Instructor Guild Membership

Mahj Life Instructor Guild: A Place Where Instructors Thrive Together

The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is a dynamic community built exclusively for mah jongg instructors who want more than just a network—they want a shared journey toward excellence.

When you join the Guild, you become part of a collective with a shared purpose: to teach, grow, and elevate the game of mah jongg with clarity, confidence, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this community gives you access to peer mentorship, expert resources, and proven tools to shorten the learning curve and amplify your impact.

As a member, you’ll experience:

  • Skill sharing and cross-mentorship from instructors with diverse strengths—from teaching to tech, marketing to game mastery.
  • Community and support to break the isolation of solo work, so you’re never navigating this journey alone.
  • Standards and growth through the Merit Program, curated content, and best practices that raise the bar across the profession.
  • Collaboration opportunities, such as co-hosted events, resource exchanges, and client referrals, help everyone succeed without competing.

This isn’t just a group—it’s a movement. The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is where Mah Jongg instructors go to refine their craft, build their brand, and rise together.

If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of “getting it right,” you’re not alone. The guild was built to help you gain clarity, confidence, and connection — all from the comfort of your home.

About the Guild Leader
Michele Frizzell, founder of Mahj Life and leader of the Mahj Life Instructor Guild, has been playing mah jongg since 1973 and teaching American Mah Jongg since 1990. She’s an author, speaker, veteran educator, respected YouTube creator, and nationally recognized coach who began producing educational content in 2017 and formally coaching instructors in 2019. In 2022, she rebranded her business as Mahj Life to create a modern, professional platform dedicated to community education, instructor development, and elevating the way mah jongg is taught and played. Her mission is to empower instructors to teach with confidence, clarity, and integrity—while honoring the spirit and tradition of the game.

  • Smiling woman with glasses headshot and text
  • Certificate of completion for The Impactful Coach

The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is founded on a simple belief: meaningful learning changes the way people think. Rather than focusing solely on the transfer of information, our educational programs help instructors develop sound judgment, strengthen decision-making, and create learning experiences that build confidence, competency, and lasting impact.

Community

The most recognized feature of a guild is community. Guild members have access to the same content and attend events where they can connect, innovate, and collaborate.

Credentials

Today's technology has opened doors for many ways to learn and teach. Guild members educational opportunities like training sessions, courses, and microcredentials that can help them gain experience and build their confidence.

Content

Every industry has best practices that are critical to efficiency and productivity. With access to a digital library with resources and assets, guild members can learn how to improve methods and processes by taking advantage of the collective experience of others.

Purpose

To provide a collaborative program that can help instructors build a sustainable mah jongg lesson business and teach with confidence.

Mission

To foster the advancement of the mah jongg teaching profession by empowering and supporting instructors for the benefit of students.

Vision

The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is nationally recognized as a support group and resource center for teaching in the community. We are leaders in the innovative use of technology and incorporate teaching best practices that promote high-quality lesson plans.

As a Mahj Life Instructor Guild member, you can run your business your way—with support, resources, and a shared code of conduct that values integrity and respect. If you choose to join the Pride in Excellence Initiative, we ask for transparency when you teach house rules. It’s all about growing the game with clarity, confidence, and a sense of community.

If you’re an instructor or aspire to be one, consider joining us to share ideas, get feedback, improve best practices, and help shape the game’s teaching culture.

These values guide our work, and we are committed to:

COLLABORATION | INNOVATION | PASSION | SERVICE

Our Guarantee to You

At Mahj Life, we are committed to providing high-quality educational experiences that support meaningful growth, skill development, and long-term success. We stand behind the quality of our educational programs and are dedicated to maintaining a supportive, practical, and engaging learning environment.

Quality Educational Standards
We guarantee that our courses, workshops, assessments, and educational resources are thoughtfully designed using structured learning principles and practical teaching methodologies. All content is created and delivered by experienced educators with deep subject-matter expertise.

Relevant and Current Content
We guarantee that our educational materials are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect rule changes, evolving best practices, learner needs, and current teaching standards. Content is refined through ongoing instruction, feedback, and real-world application.

Practical and Supportive Learning Experience
We guarantee learning experiences designed to promote understanding, critical thinking, skill development, and confidence. Our programs are intended to help learners identify strengths, uncover knowledge gaps, and develop greater competency through guided progression.

Access to Learning Resources
We guarantee access to comprehensive educational materials, including courses, assessments, digital resources, and instructional tools that support continued learning beyond live instruction.

Flexible Learning and Continued Growth
We recognize that learning and mastery develop over time. Courses do not expire and may be revisited when needed, allowing learners to review content, reinforce concepts, and continue progressing at a pace that supports long-term retention and success.

Our Commitment
While we cannot guarantee individual outcomes, we are committed to providing the education, resources, structure, and support necessary to help learners grow with confidence. Success ultimately depends on each member’s engagement, practice, and commitment to the learning process.

Application Process

To begin the application process, please submit the form below. By applying, you agree to abide by the Mahj Life Instructor Guild Bylaws and Membership Agreement provided prior to submitting your application.

You will see an online confirmation stating that your membership will be activated within 24 hours, and you will receive an email with the same information.

Annual Dues

Instructor Guild membership dues are $197.00 USD per year less a day of your application. Dues are non-refundable and help sustain the ongoing development of our programs, resources, and instructor network.

What Your Membership Includes

Enhanced Visibility
Get featured through Mahj Life’s national promotional efforts—boost your credibility and attract more students.

  • Featured listing above the fold on the Mahj Life homepage
  • Monthly shout-outs on the Mahj Life Facebook group
  • Quarterly directory promotions to Mahj Life email subscribers
  • Inclusion in a 3-minute YouTube livestream pre-show highlighting the Instructor Directory
  • Opportunity to be featured in an Instructor Spotlight episode (by registration and eligibility)

Instructor Directory Listing

The Mahj Life Instructor Directory is designed to help players connect with instructors whose experience and teaching focus align with their needs.

To be listed in the directory, members complete the Instructor Self-Assessment System (I-SAS), an online course that supports reflection, alignment, and clear representation of their teaching stage and the levels of students they are prepared to teach.

Your directory profile is then based on your I-SAS reflections and may be updated at any time as you continue to grow as an instructor.

The Mahj Life Advantage
Access online courses, digital resources, teaching aids, and business tools—designed by an instructor, for instructors. Whether you’re leading your first class or refining an established teaching practice, these resources save time, build confidence, and help you teach with clarity and purpose.

  • Access a Growing Digital Library: Explore a curated collection of teaching tools, planning templates, and done-for-you resources to simplify your workflow and spark fresh ideas in every class.
  • Ongoing Learning & Connection Through the Learning Lab and the Nexus: Apply what you learn and stay current in a fast-evolving mah jongg landscape by participating in exclusive virtual events that support your personal and professional development, whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned pro.
  • Recognition Through the Pride in Excellence Initiative: Demonstrate excellence by upholding official rules and clearly distinguishing house rule variations, equipping your students with confidence and adaptability wherever they play.
  • Credibility Through the Merit Program for Instructors: Earn rewards and contribute to a thriving teaching community by sharing your Mahj Life experience with prospective instructors.
  • Rewards Through the Catalyst Referral Program: Share your Mahj Life experience with others and earn rewards while helping grow our community.

Apply to keep your skills fresh and your knowledge sharp.

LET’S GO!

Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start.

Simon Sinek