Become an Encore Instructor

How often are course proposals reviewed?

Each session, we review instructors’ course proposals for the following session. We will distribute an email to our instructor pool four to five months before each new session begins, seeking new course proposals. If you are interested in teaching, you will need to complete a proposal and submit it by the listed deadline.

What happens if I miss the submission deadline?

Due to the high volume of course proposals we receive, no past-deadline submissions will be considered. However, you may reapply for the following session.

What information should I submit with my proposal?

You will need to submit a course title, topic area and brief description of what the course will cover. Please also note if you will require specific supplies or classroom equipment.

How long is each class?

Classes are 50 minutes in length.

How long is each session?

Each session runs for seven weeks, every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classes are held at the Eastern Campus in Highland Hills, Western Campus in Parma and the Westshore Campus in Westlake.

How many course proposals can I submit per session?

Each instructor can submit a maximum of three proposals per campus for each session.

Can I be both an Encore instructor and an Encore student?

Yes — a number of Encore instructors are also students. Though you may want to take classes and teach at the same campus for the sake of convenience, it is permissible to take classes at one campus and teach at another.

When will I know if my course proposal has been accepted?

A committee will review proposals approximately one week after the submission deadline. We will contact you with our decision within the following couple of weeks. Please note that the committee may reject course proposals for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Multiple instructors proposing the same course topic.
• Course material is irrelevant to an over-55 audience.
• Repeatedly submitting the same topic for every session.
• Discretion of the course selection committee.

Most instructors teach through Encore Campus Fridays, where learning happens in a relaxed, discussion-based environment at the Eastern Campus (Highland Hills), Western Campus (Parma), and Brunswick University Center (Brunswick).

Program Details

• Fridays | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Seven-week sessions
• 50-minute classes
• You design and teach your own course

Popular topics include history, travel, technology, arts, wellness, finance, literature, hobbies, culture, spirituality, exercise, and more.

If you can teach it — our students want to learn it!

• Share your expertise with engaged adult learners
• Teach without grading or exams
• Join a welcoming instructor community
• Inspire curiosity and lifelong learning
• Flexible teaching opportunities

Yes! Encore instructors are compensated $30/hour.

• $30 per hour × 7 weeks = $210 per course per session

(Compensation applies to instructional time only.)

Once a course is approved, instructors complete the Tri-C hiring process as they are hired as part-time employees:

The hiring process includes: 

• Online employment application
• Resume and references submission
• Background check
• New hire onboarding
• Fraud awareness training

We are always excited to welcome new instructors and fresh ideas.

• encore@tri-c.edu
• 216-987-2274

Reach out today and start your journey as an Encore instructor! 

• Fall 2025
• Winter/Spring 2025
• Fall 2024
• Winter/Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Winter/Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Winter/Spring 2022
• Fall 2021
• Encore On-the-Go Winter/Spring 2021
• Encore On-the-Go Fall 2020
• Encore On-the-Go Spring 2020
• Winter 2020