There are many benefits to you as an instructor and to our community when we partner together through the Contracted Instructor process. Our community benefits from a large variety of programs, additional class scheduling, and supports more niche activities. 

Access to City Facilities

Instructors can use Avondale’s meeting rooms, multi-use fields, classrooms, libraries, and community-use facilities for their classes and programs.

Marketing and Administrative Support

The Parks, Recreation & Libraries office handles most administrative workload. With both phone and in-person support to your client base, our office answers frequently asked questions and assists with messaging, registration and roster management.

The City also provides a wide variety of advertising including the City website, the RAVE program magazine mailed to our 95,000+ residents, press releases, social media posts, email blasts, and park kiosks. 

Payment Processing

Program registration is posted and managed through the CivicRec system, where you are listed as an instructor and have access to important participation information. With the online system, your participants can easily register for classes, sign waivers, and pay program fees. Avondale manages all payments online with credit/debit or in person with additional options of cash or check.  Whether providing IT support or processing refunds, our team takes care of it all. Contracted Instructors simply send an invoice to their Department Representative each billing cycle. 

 Financial Advantage

Instructors are independent contractors, not City Employees, and keep 70% of the total class revenue. The remaining 30% of revenue is paid to the City of Avondale for marketing and administrative costs. 

Contracted Instructors determine their own fees, with City approval and market guidance. 

Program and Professional Growth

With over 95,000 residents, the opportunity for course exposure through demonstrations or promotions is huge. The larger the client base, the more feedback your program gains. Each session includes a survey to registered participants, and your Department Representative shares the feedback with you each season.

1) Review previous programs and fees offered in the RAVE. Look for any competing programs, price comparisons, schedules, and age groups. Remember, you split revenue with the City 70% (Contracted Instructor) - 30% (Avondale).

2) Apply online through Avondale's Procurement Department, scrolling to the "Current Solicition Projects" section and selecting "Program Instructor Application."

Here, you will enter in your personal and business information, if applicable. You will also need copies of your W-9, proof of insurance naming the City of Avondale as additionally insured, background check (provided by the City if Contract is awarded), proof of CPR/ First Aid Certification, and your signed program proposal (template provided in the application).

3) When the Application period closes, Parks, Recreation & Libraries Staff will review applications and award or decline applications based on community need of the program, uniqueness, experience of the instructor, the complete program proposal, potential schedule and fees. 

4) If your Program Instructor Application is declined, consider reapplying during another season, evaluating price, or reaching out to the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department for more feedback. 

If your Program Instructor Application is granted, a contract or a short form agreement will be created between the Contracted Instructor and the City of Avondale. Background checks begin and information for the next RAVE cycle for class information is collected. 

Program Instructor Applications are open from the first to the last day of each month. The Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department meets each month to review the applications.  Feedback is provided to all applications, regardless of whether or not a contract is awarded. It's important to note that sometimes a class is desired, but there may be a competing program, high fees, a schedule conflict, or a seasonal concern. Reach out to the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department with any questions if not addressed in your application. 

A huge marketing benefit of being a Contracted Instructor is our RAVE magazine that is mailed to over 95,000 Avondale residents three times a year. This magazine guides the programs the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department offers each season and has strict deadlines. To guarantee your program to launch and to make it in the RAVE, please be aware of the following deadlines. 

Applications from June - September are eligible for the Spring RAVE January - April.

Applications from October - January are eligible for the Summer RAVE May - August.

Applications from February - May are eligible for the Fall RAVE September - December.

Do I need to be certified to teach? 

No, a teaching certification is not required. The selection committee looks at relevant experience in your field when evaluating the instructor's background knowledge.

Can I teach more than one type of class? 

Yes. You may submit for multiple classes with different fees/ rates. A separate program proposal document (included in the application) must be completed for each course style. 

How much do I get paid?  Who sets the class fee? 

Contractors receive 70% of the revenue generated by their program. The City retains a 30% administrative fee. The fees are proposed by the instructor and approved by the selection committee.

When do I get paid? How do I get aid? 

Submit an invoice within 10 days after your last class. Payment will be processed within 30 days of submission. All contractors must submit a completed IRS Form W-9 in their application.

What if I need to cancel class? 

Notify the Recreation Coordinator at least 3 business days in advance and inform participants directly.

What if my class does not meet the minimum number of participants? 

Classes may be canceled if they don’t meet the minimum enrollment three business days before the start date.

Do I need insurance? 

Yes. You must provide proof of liability insurance naming the City of Avondale as an additional insured.

Do I have to complete a background check? Do all my instructors? 

Yes. All instructors must pass a background check through the City.

Are there certifications are required?

Yes. All instructors must have current CPR and First Aid certifications.

Am I allowed to advertise my class?

Yes. All marketing materials must be approved by the Recreation Coordinator and include the Avondale Parks, Recreation & Libraries logo. You may maintain your own website, but all registrations must go through CivicRec. Additionally, classes are promoted by the City via the RAVE guide, the City website, email blasts, and social media. 

Can I promote my own business during class?

No. Classes may not be used to solicit or redirect participants to other paid programs.