Professional Development for Teachers
The Clay Studio of Missoula is partnered with Montana OPI to provide professional development credits for educators. Learn how to use clay in your art or STEAM classroom!
The Clay Studio of Missoula is approved by OPI to provide professional development units toward Montana educators' license renewal, and teachers, there is so much we can show you!
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Ceramics is a super engaging discipline because it challenges both the mind and body. Clay is a kinesthetic medium that will challenge even career artists to approach the creative process in a different way. It offers near limitless potential of things to create, and tends to create vibrant communities where it is practiced because of it's often communal nature. Montana is rich with talented clay artists and some of the best resources in the nation for this art form. It is a great way to tap into the world around us and explore in an exciting new way.
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We understand that educators have busy schedules, so our professional development unit sessions are made to be privately scheduled. These sessions can be booked for groups of 2 to 16 educators at one time in our Annex Classroom, and cost $250 per session. Education and Outreach Coordinator Kelly Seitz will work with you to find a space that fits in both your schedule and ours so you can explore this awesome medium with us. Sessions can currently be booked on the topics below:
The Basics of Clay with Kids
How do you get started with clay? In this session, you'll learn how to set up a space for clay without disaster, tools and affordable alternatives, what kids can generally accomplish with clay at different ages, and how to teach the basic techniques. Applicable to both art and interdisciplinary teachers.
(2 hours)
Material Basics for Art Educators
For experienced art educators looking to level up their handling of clay and glazes. Learn more about what clay and glaze are made of and how they work, and learn to make your own slips, modify clay bodies, make a simple glaze palette in bulk, and how to measure and adjust specific gravity to keep glaze usable. (2 Hours)
Surface and Finish
How do you make a clay project that looks finished? There's more answers to that question than you might suspect. Learn about proper glaze application and other surfacing methods, including several types of "cold surface" which can be done without a second firing.
(2 Hours)
Electric Kiln Certification
Kilns are not as scary as they seem! Learn about the powerful machine we use to fire ceramics. We'll go over what different parts of the kiln are and how to perform basic maintenance on one, as well as properly loading and operating computerized and manual electric kiln models.
(2 Hours)
Interdisciplinary Clay
Clay can fit into so many subjects, including history, several sciences, social emotional learning, and even math! This session is geared toward elementary classrooms: come learn some ways to use a clay project to incorporate art into your teaching.
(2 Hours)
Booking Information
Begin the booking process by using the form below. If you have more questions, or would like to arrange a workshop off-site such as for a convention, or under other special circumstances, you can call the Clay Studio Office at (406)543-0509.
Contact
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