Marysville Parks and Rec classes are a great way to learn a new skill – but they’re also a great way to share your talents with others.

Whether you’re a fitness pro looking to pass along your expertise, an artist willing to share your tips with newbies, or even a musician looking to teach the next generation of performers, Marysville’s Parks and Rec department needs you. They’re actively recruiting for more independent contract instructors to teach a variety of community classes.

“Sometimes I don’t even know what we’re missing until someone walks in the door and says “this is what I can offer,” said Recreation Coordinator Andrea Kingsford. “You never know what new topic will be popular. I’ve been surprised at the variety of classes we’ve been able to offer.”

Getting set up as an independent contract instructor isn’t hard. Simply contact the Parks Department to pick up an instructor’s manual and course proposal form. Then submit your instructor profile, a course proposal, and any certificates or licenses you might need to teach your subject. Pass your Washington State Patrol background check, and you’ll be all set to start teaching.

What you want to teach is up to you, but as Kingsford knows from experience, just about anything goes. Youth-oriented classes are always in demand, and mommy-and-me classes are also popular offerings, Kingsford said.

“One class we’re offering right now that I think is fascinating is pancake art,” she said. “[The instructor] is amazing. He creates pieces of art that you eat out of pancakes. It’s incredible.”

The instructors often have just as much fun as the students. Bellydance teacher Astarte Hihla came into the Parks and Rec instructor program by chance – subbing in for a previous bellydance instructor who was taking time off.

"I've taught various dance disciplines in various venues for well over thirty-five years, and the Parks and Rec has been a high point in my teaching career,” Hihla said. “I'm able to reach out to more students through this program, and from every walk of life imaginable. The ultimate reward, of course, is to gather with a group of new and returning students every week and share with them the joy, artistry and self-affirmation of a dance form that doesn't discriminate: we are never too large or too small, too young or too old to enjoy bellydance!"

You don’t have to be a talented dancer to join the team. If you have a hidden talent and are enthusiastic about sharing your skills with others, contact Andrea Kingsford with the Marysville Parks Department to get more information about becoming a contract instructor: akingsford@marysvillewa.gov or 360-363-8401.