Become an Osher Instructor
- New Instructors
- Current Instructors
- Instructors Resources
Share Your Expertise with Lifelong Learners
Osher @ SDSU is always on the lookout for engaging instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with a community of intellectually curious adults aged 50 and better. Whether you’re a college or university faculty member, retired professional, author, artist, or subject matter expert, we invite you to propose courses that inspire learning and conversation.
What We Look For
Our members enjoy courses that are:
- Educational, thought-provoking, and discussion-oriented
- Designed for learning without exams, grades, or required homework
- Accessible to a broad audience of lifelong learners
- Presented by knowledgeable, enthusiastic instructors
- Offered as lectures, seminars, workshops, or multi-week series
Subject Areas of Need
Our current course curriculum is heavy in Arts and Humanities. We are looking for topics in the following areas:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Marine Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Climate Change
- Geology
- Oceanography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Space Exploration
- Natural History
- Wildlife & Conservation
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Generative AI
- Emerging Technologies
- Consumer Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Robotics
- Internet & Digital Culture
- Social Media
- Digital Literacy
- Technology History
- Future Trends
- Healthy Aging
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Exercise Science
- Brain Health
- Memory
- Mental Wellness
- Mindfulness
- Stress Management
- Sleep
- Public Health
- Integrative Health
- Healthcare Trends
- Medical Discoveries
- U.S. Government
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Elections
- Current Events
- Constitutional Studies
- Foreign Affairs
- Civic Engagement
- Local Government
- Political History
- Law & Society
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- German
- Chinese
- Japanese
- American Sign Language
- Language Appreciation
- World Cultures
- Cross-Cultural Studies
- Genealogy
- Memoir Writing
- Lifelong Learning Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Public Speaking
- Creativity
- Lifelong Hobbies
- Volunteerism
- Civic Leadership
- Economics
- Personal Finance
- Investing
- Retirement Planning
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Small Business
- Global Economy
- Financial Literacy
- Nonprofit Management
- World Geography
- Cultural Travel
- National Parks
- International Destinations
- California Travel
- Travel Photography
- Travel History
- Sustainable Tourism
- Music Performance
- Music History
- Opera Appreciation
- Theater Appreciation
- Dance Appreciation
- Film Appreciation
- Documentary Film
- Positive Psychology
- Human Development
- Aging & Longevity
- Behavioral Science
- Relationships
- Emotional Intelligence
- Decision Making
- Culinary History
- World Cuisine
- Nutrition
- Wine Appreciation
- Craft Beer
- Coffee & Tea
- Food Culture
- Cooking Demonstrations
- Genealogy
- Local History
- Maritime Studies
- Aviation
- Sports History
- Military Affairs
- Collecting
- Fashion History
- Design
- Popular Culture
- True Crime (Historical/Academic)
- Other (please specify)
Why Teach with Osher?
- Share your expertise with an engaged audience
- Become part of a nationally recognized lifelong learning network
- Teach in a supportive academic environment at San Diego State University
- Receive classroom, technology, and administrative support from the Osher team
Ready to Get Started?
Complete our New Instructor Interest Form to tell us about yourself and your course ideas.
Current Instructors
Welcome Back!
Thank you for being part of the Osher @ SDSU instructor community. This page provides everything you need to prepare for your upcoming courses and stay connected with program resources.
Submit a Course Proposal
Ready to teach another course?
Use the Course Proposal Form to submit your new course ideas for an upcoming term.
Before submitting, be prepared to provide:
- course title and description
- proposed format and number of sessions
- instructor biography
- learning objectives or session outline
- preferred teaching modality
- any technology, classroom, handout, or media needs
The Osher Volunteer Curriculum Committee will review proposals based on member interest, program fit, scheduling needs, and curriculum balance.
Instructor Resources & Support
Use these resources to prepare for a successful Osher course.
Instructor Handbook
Review the Osher @ SDSU Instructor Handbook for program expectations, classroom logistics, HyFlex best practices, policies, parking, technology support, and course preparation guidance.
Before Your Course Begins
Please send presentation materials, handouts, or pre-class messages to osher@sdsu.edu in advance. PowerPoint presentations should be shared at least one week before your course when possible. Handouts should be submitted at least three business days before class; printed materials are generally limited to four pages.
Preparing for Your Course
To help your class run smoothly, please remember:
- Submit PowerPoint presentations at least three business days before your first class.
- Send handouts at least three business days in advance.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early to test classroom technology.
- Contact the Osher team if you’d like to schedule a classroom technology orientation.
Course Promotion
Osher instructors may be invited to participate in semester kickoff events, where they can briefly preview their courses for current and prospective members. Instructors are also encouraged to share course information with their networks and tag Osher @ SDSU on social media.
Classroom and Technology Support
Instructors teaching in person should arrive 20–30 minutes before class to test AV equipment and presentation materials. Global Campus IT support is available before class and can assist with audio, video, Zoom, and classroom setup.
Need help?
- Osher Office: osher@sdsu.edu
- Technical/facilities support: itsupport.global@sdsu.edu
- Classroom phone support: dial x42285
- Phone registration: (619) 594-5152
Teaching in HyFlex
Many Osher courses are offered in HyFlex format, allowing members to participate either in person or online. We encourage instructors to:
- Repeat audience questions for online participants.
- Use the classroom microphone whenever possible.
- Regularly engage both in-person and Zoom attendees.
- Allow time for discussion and Q&A throughout class.
Helpful Documents
- Instructor Handbook
- Osher Instructor Course Promotion Toolkit
- Classroom Technology Guide (coming soon)
Need Assistance?
Osher Office
Email: osher@sdsu.edu
Technical Support
Email: itsupport.global@sdsu.edu
Phone: (619) 594-2285