Today we are happy to announce that we’re joining the AmazonLocal team. Sadly, this means that we will be closing TeachStreet.

When we opened our doors on April 21, 2008 we had grand aspirations, to create a place to help lifelong learners find great classes and teachers, empower teachers with robust tools to manage their teaching businesses, and enable schools to more effectively generate leads for their classes. Over the last few years we have succeeded in creating what we think is the world’s largest selection of classes and courses, and one of the richest marketing toolsets for teachers and schools, big and small.

To our valued teachers, thank you for your support and being elemental in making TeachStreet something we can all be proud of. To help you through this transition we have built you a special export tool to save all of your data and created a dedicated FAQ to help answer all of your questions. And as always, you can contact us directly to answer any of your questions.

To our investors, thank you. You put your faith in us. We wish we had accomplished more, but know that we sincerely gave it our best. And your investment helped us grow as people, and as a team. We’re forever grateful, and will strive to pay it forward.

To our current and past employees, thank you. The last few years have been challenging, but so rewarding for having gotten to know, and grow with, one another. We hope you’ll all look back on your TeachStreet days with some fond memories (and that the beer will help erase the other recollections). And so it goes.

Onward,
Dave Schappell & Team TeachStreet

Need a coffe break? Well, Greg has a way to take that coffee break and take it up a notch with a Tim Tam Slam!

A Tim Tam Slam according to Greg is biting off opposing corners of a Tim Tam biscuit, dipping it into a coffee (can use any rich hot drink), and sucking the drink through the Tim Tam like a straw and throwing it into your mouth before it completely dissolves.

It is much better than one would think, and we highly recommend trying it out on your next coffee break!

What you need to slam a Tim Tam as shown by our model and teacher, Greg.

Greg slamming his Tim Tam like a pro!

Up next for the Learn Something New-athon was Phil who taught us how to make ninja stars using only 2 dollar bills and some wicked origami skills.

To learn how to make your own ninja stars check out these instructions. We quickly learned during Phil’s lesson that not everyone on Team TeachStreet has what it takes to be a ninja, so at the end of it we only had three successful ninjas ready with their newly folded ninja stars.

Take a look at those fierce ninja faces!

Greg Bowers Ninja Face – BOOM!

Phil our wise instructor’s ninja face – BAM!

Joseph’s no playing ninja face – BOOM SON!

After some yummy and belly warming drinks from Scott we moved on to some more food with Joseph teaching all how to make our own pizza rolls.

What you will need:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
• sliced turkey pepperoni
• some string cheese, cut in half
• garlic powder
• pizza sauce

To start off with Joseph unrolled the crescent rolls and separated them into 8 triangles. He placed pepperoni on each triangle, topped it off with a string cheese half and then rolled them up. He also added spinach to some which he recommends doing to change it up a little.

Once you have all your rolls ready, place them on a pan, sprinkle them with some garlic powder and place them in an oven for 12-15 minutes at 375 degrees. Since we don’t have an oven in the office, we used a toaster oven which worked just as well.

Once they are nicely browned and the cheese is melted, take them out and serve with some warm pizza sauce for dipping. And watch out, they go fast!

Scott was next up for our Learn Something New-athon with his presentation on Whiskey 4 Ways.

He started out with giving us all a sip of a Whiskey Neat. Next up (#2) was making a Whiskey Soda, a simple combinatino of both whiskey and soda water.

Then things got more interesting with the lesson on how to make a Manhattan (#3). As Scott whipped one up he reminded us all to use sweet vermouth (think red not white) and that while you can serve it up or down, he prefers it up.

The final whiskey drink was an Old Fashioned. Scott’s notes for making one: usually use a sugar cube but using a tablespoon of sugar works fine also, make sure to muddle your bitters and sugar, and its up to you if you wish to top it off with a splash of soda or not.  And always, enjoy!

Today we are doing something special at TeachStreet HQ – a Learn Something New-athon! That means every hour one person on Team TeachStreet will teach the team something new.

Daryn went first today teaching the team how to make Æbleskiver (aka pancake balls). You can find the recipe here, and below can see some of the highlights of the lesson. Let’s just say that these were a definite crowd pleaser Stay tuned for more LSNs from the rest of the team!

You’ve probably heard that hundreds of millions of people log into Facebook everyday. We know that we all spend a lot of time there! Many teachers have asked us to make it easier for them to promote their classes, reviews, and profile on Facebook.

Today, we’ve launched TeachStreet’s 1-click integration with Facebook Pages, making it effortless for you to set up shop on Facebook.

Connect your Facebook Page with TeachStreet:

1. Easy to connect: With just one-click, you’ll be able to connect TeachStreet with your Facebook Page.
2. Less work: Once we’re connected, all of the changes and updates you do on TeachStreet will be marketed on your Facebook Page too, saving you precious time.
3. Wider reach: You’ll be able to take advantage of your network on Facebook to promote your business and get new students.

We’ve already had some teachers connect TeachStreet to their Facebook Pages, and they look great. Take a look at these awesome examples: Tesia Blackburn, John Ciccarell, Sausan Academy of Egyptian Dance, and AWE Studio.

And remember, if you have any questions about connecting your Facebook Page — check out our Help Center.

Last week for  Learn Something New, Daryn taught us all how to make a cookie in a skillet. Using only a skillet, a hot plate and a toaster oven he made one large communal cookie – quite impressive.

This cookie is easy to make and perfect for anyone out there who loves to bake but hates doing the dishes. Also it is great for hikers and campers who want a warm delicious treat while out in the woods (just replace the hot plate with an open fire and the toaster oven with a dutch oven).

You can find the recipe for this masterpiece here. Pictures below are of Daryn cooking his one pan skillet cookie. Considering there were no leftovers, we can consider this one a success.

The steps for making the cookie are represented above by going clockwise with the finished cookie in the center. 

Here’s our picks for great gifts (of learning) to give your special lady this holiday season.

1. Wine Appreciation

Most women love a good glass of wine. But one the special aspects of drinking wine is talking about where it came from, the type of grape, the grower and more. A wine appreciation class is a great gift that gives her the opportunity to drink delicious wine while at the same time learn how to smell/swish/taste like a pro.

2. Ceramics/Pottery

A pottery class is a great gift for her for three reasons: she can make something special with her hands; have fun creating something while getting a little dirty; and allows her time to think or meditate while she sits at the wheel. It’s the perfect gift for someone wishing to do something creative, fun and relaxing.

3. Belly Dancing

Speaking as a woman, I do not know many women out there who wouldn’t be open to taking a belly dancing class. It has something for every gal out there – it looks fun and a great thing to do with a few girlfriends, it’s a great way to workout, and it’s sounds exotic.

4. Hot Yoga

Yoga is everywhere today, and people love it. But one thing that has been catching on is Hot Yoga. Hot Yoga is not for everyone, but if you know a lady in your life that likes to work out that leaves her feeling rejuvenated, then we recommend giving her a chance to try out a hot yoga class.

5. Massage

This class is more for the men, with the idea that they take what they have learned in the glass and give the present of personal massage to the stressed lady in their life.  If you want to make someone happy, relaxed and feel special, offering (and actually knowing the right techniques) a shoulder or foot massage will do the trick.

Note: The pottery image was courtesy of The Potters Studio and the wine image was courtesy of Sympoz.

Clockwise: 1) Asian Cooking Classes by NuCulinary; 2) Speed Metal! Open enrollment (gift session) by Hazardfactor; 3) Bantos Capoeira Seattle-Classes for Youth and Adults by Daniel Pitta; 4) How to Smoke a Cigar by Andrew Klein; 5) Beginning Fusing and Slumping by Public Glass.

1. Making Sushi
Cooking classes as a gift for either men or women is always a good idea, but learning the art of sushi makes it a great one. Have your man take a sushi class, and then let him teach you what he learned while making sushi together. It’s a fun class that can lead to many future fun nights making your own unique sushi combinations.
Find sushi cooking classes near you >

2. Metalworking (welding)
This is a class made for men involving metal, hard work, fire, and creating something with their very own hands. Whether he learns to make a Mad Max like vehicle or some jewelry, metalworking classes are a great way to have fun creating something unique and special.
Find metalworking classes near you >

3. Capoeira
Capoeira is a great way to get your man in shape and have fun while doing it. For those unfamiliar with this art form, Capoeira is a Brazilian art form combining elements of marital arts, sport and music. After a few classes you’ll be amazed at what he can do.
Find Capoeira classes near you >

4. Smoking Cigars
We’ve all seen the films and TV shows where the manly men smoke cigars after some triumph or win. This class is perfect for the men who want to do this and for the man who already smokes cigars but wants to know more. Plus, there’s little doubt he’ll love his homework assignments from this class.
Find cigar classes near you >

5. Glass Art (glass blowing)
Glass blowing is just cool. With all the fires and the melted glass moving around like molten lava, this is a class that is sure to please anyone. Whether he ends up making a glass votive or a one-of-kind paperweight, this class will definitely make him smile.
Find glass art classes near you >