Role: Woodworking Instructor

Status: Non-Exempt, hourly, part-time

Reports to: Director of Programs

Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour

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

The Opportunity:

The Foundry department at The Crucible is looking for instructors to teach Foundry classes at our 56,000-square-foot non-profit and industrial arts school in West Oakland. Instructors must know the fundamentals of mold making and foundry furnace operation. We are looking for 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 working metal casting practice. We do offer instructors storage space, access to studios and tools, but our facility is too small to support a production artist 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.

Metal casters who can support this approach are welcome, as are those who appreciate both the experimental nature and community building experiences of the creative foundry. If you’re 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 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 even our most experienced founders to TA a class so they can learn our curriculum as part of the on-boarding process, but then move them into a lead and/or co-teaching.

Pay: We pay $16.50 an hour for a Teaching Assistant role, and $20-$26.50 per hour for an instructor, based on experience and seniority. Occasionally, we can offer faculty teaching at higher rates, usually to participate in a time-limited grant-funded project where we have raised more money for higher faculty salaries.

Non-cash benefits: Faculty members receive access to Crucible departments and studios equal to one hour of access for every 3 hours taught in a class or monitoring a lab, once they have checked out on the equipment. Faculty also have access to free classes (with some restrictions) and financial support for materials for classes. Some limitations apply.

Preferred qualifications: 

• Two years of teaching experience, with a track record of success, informal arts education a plus
• Five years of experience producing work in your core teaching areas
• Ability to meet students where they are and help them grow as creators
• Respect for everyone’s differences, approach, and creativity
• A strong commitment to teaching, curriculum design and development, and collaboration 

Responsibilities: 

• 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 adherence to The Crucible studio safety rules
• Organize materials and supplies before and after classes and workshops
• Collaborate with the Department Head and studio to order materials as needed

Curriculum: 

• The curriculum includes teaching courses in areas that focus on foundational skills
• Work with the Program Director and team on advancing/developing and updating the curriculum. Examples of classes: Fundamentals of Foundry, Youth Sand Casting, World of Patiniazation, “Off-Label” Iron Casting.

Faculty Meetings, Open Houses, & Events 

• Attend two open houses or events a year to represent your area 
• Attend at least three paid faculty meetings a year
• 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 encouraged to apply. 

To Apply: 

Email a cover letter, résumé, link to portfolio, or PDF file of images of your completed work to [email protected]. Subject line: Woodworking or Wood Turning Instructor.