Teaching Ceramics With A Bfa

[hansen]

I'd like to do some teaching of throwing, coil, slab, clay, glazes, kilns, techniques, materials, illustration, artistic vision. High school, college age or adult. I have only taught ceramics to smaller children. What are the best jobs to target? Volunteer? Community art center? Technician positions in higher ed? Any thoughts? Reply here or email, thanks in advance!!

h a n s e n

[GEP]

I have found happiness teaching in a community center (no mfa for me either). But these programs have varying degrees of quality in their infrastructure and management. Luckily mine is run by some pretty smart people, even despite our shrinking budgets, the program is running strong.

 

I used to teach college-level design, in a well-reputed art college, and there is an awful lot of politics and posturing inside of academia. Some people have the stomach for it, but I didn't see the point.

 

Plus teaching adults is a lot more rewarding than teaching college kids.

 

-Mea

[Darksquire]

I'd like to do some teaching of throwing, coil, slab, clay, glazes, kilns, techniques, materials, illustration, artistic vision. High school, college age or adult. I have only taught ceramics to smaller children. What are the best jobs to target? Volunteer? Community art center? Technician positions in higher ed? Any thoughts? Reply here or email, thanks in advance!!

h a n s e n

 

 

 

I would look into teaching at a community center or even at a retirement center. There is often an opportunity at both and you will avoid the politics of the education system as well as the attitude from the school age students. I disagree a little about college age not being as rewarding as adults, but that is debatable based on the experience of the teacher. Some college age kids show amazing ability and promise. Just take your passion for ceramics and translate that to your students, the rest will fall in place.

 

My only advice on the politics is stay clear of it and stay out of the teacher's lounge.

 

Steve

[ArtView]

Ideas....Community art centers, working galleries, many private schools with equipped art departments, private lessons, or smaller community colleges that offer certificates rather than degrees or transfer credit to a 4 year school (usually require a MFA). Teaching workshops is a great way to gain momentum and exposure, too. Good luck finding the perfct spot to share your gifts and talent!