Teaching Artist- Ceramics

Powerhouse Arts; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,208 - 123,984; Full time

Job summary

Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn invites applicants to become a Teaching Artist, delivering high‑quality ceramics instruction in a shared studio. You'll guide students' technical and creative development while upholding safety and studio standards.

The role requires at least five years of teaching or equivalent experience, familiarity with clay processes, and ability to teach mixed‑level classes. Compensation is hourly: $80 for part‑time/temporary, $90 for contractors, with COI required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, or equivalent experience in arts education or community instruction.
• Strong skills in one or more of the following areas: figurative ceramic sculpture, wheel throwing, coil building, hand‑building, mold making, or 3D printing in clay.
• Comfort teaching mixed-level classes and adjusting curriculum as needed.
• Knowledge of best practices in health and safety.
• Desire to share knowledge and serve a robust community of artists.

Responsibilities

• Develop a clear, engaging syllabus for the 10-week course, including a schedule and project goals.
• Design course content that provides historical and academic context to enrich students' practical skill-building in clay.
• Send weekly reading emails with articles and resources to deepen students' knowledge outside of class.
• Support students by helping them set goals and stay on track.
• Communicate and reinforce studio policies to maintain a safe, positive learning environment.
• Collaborate with studio staff to organize an end-of-semester display of student work for those who wish to participate.
• Guide students through end-of-class cleaning procedures to keep the studio clean and organized.
• Assist with class setup and breakdown to ensure smooth operations.
• Notify staff promptly of supply needs, equipment issues, or safety concerns.
• Monitor and educate students on best health and safety practices and proper equipment use.

Skills

Teaching experience

Ceramics techniques

Curriculum development

Safety training

Job description

Powerhouse Arts (PHA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression. Located in a purpose-built facility in Brooklyn, PHA convenes an extended network of art and fabrication professionals and educators who co-create and share artistic practices vital to the well-being of artists and the communities to which they belong. PHA offers fabrication programs in ceramics, print, and public art; alongside membership studios in ceramics and at MGC Community Print Studio, textile workshop, The Alpha Workshops; and spaces for education, events, and public engagement.

The Teaching Artist is responsible for delivering high-quality, engaging instruction in a shared studio environment. This role supports students’ technical and creative development in ceramics while upholding studio standards, best safety practices, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative learning atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Develop a clear, engaging syllabus for the 10-week course, including a schedule and project goals
• Design course content that explores the history of clay, providing historical and academic context to enrich students' practical skill-building
• Send weekly reading emails with articles and suggested resources to deepen students' knowledge outside of class
• Support students throughout the session by helping them set goals and stay on track
• Communicate and reinforce studio policies to maintain a positive, safe learning environment
• Collaborate with studio staff to organize an end-of-semester display of student work for those who wish to participate
• Guide students through end-of-class cleaning procedures to keep the studio clean and organized
• Assist with class setup and breakdown to ensure smooth operations
• Notify staff promptly of supply needs, equipment issues, or safety concerns
• Monitor and educate students on best health and safety practices and proper equipment use

Qualifications

Powerhouse Arts is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group. The requirements listed are guidelines; you don't have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you or if you have transferable skills, please apply.

• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, or equivalent experience in arts education or community instruction
• Strong skills in one or more of the following areas: figurative ceramic sculpture, wheel throwing, coil building, hand‑building, mold making, or 3D printing in clay
• Comfort teaching mixed-level classes and adjusting curriculum as needed
• Knowledge of best practices in health and safety
• Desire to share knowledge and serve a robust community of artists

To Apply, please apply with:

• A thoughtful cover letter and resume.
• An updated portfolio: you are welcome to be creative, including photos of your own work and photos of classes you've taught.
• A proposal for the class you'd like to teach.

Please note only applications including all of the above requirements will be considered.

Hours + Compensation

This position meets for class at the same time each week, with sessions lasting three hours. Availability for evening and/or weekend classes is required. The role also includes occasional work outside of class time for preparation and follow-up. This role is compensated at $80/hr for part-time/temporary employees or $90/hr for contractors, who must provide their own Certificate of Insurance (COI).

Powerhouse Arts is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration without regard to race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. We're committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

Management reserves the right to revise these responsibilities or to require other tasks be performed as institutional circumstances change.