Adult Pottery Instructor

Madison Metropolitan School District • Madison, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR), Madison’s public recreation provider and a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District, is seeking an instructor for beginning adult wheel-pottery classes at the MSCR West pottery studio. The instructor will help participants discover working with clay and develop fundamental potter’s-wheel skills, including centering clay and throwing simple forms such as cylinders, cups, and bowls.

The instructor will teach eight adult participants, demonstrate pottery techniques, provide individual feedback and assistance, and guide participants through the process of creating thrown pottery from start to finish. The instructor will follow the studio’s firing schedule and manage class time to balance demonstrations and practice with studio cleanup.

Requirements

• Availability to teach Thursday morning classes from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM during the listed Winter/Spring 2027 sessions, with the ability to continue teaching Thursday mornings afterward.
• Proficiency in ceramic techniques and processes, including throwing, trimming, glazing, and firing.
• Previous experience teaching adults.
• Ability to demonstrate proper use and maintenance of ceramics equipment and tools.
• Ability to maintain a clean and safe classroom environment while adhering to safety guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• Previous teaching experience in a similar role.
• Patience and ability to encourage new students.
• Demonstrated mastery of ceramics processes, including throwing a variety of large and small forms on the potter’s wheel, proper construction, applying proper attachments, and careful drying methods to minimize loss of student work.
• Patience and willingness to teach a diverse group of adults with varying abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for working with the instructor team and pottery coordinator.
• Ability to manage a classroom and maintain a positive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach eight adult participants pottery basics, including centering clay, throwing small pieces on the wheel, and trimming their work.
• Give clear and thoughtful demonstrations throughout class.
• Provide individual feedback and assistance to participants.
• Teach the process of creating thrown pottery from start to finish.
• Stay on the studio’s firing schedule in coordination with the pottery coordinator.
• Manage class time by balancing demonstrations and practice time and allowing time for studio cleanup before class ends.
• Demonstrate proper use and maintenance of ceramics equipment and tools.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment and follow safety guidelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed