About Claya

Claya is a modern ceramics studio in Denver’s RiNo Arts District offering classes, workshops, and 24/7 memberships. Claya’s mission is to support both new learners and experienced ceramic artists in a clean, well-organized, community-oriented environment that provides people with a place to have fun and explore ceramic arts.

Role Overview

Claya is seeking highly skilled, professional, and reliable wheel throwing instructors to lead our Beginner and Intermediate 6-week ceramics courses. This position requires strong technical abilities, structured instruction, and excellent communication.

Each weekly class session includes:

• 30 minutes of setup
• 2.5 hours of instruction
• 30 minutes of cleanup

Total: 3.5 paid hours per weekly meeting; 21 hours total over 6 weeks.

Courses meet once per week for 6 weeks. Instructors use a structured demonstration-based model that progresses from instructor demonstration to guided practice and independent student work. Consistent attendance and punctuality are required, as instructors set the professional tone for each class.

In addition to core curriculum, instructors may also design and teach specialty classes aligned with their areas of expertise or interest.

Mission & Culture Alignment

We would love for Claya’s instructors to actively contribute to Claya’s mission of fostering a positive, welcoming, and community-centered environment. This includes maintaining a friendly and service-oriented attitude, supporting students with patience and professionalism, and collaborating effectively with fellow team members.

Instructors should model kindness, approachability, teamwork, and a genuine desire to help create an encouraging and supportive studio culture for all students and staff. Generally, we find that if the instructors are enjoying themselves, the students will also have a good time.

If any students or customers experience frustration or feel discouraged with their progress, we often find that positive feedback and reinforcement helps a lot!

Additionally, Claya encourages instructors to provide feedback to Claya staff and management about more efficient ways to organize student work; fire kilns; and manage the studio. Providing feedback that helps assist teachers and make their instructor roles easier is an important priority at Claya.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Skill Development

• Lead Beginner and Intermediate wheel throwing courses using a demonstration-based teaching model.
• Provide clear instruction on centering, pulling, shaping, trimming, glazing, and refinement techniques.
• Offer individualized feedback to students at varying skill levels.
• Maintain proper pacing to ensure completion of work within firing timelines (firing class work will likely take place after Week 3 and Week 6 of class).

Student Experience & Community Support

• Work with the Studio Assistant to greet students, track attendance, assist with check-in, and support class flow.
• Establish a welcoming, fun, and positive professional learning environment.
• Communicate studio expectations, safety standards, and firing processes clearly.
• Reinforce Claya’s community-centered culture.

Classroom Setup & Cleanup

• Arrive 30 minutes before class for setup; remain 30 minutes after for cleanup.
• Maintain organized, clearly labeled class shelves for student works.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and professional teaching environment.
• Monitor clay, glaze, and tool inventory and notify Claya staff about what could be improved and restocked.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Communicate with Kiln Technicians and Studio Assistants regarding firing, reclaim systems, and materials organization.
• Stay open to feedback to refine clarity, pacing, and teaching methods.
• Offer feedback on how Claya can improve as a studio.

Additional Teaching Opportunities

• Teach workshops, advanced technique sessions, and seasonal classes, if interested.
• Design specialty classes based on personal areas of expertise or interest, if interested.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Strong wheel throwing proficiency to teach Beginner and Intermediate courses.
• Ability to apply structured, demonstration-based instruction.
• Excellent punctuality and reliable attendance.
• Positive attitude, collaborative demeanor, encouraging growth-mindset attitude.
• Strong communication and classroom leadership skills.
• Ability to integrate feedback from leadership and students.
• Strong organizational skills, including maintaining class shelves.
• Ability to lift 25–40 lbs.

Preferred

• Prior ceramics teaching experience.
• Strong trimming, glazing, and surface design abilities.
• Familiarity with ceramic studio workflows.
• Ability to create effective demo pieces (bowls, vases, plates, cylinders, serving bowls, etc.).

Pay, Benefits & Growth

• $30–$35 per hour (based on experience), with room for raises after each completed class.
• Class completion bonuses dependent on enrollment in classes.
• Each class meeting = 3.5 paid hours.
• Free studio membership plus clay & glaze stipend.
• Opportunities for advanced instruction and specialty class leadership.

Schedule

• Example Class Schedule: Tuesday evenings, 6:00pm–8:30pm, for 6 consecutive Tuesdays. Instructor would arrive at 5:30pm and finish at 9:00pm.
• Once weekly for 6 weeks (one session per week).
• Each session = 3.5 hours total.
• Evening/weekend availability preferred.
• Reliable attendance is essential.
• Instructors are welcome to teach multiple classes.

How to Apply

Along with a resume, please email a brief introduction that includes why you would like to teach at Claya, images of your work, and a summary of your ceramics and/or teaching experience to:

Email: info@clayastudios.com
Subject line: “Wheel Throwing Instructor — [Your Name]”

Thank you for your interest in applying.