Shaping More than Clay: Ceramics Teacher Emily Bittner

Ceramics may have been invented in 29,000 BCE, but as far as CVHS is concerned, it really started two years ago when the new ceramics teacher Emily Bittner came.  

When you step into the ceramics class, aside from the unusual class layout, the first thing you may notice is the energy of the room. Students both immersed in their work and talking comfortably, with Bittner occasionally moving between them with a quiet kind of enthusiasm, it makes the space feel like both a studio and a sanctuary simultaneously. 

For her, ceramics is more than just an art form. It’s been a journey for her ever since she was young. “I actually took some ceramics classes when I was younger and was really excited about taking those classes,” Bittner recalled with a smile. “I became really involved, and when I got to high school, I already knew a couple of things going in. But more than that, I was just excited to learn.” Because of these experiences and help she received in high school, it changed something in her and she knew that this art form was shifting from a hobby to a calling.

You can see it in both her teaching style and mentality of ceramics that someone in her life really influenced her. That person was her high school teacher, Mrs. Young. She gave Bittner and her classmates freedom to experiment, encouraged creativity, and built confidence in her young artists. Later, in college, Bittner encountered another mentor who expanded her vision, and showed her the monumental scale and emotional impact ceramics can achieve.

For Bittner, working with clay isn’t just about creating art; it’s about finding peace. “Working with clay, to me, is a huge deep breath,” she explains. “In a world with so many moving parts, ceramics is the place where I can pause. Time stops. My worries stop. Clay forces you to be present, and it kind of sucks you in.” The meditative quality is something she hopes her students experience too, no matter their skill level. 

Her teaching style balances structure with freedom. She does this by ensuring students have the tools and guidance they need, while encouraging their unique artistic voices. “I want your art to be yours. Your voice matters,” she insists.

 She’s seen students arrive uncertain and hesitant, only to leave with newfound confidence and whether it’s a quiet “thank you” note from a shy student or actively watching a student discover their artistic voice for the first time, those moments fuel her passion.

Even after years of ceramics, Bittner continues to learn from her students. “They’ve taught me patience, humility, and that growth doesn’t always happen on my timeline,” she admits. “Every student and every moment is special. You never know your impact.”

To Bittner, teaching ceramics isn’t just about shaping clay. It’s shaping confidence, creativity, and her community, one project at a time.