The Lois E. Marshall Institute for Learning in Retirement welcomes volunteer instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, expertise, or life experience with a community of lifelong learners aged fifty-five and older. ILR instructors include retired educators, working professionals, artists, writers, historians, scientists, financial experts, and dedicated hobbyists.
If you have a subject you enjoy and would like to teach, the ILR encourages you to propose a course. The program thrives because of the creativity and generosity of its volunteer instructors.
Teaching experience is appreciated but not required. The ILR staff is available to support instructors throughout the proposal and teaching process.
Fall 2026 Course Proposal Information
Proposal Deadline
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
All proposals must be submitted by this date to be considered for the Fall 2026 semester.
Fall 2026 Catalog Publication
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Registration Opens
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Fall 2026 Semester Dates
Monday, October 3 through Friday, December 18, 2026
Course Proposal Forms
Instructors may submit proposals using the following options:
Completed forms should be emailed to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Course Proposal
Please allow up to two weeks for a response and formal confirmation.
Open Teaching Dates for Fall 2026
Instructors should consult the Fall 2026 ILR teaching calendar before selecting preferred meeting dates and times. Please review carefully, as classes may run between ten and twelve weeks depending on room and day availability.
Monday
10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14
Available Weeks: 11
Tuesday
10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15
Available Weeks: 11
Wednesday
10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16
Available Weeks: 10
Thursday
10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17
Available Weeks: 10
Friday
10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Available Weeks: 10
Fall 2026 Holiday and Closure Schedule
No ILR classes will be held on the following dates:
- Wednesday, November 25 – Day Before Thanksgiving
- Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
- Friday, November 27 – Day After Thanksgiving
Please note that ILR classes will be held on:
- Monday, October 12 – Columbus Day
- Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day
Course Format Options
ILR instructors may choose from several flexible teaching formats:
Multi-Week Courses
- Typically meet once per week
- Duration ranges from three to twelve weeks
- Sessions are usually sixty to ninety minutes in length
One-Day Lectures (Bonus Courses)
- Popular option for short presentations
- Designed to complement the main course selections
- May run thirty minutes, sixty minutes, or longer
Workshops
- Hands-on, skill-based classes
- Often taught in a single extended session or two-session structure
- May include art, writing, music, or practical skills
Discussion Groups
- Facilitated conversations on books, films, history, or current events
- May be led by a single instructor or co-facilitated
Online Courses
- Held on a virtual meeting platform
- Accessible to members who prefer remote learning
- ILR staff will provide support and the virtual meeting link
Instructors may request either an in-person or online format.
Expectations for Instructors
ILR instructors are asked to:
- Submit course proposals by the posted deadline
- Provide a clear course description
- Offer a syllabus or outline when possible
- Communicate promptly with ILR staff regarding changes
- Notify the ILR office if a class must be canceled
- Arrive on time for all scheduled sessions
- Create a comfortable, respectful, and engaging learning environment
Instructor Benefits
Volunteer instructors receive several benefits, including:
- Complimentary ILR membership for the semester they teach
- The opportunity to design and teach a course based on their interests or expertise
- Access to campus facilities available to ILR members
- Support from ILR staff with scheduling, classroom access, and communication
- A community of appreciative, engaged adult learners
Tips for Designing an ILR Course
Based on student feedback and past instructor experience, the following guidelines help create a successful ILR class:
- Choose topics that allow flexibility, discussion, or storytelling
- Provide visuals, handouts, or short readings when helpful
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Pause to invite questions or conversation
- Summarize main points at the end of each session
- Offer optional reading lists or enrichment activities
- Be prepared to repeat key information for clarity
Remember that ILR students value both the learning and the social experience.
Submitting Your Proposal
To submit your course proposal:
- Review the Fall 2026 teaching dates
- Select the date(s) and time(s) you prefer
- Complete the online form or fillable document
- Email it to [email protected]
- Allow up to two weeks for confirmation
Please submit proposals as early as possible.
If you are considering a new topic but are unsure how to structure the course, ILR staff can assist you.
Learn More About Teaching for the ILR
Teaching for the ILR is rewarding, meaningful, and deeply appreciated by students. Many instructors return year after year because of the warm and engaged learning environment.
If you are new to teaching or considering submitting your first proposal, the ILR office is available to answer questions, review drafts, or help refine your ideas.
Contact the ILR
Telephone: (201) 447-7156
Email: [email protected]
Technology Building, TEC-115
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road
Paramus, New Jersey 07652
