GEEX Educators Group

The GEEX Educators Group is a space for sharing resources, opportunities and teaching materials, and having discussions in the expanded field of glass education.

Glass educators gathered around a table for an in-person discussion

Who is this for?

This group is intended for both institutional and independent educators in collegiate glass programs, glass studios, museums, and other learning institutions. All educators are welcome: institutionally-affiliated professors, teaching assistants, working artists and craftspeople, visiting lecturers, independent instructors, and more.

GEEX Glossary: Educators

Upcoming Discussions

Getting Started as an Educator
A flameworker providing a demonstration at a large gathering

Thursday, October 23, 2025
6:00-7:30pm US-Central
Hosted by the GEEX Flame Affinity Group

Join us for a conversation on taking the first steps toward teaching flameworking and glassmaking—whether through workshops, classes, or demos.

We’ll cover how to prepare content, find opportunities, and build confidence. Topics include:

  • Lesson Planning Basics: How do you structure engaging and clear beginner lessons?
  • Finding Your First Teaching Opportunities: Where can new educators start sharing their skills?
  • Communicating Your Value: How do you present your teaching offerings professionally?
  • Building Confidence: What strategies help you feel ready to lead?
  • Low-Barrier Entry Points: How can guest teaching or co-teaching ease your start?
  • Troubleshooting Common Workshop Challenges: How do you adapt when things don’t go as planned?
  • Documenting Your Work: How do you create a portfolio or teaching resume?

We’ll share resources and encouragement for new educators ready to light their teaching spark. Bring your questions and ideas as you begin your journey. Not a flameworker? No problem! This meeting is open to anyone interested in glass teaching.

Sign up for the Flame Affinity Group to participate in this next meeting!

How do I participate?

1. Join the GEEX Educators Google Group and attend online discussions by emailing your interest to [email protected].

2. Share time-sensitive materials by emailing the GEEX Educators Google Group about:

  • Announcements
  • Events: Lectures, workshops, classes
  • Opportunities: Jobs, internships, assistantships, grants, residencies, fellowships, MFA programs, exhibition calls, etc.

3. For time-sensitive materials you would like to share publicly, consider additionally submitting them to the GEEX Community Calendar.

4. For articles, recorded content, and learning materials, please share resources through the Glass Resource Exchange. GEEX offers this structure for the extended utility and accessibility of shared materials in glass education. 

What topics have GEEX Educators discussed?

Glass Education in the Past, Present and Future

A whiteboard listing discussion topics regarding the past, present, and future of glass education

Friday, October 6, 2023

During the Glass Madison Educational Gathering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (10/6-10/7/2023), GEEX hosted an in-person gathering with educators representing schools attending Glass Madison, as well as GEEX Subscribers and Facilitators. 

This meeting provided an opportunity to take a pulse check of the field of Glass Education, from the past, present, and future.

View the Meeting Notes in the Glass Resource Exchange

Academic Glass Educator Burnout

Illustration of three emojis depicting burnout: A sad exasperated face, a melting face, and a fire

Monday, April 29, 2024

A survey followed by a community check-in on where academic glass programs are at four years post-COVID-pivot. 

Join the GEEX Educators Google Group to attend upcoming discussions.

Difficult Discussions and Academic Freedom in Glass Education

An open book with the right page full of redacted text in heavy black bars

Friday, February 7th, 2025

GEEX hosted a lunch-hour discussion on Difficult Discussions and Academic Freedom in Glass Education for the glass educator community, following an anonymized group survey.

Join the GEEX Educators Google Group to attend upcoming discussions.

Why was this group started?

In Spring 2020, Liesl Schubel (former Director of Education at UrbanGlass) began an email chain to connect and support glass educators pivoting to virtual teaching. In that thread, glass educators chose to share resources, opportunities, and general support. The GEEX Educators Google Group was created to encourage, formalize and structure ongoing intercollegiate communication.