Creative, Hands-On
Professional Development
for K–12 Art Teachers
Upcoming Workshops
(Choose One)
6.5 Contact Hours
Option 1
FOUNDATIONS
September 21, 2026
9am - 4pm
New Castle, PA
Tailored for:
Instructors who are new to clay work or seeking a refresher. Will learn foundational techniques to confidently integrate into related curriculum.
Option 2
NEXT STEPS
September 22, 2026
9am - 4pm
New Castle, PA
Tailored for:
Experienced clay art teachers who are looking to deepen their classroom practice, strengthen areas of uncertainty, and expand their technical skills through advanced techniques and new insights.
Registration is Open!
Please read through all the information before filling out the registration form below.
What to Expect
Both Workshops will cover the following topics specific to each of the designated experience levels:
Clay Bodies • Ceramic Stages • Hand Building Techniques • Glazes • Surface Design • Firing
WORKSHOP FEES
(Includes lunch)
6.5 Credit Hours
First Time Attendees: $100
ESC Member Discount: -$25
Total Fee: $75
Additional Discount for Returning Attendees: -$30
Applies to ESC Members who attended Clay:SPARK in March 2026
Total Fee: $45
SPACE IS LIMITED!
16 Max Registrations per Workshop
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
8:45 - Check-in
9:00 - Welcome
Session A: All About Clay
9:20 - Presentation & Discussion
10:20 - Break
10:30 - Hands On
11:35 - Lunch (Included)
Pizza / Salad Buffet
Session B: Glaze / Surface Design
12:30 - Presentation & Discussion
1:30 - Break
1:40 - Hands On
2:45 - Raku / Alternative Fire Demo
4:00 End
About Clay:SPARK
Clay:SPARK offers hands-on professional learning workshops designed for K–12 educators who want to bring meaningful and standards-connected clay experiences into their classrooms.
Led by experienced ceramic artists and former educators, participants will learn by doing; exploring practical clay processes, classroom-tested techniques, and adaptable project ideas for a range of grade levels and learning environments.
Participants will gain:
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The why: Understand how clay supports creativity, problem-solving, fine-motor development, self-expression, cultural learning, and student engagement.
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The how: Build confidence with proper clay preparation, hand-building methods, tools, glazes, firing considerations, studio management strategies, and classroom safety guidelines.
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Lesson integration: Discover ways to connect clay projects with visual arts standards and cross-curricular learning in subjects such as science, social studies, literacy, and math.
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K–12 strategies: Explore age-appropriate approaches that can be adapted for elementary, middle, and high school students.
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Real outcomes: Learn how intentional clay instruction can help students develop persistence, critical thinking, collaboration, craftsmanship, and pride in their work.
Clay:SPARK goes beyond making a project. It gives educators the knowledge, skills, and confidence to use clay as a powerful teaching tool, creating learning experiences that are engaging, purposeful, and lasting.
Suggested Attire:
Wear comfortable, “can‑get‑messy” layers such as jeans or work pants and an old T‑shirt or sweatshirt, with closed‑toed shoes you don’t mind getting dusty.
Bring a coat or extra layer for the outdoor Raku demonstration, and avoid long, loose jewelry or scarves; long hair should be tied back. Aprons will be provided, and lockers are available on site.
Special Workshop Project:
If you’d like to create your own event swag, bring a T‑shirt or sweatshirt to screen print with a fun clay‑themed workshop image; this way you go home with something you like and that fits.
About POCG:
Visit our Website: Pennohioclayguild.org
How to get to POCG:
Studio Address: 43 S. Jefferson Street
New Castle, PA
Google Maps Address to Parking Lot:
103 S. Jefferson St (Lot is next to Studio)