"Should I Teach at Pennsic?"

Recently someone asked me if they should teach a class at Pennsic.  I said to this person (who is highly knowledgeable and skilled), "Yes, you should absolutely teach at Pennsic."


But in case anyone else is wondering the same thing, here are my thoughts:

1. Do you have a class you already teach that you love to share with others? Then yes, teach at Pennsic.
2. Do you have a class in a subject that might only have a handful of people totally geeky over it? Oh yes, teach at Pennsic. Wars are likely the best place to find those others that have a common interest. It is also the best place to try to lure new folks in to your art or research.
3. Do you have things you want to share but are not ready to lead a full class? Perhaps you should consider a roundtable instead for War. Ask others with the shared interest to meet with you and have group discussion on the topic.  Another option is to set up your work at the Pennsic A&S Display or be involved in Artisan's Row where you can engage with others who share your interest.
4. Do you have a class you want to teach, but have never taught before? Well, if you have a solid base in your craft (see link to my article below), and have taken loads of other SCA classes (so that you know what to expect). Then, yup, teach at War!
5. Do you have a firm base but are not terribly familiar with classes in the SCA? For you I suggest trying to get to some local events and check out what classes are like. Talk to the Laurels and teachers around you for personal advice on this topic. Think you are ready? I recommend testing the class out on your friends or local group, get feed back and then, teach at Pennsic (maybe this year, maybe next, but yes, at some point Teach at Pennsic!).

Pennsic is not some sort of exclusive place to teach.  Classes are needed for all levels of participants from beginners at a craft to expert artisans.  We all have things to share and there are 9000 people there, many of whom might be waiting for that very class that you are sitting on, worrying about whether or not you should teach.

If you are new to teaching in the SCA, I have an article that might help you decide if it is time to take the plunge:  http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/blog-my-journey/time-to-teach
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Don't want to teach? Can't do it now? Then GO to classes and learn pretty much anything that could interest you!  The Pennsic University system is one of the very best things about War!