MPA Clay: Open Call for Ceramics Instructors

About the Role

MPA Clay is a thoughtfully designed ceramics studio in McLean, Virginia, built around learning, expression, and community through clay. With both class offerings and a membership program, we welcome beginners and experienced makers alike. We’re in the final stages of building our studio and looking for instructors who want to help create something special from the ground up. Classes begin the week of September 14.

We’re looking for experienced ceramics instructors who bring patience, encouragement, and organization to their teaching. All classes are multi-level, serving beginning and intermediate students together.

Responsibilities

• Teach wheel-throwing and/or hand-building classes for adults
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging classroom environment
• Demonstrate techniques clearly, adapting instruction to individual skill levels
• Help students build confidence through thoughtful guidance and constructive feedback
• Prepare materials and ready the classroom before each class
• Assist with loading and unloading student work as directed (kiln operation is handled by approved staff unless otherwise trained)
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe studio throughout each class
• Follow all studio safety and cleaning protocols
• Communicate supply needs and equipment concerns to studio management
• Represent MPA’s values of creativity, kindness, community, and respect

Requirements

• Experience with wheel-throwing and hand-building
• Previous teaching experience preferred
• Friendly, dependable, and comfortable leading groups
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• A passion for helping beginners feel successful and supported
• Evening and weekend availability a possibility

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive teacher pay: $35–$50/hour (contract)
• Complimentary unlimited studio membership while actively teaching at MPA Clay
• Opportunities to teach workshops, private events, and specialty classes
• A beautiful, thoughtfully designed studio environment
• Small class sizes that allow for meaningful instruction
• Creative freedom within your teaching style
• A supportive, collaborative studio culture

Location: 6910 Fleetwood Road, McLean, VA 22101 | Contact: info@mpaart.org