are interested in becoming a dance teacher, for example, you may want to take dance classes at your local community college or dance studio and talk to the instructors to find out how they got where they are.
• There are many ways to earn a GED or obtain post-secondary education without going into debt. Some Goodwills and public One-Stop Career Centers offer free training for growth jobs.
• Community colleges are another great resource for occupational skills training. Talk to the college financial aid office or visit the Federal Pell Grant Program to see if you qualify for need-based aid.
• Many schools in the healing arts, such as yoga or massage therapy, offer teacher training programs. Look into these curricula if you are interested in the healing arts.

Further Resources
Yoga Alliance (Lists accredited yoga training schools)
United States Martial Arts Federation
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage Therapy and Bodywork