The Little Studio — New Instructor Welcome
New Instructor Onboarding Guide

Welcome to
the family.

We're so glad you're here. Let's make some pots.

Hey — we are so excited to have you join the instructor crew here at The Little Studio. What you're stepping into isn't just a teaching gig — it's a community, a creative home, and a place where people come to slow down, make something with their hands, and leave feeling a little lighter than when they walked in.

You are a big part of making that happen. Before you get started, read through everything below. It covers who we are, what we believe, and all the practical details you'll need to feel confident walking into your first class. If anything is unclear or you have questions at any point, we are always just a Slack message away.

We're so glad you're here. Now let's get to work.

— James & The Little Studio Team
Who we are

Our Core Values

Everything we do at The Little Studio flows from three beliefs. As an instructor, you are the living expression of these values every time you walk through the door. Chief among them: The Little Studio is a family, and all are welcome. Full stop. Our studio is a place where people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels feel safe, respected, and valued — if someone is in our space, they belong here, and it's our job to make sure they feel that way.

1
Inclusivity
Whether someone is walking in for the first time, just browsing, or a returning student — every single person who enters this studio deserves a warm greeting. Make eye contact, ask how you can help. We want everyone to feel like they just walked into a friend or family member's studio, not a business. That feeling starts with you.
2
Intention
There is always something to learn. That applies to a student working through their first wobbly bowl, and it applies to us as instructors and as people. We don't expect perfection — we embrace the process, celebrate progress, and stay curious. If you're growing, your students will too.
3
Growth
There is always something to learn. That applies to a student working through their first wobbly bowl, and it applies to us as instructors and as people. We don't expect perfection — we embrace the process, celebrate progress, and stay curious. If you're growing, your students will too.
Getting started

Before You Teach

We want you to feel completely confident before your first solo class. There's no rush — shadow as many sessions as you need.

Shadow First
We ask all new instructors to shadow at least two private classes and at least one event-style session before teaching either on their own. Use the Instructor Booking Portal to find shadowing opportunities — it's listed alongside regular instruction slots.
Tools & Channels

Your Resources

Scheduling
Instructor Booking Portal
Where you'll find and sign up for private classes, events, and instruction opportunities outside of 8-week sessions. Shadow slots are listed here too.

Access the portal →
Student Resource
Studio Schedule
A resource for 8-week class students to monitor open studio time and plan their practice sessions. Updated every Monday morning.

View the schedule →
Communication
Slack
You'll be added to the instructor Slack channel. New bookings are announced here daily at 9:00 AM. The Substitutions channel handles all coverage needs — use it to request or offer coverage once approved. General questions and instructor booking coverage questions can all be answered and managed here.
Supplies
The Potter's Outpost
Our pottery supply shop. Orders are fulfilled daily and you'll be notified when yours is ready for pickup in the office.

Shop now →
Getting In

Studio Access

Primary Studio — Your Personal Code
Personal — do not share
Entering
01
Press the Yale button to wake the keypad
02
Enter your personal code
03
Press Enter (✔)
04
Wait for keypad to illuminate and chime — then head in
Departing
01
Touch the Yale button or swipe your hand across the keypad
02
Wait for keypad to illuminate and chime
03
Double-check the door locked — never lock the door handle knob
Clay & Personal Work
  • You may use your own clay when instructing. Your personal work should never take priority over your students.
  • If using recycled clay, re-wedge it and return it to the instructor bin.
  • If you use your own clay for demos, you're welcome to fire and keep the pieces.
Perks

Instructor Discounts

As an instructor you have access to exclusive discounts through The Potter's Outpost. Orders are fulfilled daily — you'll be notified when your order is ready for pickup in the office.

Item Discount Code
Clay & Tools 15% off teach!
Full Kiln Firings 20% off —
At a Glance

Quick Reference

ResourceDetails
SlackNew bookings announced daily at 9:00 AM. Use Substitutions for coverage needs. General questions and booking coverage managed here.
Booking PortalPrivate classes, events & shadowing slots. Open portal →
Studio ScheduleResource for 8-week students to monitor open studio time. View schedule →
Primary Door CodeYour personal code — provided separately. Never share it.
Clay Discount15% off clay & tools at thepottersoutpost.com — use code teach!
Kiln Discount20% off full kiln firings — no code needed at time of booking.
Questions?Message James directly or drop a note in the Slack channel anytime.
The Little Studio
thelittlestudioclt.com
Welcome to the family ♥