Ceramics Instructor

City of Aurora • Aurora, CO

6d • $19 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

The Ceramics Instructor maintains curriculum integrity and provides consistent, high-quality instruction in a learner-centered environment responsive to diverse student goals. The instructor facilitates learning in ways that suit the needs of a diverse learning public, emphasizing quality, innovation, self-initiative, and problem-solving. This role develops and teaches adult ceramics classes, including students with varied skill levels, ages, and abilities. The position is classified as Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee (VHNE), with work of less than 29 hours per week. It does not provide medical benefits and earns sick leave under the Healthy Families and Workplace Act. The hiring range is $19.05–$23.81 per hour, with salary commensurate with experience. The application deadline is December 20, 2026; applications are screened on an ongoing, first-come, first-served basis, and the position may close once a qualified applicant pool is established. The instructor works primarily indoors in a clay studio classroom, but may assist with outdoor programs or outreach events in varying weather. When the City declares a local emergency or disaster, employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• At least 1 year of teaching experience.
• Thorough understanding of ^10 ceramics, Raku, clays, glazes, and alternative firing techniques.
• Mastery of, and ability to teach, wheel throwing and handbuilding.
• Understanding of the glazing process and chemicals and materials used in high-fire and Raku glazes.
• Maintain educational practices, professional skills, and currency appropriate to teaching.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skill in using multiple clay tools and varied demonstration techniques.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to check information for accuracy and completeness and correct errors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, employees, all levels of management including executive staff, and elected officials.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to creatively solve problems, negotiate, and handle stressful situations positively.
• Ability to interact sensitively with students, staff, and faculty from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Medium physical work involving movement of up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance, at a time; frequent lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; may require frequent pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping.
• Clear vision to read and interpret written documents; speech and hearing sufficient to communicate with employees and citizens; hand-eye coordination for operating clay supplies and tools.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in ceramics or visual arts with a ceramics concentration, supported by a substantial professional portfolio and work experience.
• 2 years of teaching experience.
• Teaching experience in ceramics.

Responsibilities

• Develop a structure and curriculum for adult classes.
• Instruct students of different skill levels, ages, and abilities in the same class.
• Establish and maintain an environment conducive to student learning.
• Provide instruction through varied demonstration processes.
• Prepare for and instruct assigned courses using appropriate learning experiences and materials to meet course objectives and student-driven goals.
• Evaluate student progress through day-to-day observation.
• Support student success through guidance, advising, and individual assistance as needed.
• Maintain professional knowledge and expertise.
• Maintain a clean classroom environment.
• Help maintain a safe and mutually respectful instructional environment inside and outside the classroom.
• Assist students with study problems and evaluate their potential for successful achievement in the course or discipline; make referrals as appropriate, such as for tutoring.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act.
• The City describes a competitive total compensation package and a well-funded General Employees Retirement Plan as reasons to work for Aurora.
• On-site fitness center and employee well-being programs.
• Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement.
• Access to innovation workspaces.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED