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!
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Ceramics is an 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 differently. It offers near limitless potential of things to create, and tends to form 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 hosted online annually, as well as at educator conferences when within reach to be as accessible as possible. If you're in a pinch and need a lesson quickly, an online or in-person session can be booked to coach one person independently for a greater price.
Clay with Kids and Classrooms
Want to make sure you're ready to work with clay or troubleshoot your clay pedagogy? Learn how to set up a space for clay, identify necessary tools and affordable alternatives, set reasonable expectations for young people working with clay, and learn to teach the basic techniques using the studio's golden rules and key competencies. Applicable to both art and interdisciplinary elementary teachers.
(2 hours)
COMING IN 2026
Interdisciplinary Clay
Clay can fit into so many subjects, including history, several sciences, social emotional learning, and even math! This session is geared toward embracing STEAM in elementary and art classrooms: come learn some ways to use a clay project to incorporate ceramic art into your interdisciplinary teaching.
(2 Hours)
Electric Kiln Certification
Feel comfortable loading and firing your kiln! 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 (does not include training for gas kilns).
(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, or email Kelly at fire@theclaystudioofmissoula.org.
COMING IN 2026
Texture, Surface and Finish
Learn a myriad of interesting surface techniques including texturing options, proper slip, underglaze, engobe, and glaze application and other surfacing methods, including several types of "cold surface" which can be done without a second firing. Great to develop ideas to evolve surface beyond plain and smooth.
(2 Hours)
Request a Professional Development Session
Teachers can reach out to Education Coordinator Kelly Seitz to schedule a professional development session. These sessions can run as a private consultation with one person, or as a lecture with up to 20 people in our annex classroom space. Special circumstances like offsite presentations and conferences can be discussed. These sessions can be of benefit to art educators, as well as interdisciplinary elementary teachers.