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Distance Education Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Develops teaching plans and instructional strategies; incorporates distance learning technologies ... EMS, education, or nursing * Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS instructor by the American Heart ...

Water Safety Instructor (WSI)

Chaska, MN · On-site

$19.94 - $29.91/hr

Qualifications Education and Experience * Minimum of 16 years of age Required Knowledge, Skills ... Communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distance in normal and loud situations

Group Fitness Instructor

Red Wing, MN · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Conducts energizing, fun, safe, and educational classes. * Builds effective relationships with ... Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision ...

Showing results 21-40

Distance Education Instructor information

What is a distance education instructor?

A Distance Education Instructor is an educator who teaches students remotely, using digital platforms and online resources instead of traditional in-person classrooms. They design and deliver course materials, facilitate discussions, assess student progress, and provide support through virtual channels like email, video conferencing, and learning management systems. Their primary goal is to ensure students receive a quality education regardless of their physical location. Distance Education Instructors must be adept at using technology and adapting teaching methods to engage learners online.

How does a distance education instructor effectively engage and support remote learners?

Distance Education Instructors often use a variety of digital tools and interactive strategies to keep students engaged in a virtual environment. Regular communication through discussion boards, video conferencing, and timely feedback helps foster a sense of community and support. Instructors must also be proactive in identifying students who may be struggling and offer additional resources or one-on-one sessions as needed. Collaboration with instructional designers and IT staff is common to ensure course materials are accessible and effective for all learners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distance education instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distance Education Instructor, you need a solid background in instructional design, subject matter expertise, and often a teaching certification or relevant degree. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, as well as proficiency in digital collaboration tools, is essential. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and self-motivation help instructors engage and support remote learners effectively. These skills ensure high-quality, interactive learning experiences and student success in a virtual environment.

What is the difference between Distance Education Instructor vs Online Course Facilitator?

AspectDistance Education InstructorOnline Course Facilitator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in education or subject areaOften requires similar credentials, with emphasis on facilitation skills
Work EnvironmentVirtual classrooms, online platforms, remote settingsOnline learning platforms, virtual discussion boards, remote
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, universities, online schoolsOnline education providers, e-learning companies
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for as a teaching role in online educationCompared for roles involving course support and student engagement

Both roles involve online education, but the Distance Education Instructor primarily delivers instruction and assesses students, while the Online Course Facilitator supports student engagement and manages course logistics. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the online education industry.

How do you become a distance education instructor?

To become a distance education instructor, typically a bachelor's degree in the subject area is required, along with teaching experience or expertise. Many positions also prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with proficiency in online teaching tools and learning management systems. Certification in online teaching methods can enhance job prospects and effectiveness.
Infographic showing various Distance Education Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

$15 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Group Fitness Instructor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Part-time
Reports to: Healthy Living Coordinator
Possible Classes Include:
  • Water fitness instructors
  • Group fitness instructors
  • Senior fitness instructors
Wage Range: $15-25, depending on certifications and experience.
We are looking for talented, committed, and enthusiastic people to join our team! Specifically looking for those who are able to teach classes for active older adults, and applicants who offer overall group fitness varieties.
Position Summary
Instructs group classes, provides excellent service to members in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that promotes member wellness and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Our Culture
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
Essential Functions
  • Leads group exercise classes, as directed by the supervisor, to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
  • Conducts energizing, fun, safe, and educational classes.
  • Builds effective relationships with members; helps members connect with each other and the YMCA.
  • Maintains working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support to members.
  • Keeps accurate class attendance records.
  • Maintains required CEC’s and national certifications.
  • Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations. Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity.
  • Potential classes may include Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, TRX, Kettle Bells, Active Older Adults, etc.
YMCA Competencies
  • Values: Accept and demonstrate the Y’s values
  • Community: Desire to serve others and fulfill community needs
  • Inclusion: Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions
  • Relationships: Build rapport and relate well with others
  • Developing Others: Take the initiative to assist in developing others
  • Decision-Making: Make sound judgments, and transfer learning from one situation to another
  • Change Capacity: Demonstrate an openness to change, and seek opportunities in the change process
Required Qualifications
  • CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.
  • National certification (ACE, NETA, AFAA, NASM) in group fitness instruction or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification. - Connect with us to see if you are an eligible candidate to have the Y cover the cost of your certification!
  • Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Certification in area(s) of expertise. i.e., Cardio, Strength, Yoga, Cycle, Mat Pilates, Dance, Active Older Adults, Silver Sneakers, etc.
  • 1 year of experience teaching group fitness classes
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to conduct classes and activities relating to fitness. Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
EEO Statement
The Red Wing Family YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training