Personally, I think the rail fence is a perfect beginner's project. It was the first class I took and after she showed us how to do a four-patch, she taught us the rail fence and that was so much easier. It's a good one to learn rotary cutting and sewing 1/4" seams, too. Plus, even if you do mess up a little the overall design covers minor flaws. Plus only having three main colors, it doesn't overwhelm the beginner with decisions.
I got elected teacher when our teacher moved away. I just try to teach a block that I first do at home following any directions that I have. We meet twice a month and some meeting, we just get together to share and work on whatever we want to. Good luck.