Ceramics Instructor

City of Aurora, CO; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Aurora, CO is seeking a part-time Ceramics Instructor to develop curricula for adult classes and teach diverse learners in a clay studio. The role emphasizes learner-centered teaching, quality demonstrations, and adaptable instruction to meet student goals.

Responsibilities include creating structured lessons, guiding students through wheel throwing and handbuilding, and maintaining a safe, welcoming classroom while supporting student success and ongoing professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year teaching experience in ceramics.
• Must have thorough understanding of ^10 ceramics, Raku, clays, glazes and firing techniques.
• Mastery of wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques.
• Knowledge of glazing processes and chemicals used in high-fire and Raku glazes.

Responsibilities

• Develop a structure and curriculum for adult ceramics classes.
• Instruct students of various skill levels and ages in a single class.
• Create an environment conducive to student learning and safety.
• Demonstrate techniques through varied instructional methods.
• Evaluate student progress and provide guidance for improvement.
• Maintain professional knowledge and a clean, safe classroom.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Creative problem solving

Education

Ceramics degree

Visual arts degree with ceramics concentration

High school diploma

Tools

Pottery Wheel

Extruder

Raku Kiln

Slab roller

Job description

JOB LOCATION13655 E Alameda Ave Aurora, Colorado 80012-1302City of Aurora, ColoradoIt is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.Why Work for Aurora?Make a difference in the lives of real people every dayDiverse communityCompetitive total compensation packageWell-Funded General Employees Retirement PlanLight rail station minutes awayOn-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancementAccess to innovation workspacesPRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESDepartment InformationThe Library and Cultural Services Departments vision is to empower an environment of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment by stimulating learning and literacy, inspiring creativity, and integrating arts, culture and history into the lives of Aurorans. We have two divisions within the department: Library and Cultural Services, both offering a variety of free services to the community, including 5 public libraries, the Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites, Aurora Fox Arts Center, The People’s Building, and community events, programs, and activities for all ages. Please go to www.AuroraGov.org/LCS to learn more about the City of Aurora, Library and Cultural Services Department.This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), where the selected candidate will work less than 29 hours per week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act.The hiring range is $19.05 - $23.81/hour.Salary to be commensurate with experience.The application deadline is December 20, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.Position overviewThe Ceramics Instructor is dedicated to maintaining curriculum integrity and consistent instruction by providing high-quality teaching experiences. This role is learner-centered and responsive to diverse student goals. Instructors facilitate learning where, when, and how it best suits the needs of the diverse learning public we serve. This role provides a teaching style focused on quality, innovation, self-initiative, and problem-solving.PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESDevelops a structure and curriculum for adult classesInstructs students of different skill levels, ages, and abilities working in the same classEstablishes and maintains an environment conducive to student learningProvides instruction through varied demonstration processesPrepares for and instructs assigned course(s) using appropriate learning experiences and materials which provide the opportunity to meet overall course objectives and student driven goalsEvaluates student progress through day to day observationActively supports student success through guidance, advising, and assisting individual students as neededMaintains levels of professional knowledge and expertiseMaintains a clean classroom environmentAssists in maintaining a safe and mutually respectful instructional environment in and outside the classroomAssists students with study problems and with evaluating their potential for successful achievement in the course or discipline. Makes referrals as appropriate, i.e. for tutoringPerforms other related duties as assignedThis job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONSAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.Education:Highschool diploma.Experience:Minimum 1 years teaching experiencePreferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in ceramics or visual arts degree with a Ceramics concentration, with substantial professional portfolio and work experience2 years teaching experienceTeaching experience in CeramicsKnowledge:Must have thorough understanding of ^10 ceramics, Raku, clays, glazes and alternative firing techniquesMust have mastery of and ability to teach wheel throwing and handbuildingComprehension of the glazing process, chemicals/materials used in both highfire and Raku glazesMaintains necessary educational practices, professional skills and currency appropriate to teaching.Skills:Strong interpersonal and communication skillsSkill in the use of multiple clay tools varied demonstration techniques.Strong customer service skillsSkill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errorsAbilities:Establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officialsHandle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacyCommunicate effectively both orally and in writingCreatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive mannerInteracts sensitively with students, staff and faculty of various cultural and socioeconomic backgroundsLicenses and Certifications Required:NoneWORKING CONDITIONSEssential Personnel:When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.Physical Demands:Medium work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a timeFrequent lifting, carrying, walking and standingMay require frequent pushing, pulling, bending and stoopingClear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documentsSpeech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizensHand/eye coordination for clay supplies and tools operationWork Environment:• Works primarily indoors clay studio classroom but may work outdoors assisting with a program or outreach events in varying weather conditionsEquipment Used:• Uses standard ceramic equipment including personal tools and studio supplied tools, including Pottery Wheel, Extruder, Raku Kiln, and Slab roller.The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.Notice Regarding Colorado Identification Document Protections (HB26‑1283)As part of the employment eligibility verification process, the city of Aurora may request government-issued identification documents as permitted by law. Original identification documents will be reviewed only as necessary for employment eligibility verification and will not be retained longer than permitted by law. Applicants will retain possession and control of their original identification documents except for any temporary retention permitted or required by law.