Professional Development Day in Clay for Educators
Location: The Brick Clay Studio
Time: 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
Fee: $200 per teacher
Participants: Limited enrollment
Schedule
8:00–10:00 AM – Introductory gallery tour and hands-on clay exploration
10:00–11:00 AM – Clay template discussion and classroom applications
11:00 AM–12:30 PM – Glaze, kiln, and classroom clay management discussion
Overview
This hands-on Professional Development Day in Clay is designed specifically for educators who want to build confidence and practical skills for using clay in the classroom. Participants will explore foundational ceramic techniques while developing ready-to-use strategies for teaching clay projects effectively, safely, and successfully with students.
The workshop combines demonstration, guided practice, and collaborative exploration so teachers leave with practical skills, classroom-ready project ideas, and a clearer understanding of how to manage clay materials, surface design, glazing, and firing expectations.
Learning Outcomes
Teachers will gain practical experience and instructional strategies in:
• Hand-building Techniques – Pinch, coil, and slab construction methods suitable for a variety of grade levels.
• Surface Design Applications – Texture creation, carving, imprinting, and decorative finishing techniques that support student creativity.
• Sculpture Development – Building dimensional forms and guiding students through both structured and open-ended sculptural projects.
• Using Clay Templates in the Classroom – Practical approaches for incorporating templates to support student success, differentiation, and lesson planning.
• Glaze and Kiln Awareness – Basic understanding of glazing, firing timelines, common classroom clay issues, and how to prepare student work for successful completion.
What Participants Will Gain
• Hands-on experience with clay processes
• Classroom-ready project ideas
• Practical strategies for student engagement
• Better understanding of clay, glaze, and kiln considerations
• Confidence in managing clay instruction in a school setting
• A certificate of attendance upon completion
Note
The Brick Clay Studio is not currently a NYSED-approved CTLE sponsor. Certificates of attendance can be provided. Teachers should confirm with their district or CTLE provider whether this workshop may be accepted for local professional development purposes.
Use the form below for more information and to inquire about availability.