Walking Waters Edge, a beginning intermediate class designed by Diane Herrmann

View a list of active NAN-certified Teachers here.

The National Academy of Needlearts Teachers’ Certification Program is a three year program addressing all aspects of embroidery instruction including the development of teaching and presentation skills, study in design and color, and development of supplemental materials that enhance and support the successful teaching of needleart. The program is suited to either the novice or the experienced teacher of the needlearts who wishes to develop, improve and/or refine her/his instructional skills.

The candidate may select one of two avenues:

• Original Design: Candidates design and develop classes in their chosen medium, and design a portfolio of original teaching pieces.
• Non-Original Design: The candidate, with permission, develops classes when teaching others’ designs, charted designs, painted canvases, etc.

Full certification includes attendance at the Teachers’ Certification Workshop held in conjunction each year with the NAN Assembly for Embroiderers. Book critiques, color and design notebooks, hands-on teaching presentations, and display of the candidate’s embroidered work at The Exemplary complete the certification process.

Golden Kimono, an advanced class designed by Toni Gerdes

Teachers’ Certification Master Level is for certified teachers who wish to expand their education by attending color and/or design and judging classes, and by designing an intermediate/advanced class and an expertise piece. In addition to writing a magazine article reflecting an interest in the needlearts field, candidates give a presentation on their expertise piece at the NAN Teachers’ Certification workshop.

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