Emma O'Leary
Hopewell Junction
Summary
Interdisciplinary artist and educator specializing in ceramics instruction, including wheel throwing and hand building. Demonstrated success in fostering creativity among diverse age groups while maintaining studio safety and efficiency. Committed to creating welcoming learning environments that encourage artistic expression.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pottery Instructor
The Pottery Studio
Manhattan
01.2026 - Current
- Independently teach 4 week long sessions of Intro to pottery and returning to wheel classes for adults.
- Guiding students through throwing on the wheel, trimming, attaching, glazing, use of slab roller & extruder and overall studio / firing procedures.
- Provided constructive feedback on student projects to enhance their artistic skills.
- Coordinated class schedules and maintained an organized teaching environment.
- At a 1:15 teacher to student ratio, teaching at both their Manhattan and Brooklyn Studios.
Ceramics Director
Singing Eagle Lodge
Holderness
08.2024 - Current
- Designed and instructed engaging lesson plans and demonstrations to enhance student learning experiences
- Taught wheel throwing, hand building, and glazing to groups of 12 students aged 8-16, fostering creativity and skill development
- Managed kiln firing, loading, unloading, and studio maintenance to ensure optimal operational efficiency and safety
Ceramics Instructor
Portland Pottery
Portland
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Instructed wheel throwing and hand building ceramics, fostering creativity and skill development for ages 7-14
- Provided personalized and group instruction in clay and 2D art, enhancing artistic techniques and engagement
- Managed clay reclaim, trimming, firing schedules, and studio upkeep, ensuring efficient operations and resource availability
Saturday Art School Teacher
Pratt Institute
Brooklyn
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Instructed diverse mediums such as ceramics, drawing, painting, collage, and cardboard sculpture to broaden artistic skills
- Developed multi-week lesson plans and assessment materials to enhance student engagement
- Co-taught weekly 2-hour art classes for 20 students, fostering collaborative learning
Student Teacher (Ceramics)
J.H.S. 104 Simon Baruch
Manhattan
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Conducted over 200 hours of in-person ceramics instruction, enhancing student skills and creativity
- Facilitated student mastery of ceramics techniques through hands-on guidance
- Coordinated kiln loading and maintained studio organization for optimal workflow
Student Teacher Assistant
P.S. 748 Brooklyn School for Global Scholars
Brooklyn
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Assisted in lesson planning, demonstrations, and classroom management to foster a positive learning environment
- Facilitated creative expression in elementary art classes using diverse materials to enhance student engagement
- Accumulated over 150 hours of on-site teaching to gain practical experience in classroom dynamics
Ceramics Teacher / Counselor
KenMont & KenWood Camp
Kent
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Taught six classes daily, ensuring safe and effective kiln firings for student projects
- Managed ceramics studio activities for children aged 7 to 15, fostering creativity and artistic expression
- Led bunk counselor team, supervising campers and promoting a safe, inclusive environment
Education
Master of Arts - Art And Design Education
Pratt Institute
Brooklyn, NY05-2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art and Design Education
Pratt Institute
Brooklyn, NY05-2025
Certification
- Driver's License
- New York State Teacher Certification
Technical And Teaching Skills
- Wheel throwing
- Hand build sculpture
- Glazing
- Kiln loading
- Unloading, and firing schedules
- Clay reclaim and studio maintenance
- Lesson planning and demonstrations
- Classroom management and youth development
- Studio safety and organization
Personal Information
Authorized To Work: U.S.
Timeline
Pottery Instructor
The Pottery Studio
01.2026 - Current
Saturday Art School Teacher
Pratt Institute
09.2024 - 05.2025
Student Teacher (Ceramics)
J.H.S. 104 Simon Baruch
09.2024 - 12.2024
Ceramics Director
Singing Eagle Lodge
08.2024 - Current
Ceramics Instructor
Portland Pottery
06.2024 - 08.2025
Student Teacher Assistant
P.S. 748 Brooklyn School for Global Scholars
01.2024 - 05.2024
Ceramics Teacher / Counselor
KenMont & KenWood Camp
06.2023 - 08.2023
Master of Arts - Art And Design Education
Pratt Institute
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art and Design Education
Pratt Institute