Yesterday I taught the first tax class of a 10-week course. I’m happy to say that I truly enjoyed it and I have great group of students. The thing is, every single student was a woman. Yep, that’s right, not one male person was in attendance. Not only that, but only one guy had even signed up for the course in the first place. Honestly, I was a little surprised. But I think if he decides not to show up for class at all, it’ll work out for the best.
The best thing? These women were from every racial and ethnic background and nearly every one of them said the same thing. They felt learning how to prepare taxes would give them opportunity. Some are unemployed and hoping to prepare taxes for the income potential, others just want a little side income and yet others just wanted to learn something new. I think, no matter what prompted them to take this class, educating yourself is always the best way to open new doors.
It was amazing after one class together how comfortable everyone was. They weren’t shy about asking questions and they weren’t shy about questioning my answers. I loved it! I love discussing taxes and now I have a captive audience!
All of that said, learning how to prepare taxes can be very overwhelming. It is a short course and there is a lot of information to be remembered. Asking questions is one of the best ways to learn. One of my favorite things to do is tell them about my personal experiences with preparing taxes. This could be giving them an example that relates directly to what is being taught in class or it could be about a customer service issue I’ve personally faced. I think this make the class a little more interesting than just reading directly from the book. I hope they think so too…
Overall, I think the first class was a success and I’m looking forward to the next one!
The best thing? These women were from every racial and ethnic background and nearly every one of them said the same thing. They felt learning how to prepare taxes would give them opportunity. Some are unemployed and hoping to prepare taxes for the income potential, others just want a little side income and yet others just wanted to learn something new. I think, no matter what prompted them to take this class, educating yourself is always the best way to open new doors.
It was amazing after one class together how comfortable everyone was. They weren’t shy about asking questions and they weren’t shy about questioning my answers. I loved it! I love discussing taxes and now I have a captive audience!
All of that said, learning how to prepare taxes can be very overwhelming. It is a short course and there is a lot of information to be remembered. Asking questions is one of the best ways to learn. One of my favorite things to do is tell them about my personal experiences with preparing taxes. This could be giving them an example that relates directly to what is being taught in class or it could be about a customer service issue I’ve personally faced. I think this make the class a little more interesting than just reading directly from the book. I hope they think so too…
Overall, I think the first class was a success and I’m looking forward to the next one!