I probably don't have time to commit to something like this, although I do need to improve my craft.
But I just wanted to wave at fellow comics folks and recommend a couple of books that I think may be helpful to you.
Drawing words and Writing Pictures, along with its sequel Mastering Comics by Jessica Abel and Matt Madden are already set up as comics lessons and is in fact structured for group participation.
Thought I'd mention them because while Scott McCloud is a fantasic book, it does feel like it covers a fair bit more on comics theory than it does on craft. On a limited budget you might get more milage from Jessica and Matt's books. (and also Scotts books are so popular, it's pretty likely to have them at a library where you can borrow them for free!)
