Hello all - I just wanted to throw out a question to any WMI's out there who are fed up with teaching - or not getting any students, as is my case. I have been thinking of going out and teaching on my own, but if I understand correctly we (WMI's) can't teach the "Wilton Way" if we do that. My question is, has anyone gone out on their own and developed their own teaching manual? If so, how and where did you inquire about teaching, what did you charge & require students to buy, and was is hard putting you own method together? I'm very frustrated. 
Thanks Lisa
It's funny you posted this as I was just thinking about this very thing today. I haven't taught (at Michael's) in about a year and a half, and miss teaching but don't really want to deal with working for Michael's and having to do it "The Wilton Way".
I have thought about contacting our city recreation department, or our adult school who puts out community classes to see if they'd be interested. I was thinking of offering a basic decorating, but then other technique-type classes like frozen buttercream transfers, 3-D cakes, etc.
So many of my students wanted something more after the last Wilton course. To answer your question, though, I would just make up my own materials, probably through finding non-copyrighted material to put together.
I am not a Wilton instructor and never have been one but I think teaching non-Wilton classes is a great idea. I would love to take a class that teaches how to make a topsy turvy cake and how to make Duff's roses. I would also love to have a gumpaste class that teaches flowers. I took all 3 of the Wilton classes but I just feel like there is so much more that can be taught.
I think you have a good idea and I certainly would take a class like this. Good luck!
Thanks for your input. I just gave up yesterday with JoAnn's - threw in the apron! I still want to be a WMI, but I also want to explore other options. I appreciate you guys opinions. Happy baking 
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