Teach a Class

The deadline for proposal submissions has now passed for 2025. The information below could be useful if Bethel University (Vermont) is held in the future.

Got a skill to share? Ever wanted to be a professor? Interested in leading a discussion or meeting up with people who share your interests? At Bethel University, anyone can teach a class, in person or via Zoom.

Read on for more information about teaching.

What to Know

Things look a little different every year at Bethel University. Here’s what to know for 2025.

  • We will offer two types of sessions:
    • Classes — an opportunity for you to teach a skill or share your knowledge on a subject (you don’t need to be an expert, but you should have skill or experience with the topic). You can teach a class in person or on Zoom.
    • Meet-ups — informal gatherings for people interested in a shared experience or subject (you don’t need to have experience or teach, but you should be ready to introduce the subject and conduct an engaging session). You can do the meet-up in person or on Zoom.
  • Sessions usually at these start times:
    • Weeknights: 6:30 PM
    • Weekends: 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
  • Each person can submit up to two session proposals.
  • BU will organize one session only for each class or meet-up. Professors and groups can self-organize additional sessions, if they wish to extend their sharing.

Email help: Send a message to betheluniversityvt [at ]gmail [dot] com if you have questions, want more info, or would like the Zoom link for help sessions offered below.

Need a little proposal writing jump start?

The essence of a few sample proposals are at the bottom of this page that might help you.

Proposal questions and planning sessions

We suggest planning your idea and gathering all the information you need before starting to fill out the proposal form. You can even draft it in a Word document or other file, and then copy/paste into our form. See the Teaching Links and Resources (below) for more information about offering a class or session at Bethel University.

The proposal form will ask you for the following information:

  • Contact and personal info. Name, email, phone, town, title/business (optional), website link (optional) for you and any co-teachers or co-hosts. If desired, share your preferred pronouns and any accommodations you need.
  • Professor/host bio. 1-3 sentence bio about you and any co-teachers or co-hosts.
  • Session type and setting. Choose class, meet-up group, or discussion. Choose to teach in person (indoors or outdoors) or virtually on Zoom.
  • Session description. Title, 1-sentence “teaser,” and 1-2 paragraph description. Your description should cover what the topic is, what the class or session will be like or what students will do, and what students or participants will get out of it. Also include any essential information about restrictions, requirements, or preparation (who it’s for, what people should bring or prepare, etc.). See the samples of past proposals (course titles, descriptions, and bios) at the bottom of this page.
  • Date and time preferences. Tell us your top three dates and times in March. Also share any general date/time restrictions or preferences in case we are not able to offer you your top choices.
  • In-person class details. Tell us what type of space you need and any special equipment (large or small spaces, kitchen or physical activity space, need for projector and screen or chalkboard, etc.). If you have a specific space in mind or want to use your own, tell us where it is.
  • Zoom class details. Tell us about your experience and comfort with online platforms. Check off any Zoom features you expect to need.
  • Materials or equipment requests. If you want to request funding for course materials or help with specialized equipment, tell us what you need and what you expect it will cost.
  • Photo. Upload or email an image to use for session promotion. Something related to your session’s topic is best. Limit: 10MB.
  • Other info. Share any other comments or questions, indicate that you understand BU policies, and check off if you have any interest in volunteering or helping with BU.

Teaching Links and Resources

Use these resources to understand teaching at Bethel University, plan a great class or session, and prepare your proposal.

Sample Proposals