TA, Instructor - Foundry at The Crucible – Oakland, California

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 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. 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 foundry practice. We do offer faculty access to the foundry 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 foundry

workers to initially TA a class so they can learn our curriculum, before moving them into a lead and/or co-teaching position.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Teach hands-on, in-person adult and/or youth foundry classes in an artistically diverse environment
• Participate in departmental and faculty meetings
• Adhere to foundry studio rules and uphold studio standards of safety & cleanliness
• Support The Crucible’s policies and strict adherence to The Crucible studio safety rules
• Organize tools and supplies before & after class and communicate with Department Head or Foundry Tech regarding the state of the studio & any issues that occurred during class.
• Collaborate with the Department Head and Foundry Tech to order materials as needed
• Occasionally take photos for the purpose of class promotion
• Report machinery needs and repair needs to Foundry Tech and/or senior studio crew and studio technicians, if applicable
• Relay facility and equipment situations that could impact classes to Foundry Tech and/or studio and programs team

• One year of experience producing work projects in their area of expertise, a minimum of two years teaching experience, and the capacity to create an inspiring environment in the classroom.
• Possess ability to safely be a part of a team using a natural gas furnace and willingness to learn and support a team using a coke fired foundry furnace. ? Knowledge of common foundry materials and any hazards that may be associated with them
• Advanced-level skill in various mold-making processes
• Understanding of common patination chemicals and their application ? Experience in identifying casting defect causes and minimization strategies ? Strong commitment to teaching, and collaboration
• Able to meet students where they are, respect and welcome them ? Nonprofit, educational and or industrial arts experience a plus
• Willing and able to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends when required
• Able to lift 35 lbs
• Must hold a valid CA driver’s license