Outschool.com offering classes for kids and opportunities for teachers during school closures

With kids stuck at home, some families are turning to Outschool.com, an online resource offering more than 10,000 classes. 

The site is helping local families and teachers during quarantine. 

Outschool is a marketplace of live, interactive online classes for kids. There are thousands of classes to pick from in subjects ranging from math and science to art, dance...even cupcake decorating. 

“It has been really neat to see how excited they’ve all been engaged into these activities,” said Tammy Ramirez, a Coachella mother and Outschool user. She says it’s been a great way to keep her own three kids busy and entertained with the stay at home order in place. 

“Like for my daughter who needed some extra help with writing, I put her in a writing course. But I also have allowed them to pick classes that just interest them,” said Ramirez. 

Her kids have taken baking and ballet classes. “Right now, they wouldn’t have those opportunities,” she added. 

Outschool is also creating a way for teachers to make money on the side. Julie Moses, an art teacher based in Palm Desert, uses Outschool to teach her passion. 

“For me I’m actually doing better now than I was before the quarantine. In terms of income and being able to have students and things like that. Now I have access to kids literally all over the world,” said Moses. 

Moses teaches kids about Van Gogh step by step through her online course. “It gives them something to look forward to in this crazy time,” she said.  

Teachers set their own rates through Outschool.com. The company says most average about $40 per class hour, and traditional teaching credentials are also not required. “There are certain parameters that you have to meet you have to go through a background check and they have to approve the class,” added Moses. 

The site also offers virtual tutoring if kids just need help with their normal school assignments. 

The company says they’re looking to hire thousands of teachers to meet increased demand due to school shutdowns. 

“Teach what you love, teach what you’re passionate about so that you can share that passion with other people and ignite that fire,” said Moses. 

Outschool is offering $50 in free classes for each family affected by school shutdowns. To enroll in a course, click here.