Faculty - Blacksmithing Instructor / TA

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 on supporting access to our

programs for BIPOC youth and families, especially those from West Oakland.

The Opportunity:

The Blacksmithing department at The Crucible is looking for instructors to teach blacksmithing classes at our 56,000-square-foot non-profit and industrial arts school in West Oakland. Instructors must know the fundamentals of alternative metals that can be utilized to create artwork and tooling. 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 blacksmithing

practice. We do offer instructors access to the blacksmithing studio and tools, but our studio 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.

Artists who can support this approach are welcome, as are those who appreciate both the

creative and the healing experience of making. If you are 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 experienced blacksmiths to initially TA a class so

they can learn our curriculum, before moving them into a lead and/or co-teaching position.

Pay: We pay $19.95 an hour for a Teaching Assistant role, and $25.00-$27.50 per hour for an

instructor, based on experience and seniority in the organization.

Non-cash benefits: Faculty members who have worked within the previous 6 months receive

access to the blacksmithing department studio when classes are not in session and

maintenance is not scheduled. Faculty also have access to free tuition (though materials and

studio fees must be paid.) Some prerequisites apply.