Teachers' Certification

The National Academy of Needlearts Teachers' Certification Program addresses all aspects of embroidery instruction including the development of teaching and presentation skills, study in design and color, and the written work necessary for the successful teaching of needle arts. NAN's program is suited to either the novice or the experienced teacher of the needlearts who wishes to develop and refine her/his instructional skills.

Full certification requires three years of intensive study including attendance at the annual Teachers’ Certification Workshop. During that time the candidate designs and develops several classes in her/his chosen medium, and compiles a viable portfolio of her/his own original teaching pieces. Book critiques, color and design notebooks, and oral teaching presentations complete the certification process. In addition, the candidate also participates in several hands-on teaching experiences. The oral presentation and the display of the candidate's embroidered work are among the highlights of the Certification Workshop, held in conjunction with the NAN Assembly for Embroiderers.

Teachers' Associate Certification

The National Academy of Needlearts has recently expanded its Teachers’ Certification program to include a second type of certification for teachers – Teacher Associate Certification. This certification program maintains the same standards of excellence and a similar breadth of curriculum, but it does not require original designs. Instead, Teacher Associate Certification is for the embroiderer who wishes to teach or improve teaching skills when teaching others’ designs (charted designs, painted canvases, etc.).

This two-year program encompasses teaching the skills and concepts included in classes created for basic and intermediate level students along with the suitable selection of “teachable” designs and the development of supplemental materials that enhance and support the learning experience.

For additional information about the Teachers' Certification Program or about attending the Teachers' Certification Workshop, please contact the Director.

Click here to view a list of NAN Certified Teachers..

Death Valley in Bloom, an intermediate class (Level I)
designed  by Lois Kershner

Autumn Sunflower, a beginner class (Teacher Preparation
Level) designed by Dawn Donnelly

Golden Ginkgo Kimono, an advanced class (Level II)
designed by Toni Gerdes

Walking the Water's Edge, a beginning intermediate class
       (Teacher Preparation Level) designed by Diane Herrmann

The Embroiderer's Notebook, an advanced intermediate class
(Level II) designed by Marcia Gomola

Bend and Fold Pins, an intermediate-advanced class (Level II)
designed by Linda Lee Mucha

Wine, Wine, Fruit of the Vine, an advanced class (Level II)
designed by Jennifer Riefenberg