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.

 Qualifications:

• One year of teaching experience in an informal or formal education setting. 
• 2 years of blacksmithing and metalsmithing experience OR have taken at least 2 years of higher education blacksmithing classes, and/or have taken ABANA/CBA accredited smithing courses.

Preferred qualifications (Instructor): 

• Two years of teaching experience, with a track record of success, preferably in arts education. Previous blacksmithing teaching experience is highly desired. 
• Five years of experience producing work in your core teaching areas 
• Ability to meet students where they are and help them to grow as creators 
• Respect for everyone’s differences, approach, and creativity 
• A strong commitment to teaching, collaboration, and curriculum design and development 

Responsibilities (Instructor):

• Teach hands-on, in-person adult and/or youth blacksmithing classes in an artistically diverse environment 
• Participate in departmental and faculty meetings 
• Adhere to blacksmithing 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 Dept. Head regarding the state of the studio & any issues that occurred during class. 
• Collaborate with the Department Head and studio to order materials as needed 
• Occasionally take photos for the purpose of class promotion 

 Curriculum: 

• The curriculum includes teaching courses in areas that focus on foundational skills 
• There are also opportunities for faculty to bring their own curriculum or work with the Department Head on curriculum development

Faculty Meetings, Open Houses, & Events 

• Attend two open houses or events a year to represent your area 
• Attend at least three paid faculty meetings a year 
• Participate in demonstrations and shows when able 

 This is an hourly, part-time position based in Oakland, California. The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all persons, especially those who bring the benefits of diversity to the organization. Women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

To Apply: Please apply by clicking the link, and include with your cover letter and resume a link to portfolio, or PDF file of images of your completed work.