Job Description
Role Summary
The Ceramics Instructor leads beginner-friendly wheel-throwing and/or handbuilding classes and workshops, delivering clear demonstrations, hands-on coaching, and a safe, organized studio experience. The instructor supports student success while maintaining studio standards for cleanliness, materials handling, and kiln-ready workflow.
Key Responsibilities
Teach scheduled classes (wheel, handbuilding, or mixed-format) for adults, teens, and occasional private events.
Deliver step-by-step demonstrations (centering, pulling, trimming, attachments, surface design, basic glazing concepts).
Coach students 1:1 during work time; adapt instruction to different skill levels and learning styles.
Set up and reset stations: clay, tools, bats/boards, water buckets, cleanup supplies.
Manage student work flow: labeling, tracking pieces, ensuring work is properly prepared for drying, bisque, glazing, and pickup.
Maintain studio cleanliness and safety during and after class (wheels, tables, splash pans, floors, sinks, reclaim areas).
Communicate class expectations clearly (timelines, breakage risk, firing schedules, glaze options, pickup windows).
Support customer experience: friendly check-in, answering questions, handling minor issues professionally.
Provide feedback to studio leadership on class pacing, student needs, inventory/materials, and improvements.
Qualifications
Strong foundation in ceramics (wheel-throwing and/or handbuilding) with the ability to teach beginners.
Demonstrated ability to explain processes clearly and safely in a group setting.
Comfortable with basic studio workflows: reclaim basics, clay prep, cleaning tools/wheels, organizing shelves.
Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently while following studio procedures.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Preferred (Asset) Skills
Experience with glazing fundamentals (application, wax resist, common defects, basic troubleshooting).
Kiln familiarity (loading/unloading, cone packs, kiln logs, bisque vs glaze firing), if applicable to the role.
Experience teaching youth programs, private events, or corporate/team-building workshops.
Content creation support (short clips/photos of class demos, studio moments), if requested.
Work Conditions
Part-time or contract; evening and weekend availability is typically required.
Standing for extended periods; lifting clay/tools (up to approximately 25 lb).
Studio environment with clay dust controls and standard PPE expectations.
Performance Expectations
Consistent class quality and student satisfaction.
Safe instruction and clean, well-managed classroom environment.
Accurate labeling/tracking of student work and adherence to firing workflow.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract, Casual, Seasonal, Freelance
Pay: $20.00-$25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Casual dress
Company events
On-site parking
Store discount
Work Location: In person
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Pottery Instructor position is now open for candidates interested in the Arts, Entertainment & Recreation sector. This role in Markham offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Arts, Entertainment & Recreation is a plus.
