Role: Ceramics Instructor
Status: Non-Exempt, hourly, part-time
Reports to: Director of Programs
Pay: $20.00--$26.50 per hour
Our mission: The Crucible inspires creative exploration and expression through welcoming, hands-on arts education and experiences for people of diverse ages and backgrounds. As an innovative hub built around the industrial arts, The Crucible is a catalyst for individual growth and vibrant community connections. In addition to supporting working and emerging artists and art students, The Crucible has become increasingly focused in recent years on supporting career pathways into the arts and the industrial trades, and support access to our programs for BIPOC youth and families, especially those from West Oakland.
The Opportunity: The Ceramics department at The Crucible is looking for instructors to teach hand-building and wheel-throwing classes at our 56,000-square-foot non-profit and industrial arts school in West Oakland. Instructors must know the fundamentals of working with clay and glazing. We are looking for at least 1-2 years of teaching experience in an informal or formal education setting. Classes are typically 4-10 students, with 1:6 teacher ratio (i.e. we hire a TA for larger classes). Classes are usually 3 hours in length. There is paid prep time.
The ideal candidate is interested in making teaching an ongoing part of their ceramics practice. We do offer instructors storage space, access to studio and tools, participation in firings. But our studio is too small to support a production potter who seeks to run their business out of our space. We have worked hard to increase diversity among our teacher and student population, welcoming young creatives seeking to explore their culture through creativity.
Ceramicists who can support this approach are welcome, as are those who appreciate both the creative and the healing experience of ceramics. If you’re passionate about sharing your skills with a wide range of students and want to be in a collaborative environment with other teaching artists, this is a great place for you!
Classes are held at night, on the weekends, and during the day during the week. Instructors have the opportunity to both learn the curriculum for a specific class and to schedule their participation in a way that works for them. Many instructors come to The Crucible for studio access before and after their classes. We ask experienced ceramicists to TA a class so they can learn our curriculum, but then move them into lead and/or co-teaching.
Pay: We pay $16.50 an hour for a Teaching Assistant role, and $20-$26.50 per hour for an instructor, based on experience and seniority. Occasionally, we are able to offer faculty teaching at higher rates, usually to participate in a time-limited grant-funded project where we have raised more money for higher faculty salaries.
Non-cash benefits: Faculty members receive access to Crucible departments and studios equal to one hour of access for each 3 hours taught in a class or monitoring a lab, once they have checked out on the equipment. Faculty also have access to free classes (with some restrictions) and financial support for materials for classes. Some limitations apply.
Preferred qualifications:
Two years of teaching experience, with a track record of success, informal arts education a plus
Five years of experience producing work in your core teaching areas
Ability to meet students where they are and help them grow as creators
Respect for everyone’s differences, approach, and creativity
A strong commitment to teaching, curriculum design and development, and collaboration
Responsibilities:
Teach in an artistically diverse environment
Participate in departmental and faculty meetings
Develop and maintain area procedures and standards
Support The Crucible’s policies and adherence to The Crucible studio safety rules
Organize materials and supplies before and after classes and workshops
Collaborate with the Department head and studio to order materials as needed
Curriculum:
The curriculum includes teaching courses in areas that focus on foundational skills
Work with the Program Director and team on advancing/developing and updating curriculum
Faculty Meetings, Open Houses, & Events
Attend two open houses or events a year to represent your area
Attend at least three paid faculty meetings a year
Participate in demonstrations and shows when able
This is an hourly, part-time position based in Oakland, California. The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all persons, especially those who bring the benefits of diversity to the organization. Women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
Email a cover letter, résumé, link to portfolio, or PDF file of images of your completed work to [email protected]. Subject line: Ceramics Instructor.