NEWARK, NJ: This year marks GlassRoots 18th year serving the greater Newark community and the organization is making an unprecedented push as it plans its future in a new location and continues to meet community needs through its unique offerings. On June 19, 2019, GlassRoots Board unanimously voted to elect Roger C. Tucker III as its President for the 2019-20 year to help guide the Glass Arts Non-Profit’s mission to "ignite and build the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark, with a focus on under-served youth and young adults, through the transformative power of the glass art experience."   

Immediate past president Sheila Kenny will remain on GlassRoots’ executive board, provide a seamless leadership transition.

Upon assuming his board leadership position, Mr. Tucker said, "Making glass art broadens the horizon of teens and adults. Most glass art admirers focus on the beautiful shapes and colors this ancient craft produces. I am inspired by the hands-on experience in chemistry, math, physics, problem-solving and critical thinking required to make each work of art. I also applaud all GlassRoots entrepreneurs who combine these skills with our business classes to market their amazing creations.  As Board President, I will leverage my experience and network to build an even bigger, stronger and dynamic GlassRoots to take its place as one the premier arts organization in the great city of Newark, New Jersey." 
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"I am excited to have Roger as a partner in leadership during this exciting transformational year,” said Barbara Heisler, GlassRoots CEO. “During this important growth phase, we’ve done exciting work to enhance our programmatic impact and strengthen our organization. Roger’s professional background and passionate commitment to youth and Newark will bring insightful leadership to our Board as we continue this work and move to our new space.” 

GlassRoots is looking for a professional to fill this newly defined position to design and implement the infrastructure/systems needed to support substantial growth over the next five to 10 years.  The incumbent will continue to build and manage effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting, legal, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and physical infrastructure. This is a full-time, on-site position, working in our Newark, NJ location.
 
As a member of the senior management team, the director will be involved in strategic planning, evaluation, and professional development initiatives, as well as planning and managing GlassRoots’ expansion to our new sites later this year. In keeping with GlassRoots’ values, the director will also interact with program recipients as a mentor.
 
In the short-term, the Operations Director will be a key-member of our Expansion Team, with primary responsibility for all areas of our upcoming move, including coordination with construction and developer staff, and managing our move to the new location. 

​The full job description can be found here.

​Application Process: To apply, submit a cover letter that speaks directly to how you meet qualifications of job, and include a resume and salary requirements via email at jobs@glassroots.org. No phone calls please. GlassRoots is an equal opportunity employer. 

​GlassRoots is hiring a part-time Instructor to work in our hotshop and join the artistic staff of our exciting and growing arts education organization in Newark NJ. This is a skilled artistic and technical work position which includes provision of instruction, and fabrication and repair of glass pieces in hotshop.  We’re seeking a self-motivated individual who is can assist in the delivery of our artistic programs, offered to our target audience of disengaged youth and young adults as well as to the general public.

The work involves instruction of youth and adult students in the hotshop, the operation of facilities required for the instruction, fabrication and repair of a wide variety of glass pieces. On any given day you’ll be providing instruction to students participating in GlassRoots’ long and short term programs, teaching adults in recreational programs, and maintaining the hot shop. Additional responsibility includes the creation of sales and commission works. 
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The position begins as soon as May 1. This is part-time position, with growth potential but will begin with 15-20 hours per month to assist with our growing demand.  Applicant must have daytime and weekend availability; the schedule will vary dependent on classes and projects schedules. Hourly pay is between $15 and $25 per hour depending on experience.   
 
Due to our work with youth, candidates must be able to clear background checks, and provide references. Read more about GlassRoots at www.glassroots.org. 

​DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts classroom demonstrations and gives hands-on instruction in glassblowing and design.
• Assists in the fabrication of a variety of glass pieces for contract and instructional purposes.
• Supports Lead Glassblowing Instructor in constructing and maintaining facilities required for the completion of glass pieces, commission products and student and class training.
• Uses special equipment for fusing, turning, cutting, bending, and calibrating glass; employs special techniques in the creation of a wide variety of products and commissions.
• Assists in creates glass pieces using a wide variety of techniques including casting, blowing, molding and manipulation of glass.
• May assist in the development of products and commission works from conversations and rough sketches; repairs and modifies glass pieces either created at GlassRoots or elsewhere.
• Performs related work as required.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Hotshop Experience Required. Skill in teaching and imparting information to others through classroom teaching and instruction, communicating knowledge in a nontechnical manner.
• Knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, methods, and practices of the glassblowing trade. Skill in the fabrication, modification, and repair of glass equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Thorough knowledge of glassblowing shop techniques.
• Ability to execute precision work in glass, diagnose problems and make constructive recommendations during project rendering or with facilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with GlassRoots staff members and within the glass community.

​Application Process: To apply, submit a cover letter that speaks directly to how you meet qualifications of job, and include a resume and salary requirements via email at jobs@glassroots.org. No phone calls please. GlassRoots is an equal opportunity employer. 

GlassRoots is hiring a part-time Instructor to work in our flame and flat shops and join the artistic staff of our exciting and growing arts education organization in Newark NJ. This is a skilled artistic and technical work position which includes provision of instruction, design and fabrication, and repair of glass pieces in the flame and flat shops.  We’re seeking a self-motivated individual who is can assist in the delivery of our artistic programs, offered to our target audience of disengaged youth and young adults as well as to the general public.

Work involves instruction of youth and adult students in flame and flat shops, the operation of facilities required for the instruction, fabrication and repair of a wide variety of glass pieces. On any given day you’ll be providing instruction to students participating in GlassRoots’ long and short term programs, teaching recreational art classes or maintaining studios. Additional responsibility may include the creation of sales and commission works.   
​The position begins as soon as May 1. This is part-time position, with growth potential but will begin with 15-20 hours each week.  Applicant must have daytime and weekend availability; the schedule will vary dependent on classes and projects schedules, and have their own transportation to move instructional supplies to off-site locations. Hourly pay is between $10 and $17 per hour depending on experience.   
 
Due to our work with youth, candidates must be able to clear background checks. Read more about GlassRoots at www.glassroots.org. 

Responsibilities:

• Instruct and ensure compliance with policies and safety procedures
• Instruct students in all aspect of flameworking , mosaics and kilnforming
• Provide service, technical assistance and support to students, instructors and others in a consistently friendly, courteous and professional manner
• Facilitate evaluation activities
• Clean and organize studios
• Create products for earned income sales
• Other duties as may be assigned
  
  

Qualifications:

• Flameworking, mosaic or kilnforming experience preferred; not required
• Creative personality
• References required

Additional desired skills:

• Public speaking
• Knowledge of Newark art scene, community organizations and non-profits
• Ability to multi-task, well organized
• Knowledge of glass art
• Proficient in Abode Creative Suite

​Application Process: To apply, submit a cover letter that speaks directly to how you meet qualifications of job, and include a resume and salary requirements to via email at jobs@glassroots.org. No phone calls please. GlassRoots is an equal opportunity employer. 

 
Dear Friends, FLAME! Here at GlassRoots, flame is both a tool for personal transformation and a transformational program for teens.
 
Our FLAME program is unique; we engage young people at risk of failing or dropping out of high school and whose prospects and outlook for the future are bleak. Whether they are coping with learning differences, struggling with issues of identity, or pregnant or parenting, success in our studios impresses upon these teens that they matter, and that if they work hard, there is no limit to what they can achieve. Watch a video about this program here.
 
Jonathan, pictured above, is currently a student at an alternative high school here in Newark; a junior who struggled to keep up at a traditional school, he’s now in a program geared to offer instruction at a pace suited for him, a self-described visual, hands-on learner. As part of his educational program, he spends eight hours a week in our studios in our FLAME program.
 
GlassRoots knows that investment in real work experience for vulnerable youth can improve their understanding of the value of education, increase their self-esteem and ambition, while increasing prospects for future employment, whether they are heading to higher education following secondary school or not. 
 
The innovation of teaching entrepreneurship entirely through the practical application of hands-on creative work with glass epitomizes GlassRoots’ theory of change. In FLAME, as with all of our programs, we use the uniquely engaging medium of molten glass to replace students’ risky behaviors with focus and
teamwork and to replace their disengagement with critical thinking, problem solving, communication, self-determination, and leadership.
 
Our setting is entirely unlike any learning environment these students have encountered previously: it is raw and industrial, it has open fire and sharp tools, and it demands their maturity and respect. And it’s where they earn ours.
 
Jonathan recently designed and created the prototype for a commission, which was approved by our customer. The 'E' in FLAME stands for entrepreneurship, and, for our students, working with GlassRoots models a business using glass art to generate earned income. Originally our client wanted only 5 awards, but after seeing the prototype, and realizing it was made by a student, they ordered 27 awards! Jonathan’s success was our success.
 
While Jonathon felt good knowing he helped GlassRoots bring in earned income, he continues to create his own work at our studio. He’s most proud of his night lights – learning new technique and understanding how to create art and products.
 
Our students work hard. In assessing their skills post-program, students reported the highest gain in skills in three areas: goal setting, financial management and marketing & selling. They also reported significant increases in decision making, planning & research and communication skills, both oral and written. 
 
Our FLAME program is intensive, it is personal, it is impactful. It is also expensive. None of our students could participate if they had to pay the full $4500 fee.
 
This is why we ask for your support!
 
We are creating significant outcomes for these students. This investment in their futures will pay dividends; not only does it save society from having to pay for negative consequences of disengagement – it tells these young people we believe in them and in their futures.
 
Tell Jonathan you believe in him and our programs with
your contribution today!
 
Jonathan says that he can now channel his energy differently. “Ideas flow into work that I’m making. I’m calmer, and I can plan for my future.” He talked about making a mosaic – taking broken glass, exerting hard work and effort, putting the pieces together – creating something new.
 
Creating something new. It happens every day here at GlassRoots.
 
Your gift will directly fund meaningful programs like FLAME this year.
Please make your gift today.
 
 
With our great thanks,

 Barbara Heisler, CEO

 
Donate Today 

 
P.S. Learn more about awards and commissions, like the one Jonathan designed here.