Glass Blowing Instructor / TA

The Crucible; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 37,884; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to woodworking department studio

Free tuition for classes

Job summary

A non-profit arts organization in Oakland, California, is seeking instructors for glass blowing classes. This part-time role requires at least 1-2 years of teaching experience and a passion for collaborating with diverse students. Instructors will have access to the studio and materials, promoting an inclusive environment. Competitive pay ranges from $25.00 to $27.50 per hour based on experience, with additional benefits such as free tuition for classes. The Crucible encourages applications from all backgrounds and aims to enhance diversity.

Qualifications

• Two years of glass blowing teaching experience, preferably informal arts education.
• Five years of experience producing work in glass blowing.
• Respect for creative differences in students.

Responsibilities

• Teach in an artistically diverse environment.
• Organize materials and supplies before and after classes.
• Collaborate with department heads on material orders.

Skills

Teaching experience in glass blowing

Ability to meet students' needs

Collaborative skills

Patience and direct communication

Job description

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 on supporting access to our programs for BIPOC youth and families, especially those from West Oakland.

The Opportunity

The Glass Blowing department at The Crucible is looking for instructors to teach glass blowing classes at our 56,000‑square‑foot non‑profit and industrial arts school in West Oakland. Instructors must know the fundamentals of glass blowing and have at least 1‑2 years of teaching experience in an informal or formal education setting. The ideal candidate is interested in making teaching an ongoing part of their glass blowing practice. We do offer instructors access to the glass blowing studio and tools, but our studio is too small to support a production glass blowing 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. Instructors and TAs who can support this approach are welcome, as are those who appreciate both the creative and the healing experience of working with glass. If you are 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

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 glass blowers to initially TA a class so they can learn our curriculum, before moving them into a lead and/or co‑teaching position.

Pay

We pay $19.95 an hour for a Teaching Assistant role, and $25.00‑$27.50 per hour for an instructor, based on experience and seniority, in the organization.

Non‑cash benefits

Faculty members who have worked within the previous 6 months receive access to the woodworking department studio when classes are not in session and maintenance is not scheduled. Faculty also have access to free tuition (though materials and studio fees must be paid.) Some prerequisites apply.

Requirements

Preferred qualifications (Instructor):

• Two years of glass blowing teaching experience, with a track record of success; informal arts education is a plus
• Five years of experience producing work in glass blowing
• Ability to meet students where they are and help them to grow as creators
• Respect for everyone’s differences, approach, and creativity
• A strong commitment to teaching, collaboration, and curriculum design and development
• Cold shop experience is a plus
• Skill with exercising patience and direct communication
• Nonprofit, educational and/or industrial arts experience are a plus

Responsibilities (Instructor)

• 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 strict adherence to The Crucible studio safety rules
• Organize materials and supplies before and after classes and workshopsCollaborate with the Department Head and Glass Blowing Tech to order materials as needed

Open Houses, & Events

• Attend two open houses or events a year to represent your area
• 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 strongly encouraged to apply.