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So, you want to give an ASL workshop?:
By William G. Vicars, EdD
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:46:56 PM PST, █████ ████ <█████████@ gmail█com> wrote:
Hello Dr. Vicars.
I was asked to lead a workshop on sign language training. I’m gathering information to meet their needs and expectations.
As this will be my first workshop, you have any advice you’re willing to share? Such as reasonable workshop rate, cultivating/sustaining a working relationship?
Hope you’re doing well!
█████ ████
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Response:
Hi █████,
Congratulations on being invited to do your first workshop. That’s an important milestone.
A few thoughts that may be helpful:
1. Rate:
Avoid underpricing yourself. A very rough baseline that has worked well for many presenters is to think in terms of $75–$150 per teaching hour, depending on the audience, location, the length of the workshop, and preparation required. For a half-day or full-day workshop, that often translates into a flat workshop fee rather than an hourly breakdown (for example, $300–$1,000+ for a half-day, more for a full day).
I've recommended to other doctorate holders to charge at a minimum of $300 to do the typical "can you come present at our meeting" type of gig in their local city -- assuming the travel is minimal and the topic is either something they already know and don't need to prepare for or is a subject they actually want to explore. People who are not well-known, who don't have an advanced degree, and are just starting out might to start closer to the $75 end of the spectrum. Tenure-seeking ASL instructors seeking to bulk up their retention and tenure files might choose to charge a nominal fee such as $100 or even give workshops for free.
Since this is your first workshop and you are just getting your feet wet you might want to aim for the lower end of the spectrum but avoid setting a “cheap” rate that becomes your psychological ceiling later. As the years go by and you gain experience -- your rate should go UP. Sometimes for your self-esteem it is better to say "no" or just do the workshop for free -- than feel taken advantage of by token payments.
To help you figure out your "rate card" consider how much you earn from your day job. I mean how much you really earn. For example, include the value of the benefits package your employer uses to help keep you on the job. If your benefits package totals to $30,000 a year (medical benefits, parking, 401K matches, defined benefit retirement packages, etc.) -- then divide that amount by the number of classroom contact hours, prep hours, and student advising hours you trade for a paycheck. Add the hourly equivalent value of your benefits package to your hourly ("day job") pay rate as you figure out how much you are worth per hour. For example someone earning $50K a year with a $30K benefits package is actually earning $80K a year.
Consider how many hours or days are involved in the workshop. The more hours or days involved means the less per hour and/or day you can charge and still feel good about the gig because you are earning more money. If you fly somewhere to do a one-day workshop you could tack on an extra day and your travel costs only go up by the amount of the car rental and perhaps the extra day of lodging.
Also consider also the location! If you are traveling to do a workshop in Manhattan, New York you will likely want to charge more than if you are doing a workshop in Kansas City, Missouri. Charge a significant amount more if you live on one coast and the workshop is on the other coast.
Bee and I recently gave a workshop on the other side of the U.S. and our flights for that event were delayed multiple times, cancelled, and rescheduled several times. We ended up needing to scramble to grab a hotel for the evening to have a place to sleep plus travel to and from the hotel. Fortunately we tend to add extra travel days prior to workshops so we were able to arrive on time and take care of the client. The point is that traveling further away increases the likelihood of additional time and expense.
2. Be clear about what you are providing:
Spell out:
* How long the workshop is
* What topics you’ll cover
* Whether materials are included
* Whether follow-up questions, resources, or consulting are part of the package
Clarity protects both you and them. See my "Workshop Planning Form" for a long list of other things to get clear on. (Link provided below).
3. Cultivating long-term relationships:
Think beyond “one workshop.”
If it goes well, you can naturally evolve this into:
* Annual refreshers
* Advanced workshops
* Consulting on their ASL program
* Customized training for staff
Let them see you as a long-term resource, not a one-time guest.
4. Document everything:
Get everything in writing up front: date, time, fee, and any other expectations will help prevent misunderstandings and establish you as a professional.
In case you might find them helpful, I'm going to share with you my rate card and workshop planning form. Regarding my rates, keep in mind that I've been around a long time and am nearing the end of my career. At this stage in life, I actually prefer to build resources and put them online for free. Then those who can afford to donate can do so and those who need the information but can't afford it can still have access to high quality instruction.
https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/workshop-rate-card.htm
https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/workshopplanningform.htm
Warm regards,
+ Bill
________________________
William G. Vicars, Ed.D.
ASL University
https://Lifeprint.com
https://YouTube.com/billvicars
BillVicars@aol.com
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Notes:
Video:
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