CE Instructor - Bronze Foundry Instructor

The Harper College Community Music and Arts Center in Palatine, Illinois, seeks a Bronze Foundry Instructor to teach non-credit group classes for students ages 16 and older, primarily during evening and weekend hours. The instructor will introduce beginning students to the lost-wax bronze casting process through clear demonstrations, supervised studio practice, and individualized assistance. Classes are dependent on enrollment.

Characteristic Duties:

• Teach scheduled Bronze Foundry classes for Continuing Education students and maintain a consistent instructional schedule.
• Plan and deliver beginner-friendly lessons covering the lost-wax bronze casting process from original sculpture through casting and finishing.
• Demonstrate professional foundry techniques and provide one-on-one assistance appropriate to students’ experience levels.
• Prepare the studio, tools, equipment, and materials before class and restore the workspace after instruction.
• Explain and enforce all studio safety procedures, including appropriate clothing, closed-toe footwear, safe tool use, heat awareness, ventilation, and responsible handling of foundry materials.
• Inspect tools and equipment before use, report maintenance or safety concerns promptly, and help maintain an orderly instructional environment.
• Communicate course requirements and material costs clearly, including the student’s responsibility to purchase bronze for individual projects.
• Collaborate with other instructors and Community Music and Arts Center staff.
• Complete required attendance, student assessment, and administrative records; attend department or faculty meetings when requested.
• Participate in recruitment or program-promotion activities and integrate appropriate technology into instruction.

Education Requirements:

Formal training, apprenticeship, or equivalent professional experience in bronze casting, sculpture, foundry practice, metal arts, or a closely related discipline is required.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:

Demonstrated proficiency in the lost-wax bronze casting process and safe operation of foundry tools and equipment. Prior successful teaching, workshop leadership, or individual instruction is required; experience teaching in a college, school, community arts, or studio setting is preferred. Ability to explain concepts, model techniques, and supervise students of different backgrounds and experience levels. Strong commitment to safety, teaching, and the continuing development of individual students. Excellent communication, organization, judgment, reliability, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with professionals in other disciplines.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in a studio and foundry environment and may involve heat, noise, dust, fumes, sharp tools, heavy materials, and hot metal. The position requires standing for extended periods; bending, reaching, and moving around the studio; and lifting or carrying tools, molds, materials, and student work. The instructor must be able to supervise students closely and follow all required safety practices and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Equipment and Tools Used:

Uses foundry, sculpture, mold-making, casting, and finishing tools and equipment appropriate to the lost-wax bronze casting process, along with standard classroom and office technology. Specific equipment use must follow Harper College safety procedures and approved studio practices.

Supervision:

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of the Community Music and Arts Center.