By Diane Herrman and Celeste Chalasani, Director and Assistant Director, NAN Teachers’ Certification Program

This article first appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of NANthology, the NAN newsletter.

Whether someone is an experienced embroiderer or a novice with a desire to teach, this video is designed to enhance teaching skills and build confidence.

Do you remember being asked to teach a project for your chapter for the first time? Or maybe you even volunteered to lead a project? It’s exciting to be able to work with your chapter members to learn a new technique. Were you confident? Or did you have the feeling “I don’t know what I’m doing?” Were you overwhelmed with planning? Were you happy with the way things worked out, or do you wish you had a “do-over?”

It is no secret that teaching is hard and requires an investment of your time so that things go smoothly when you present the lesson. Knowing how to plan can ensure that you and your students are engaged and productive during the teaching session.

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) has recorded an insightful video aimed at stitchers who wish to share their passion and skills with fellow guild members. This video is a comprehensive guide for stitchers aspiring to teach embroidery within their guilds. By offering practical advice on class structure, communication, creating a supportive environment, demonstrating techniques, and managing class dynamics, the video equips stitchers with the tools they need to become effective and inspiring instructors.

Many of our best needlearts teachers are retiring, and we see the need to develop new teachers who can continue teaching embroidery. Our focus in this video is helping someone teaching at the chapter or local level to develop skills and assurance in presenting small projects.  We want to encourage experienced stitchers to share their expertise, thereby enriching the collective knowledge of the group. But whether someone is an experienced embroiderer or a novice with a desire to teach, this video is designed to enhance teaching skills and build confidence.

Key Highlights of the Video

Structuring a Class:  The video emphasizes the importance of a well-structured class, guiding viewers on how to plan and organize their teaching sessions, ensuring that each class is engaging, informative, and manageable. From choosing an appropriate project to setting clear objectives and creating a detailed lesson plan, we cover all the essentials for a successful class structure.

Effective Communication Techniques:  Communication is key when it comes to teaching. We provide tips on how to communicate clearly and effectively with students. We include various teaching methods, such as demonstrations, hands-on practice, and verbal explanations, to accommodate different learning styles. We also add suggestions of how to include photos and videos.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment:  A supportive and positive learning environment encourages students to ask questions and seek help when needed. We offer strategies for creating such an environment, including fostering a sense of community, providing constructive feedback, and being patient and approachable.

Demonstrating Techniques:  One of the core aspects of teaching embroidery is demonstrating techniques. We explain how to break down complex stitches into easy-to-follow steps, making it easier for students to grasp and replicate the techniques. We also highlight the use of visual aids and step-by-step guides to enhance understanding.

Managing Class Dynamics:  Handling a group of students with varying skill levels can be challenging. The video provides advice on managing class dynamics, such as pairing advanced students with beginners for peer learning and offering individual attention to those who need extra help.

In addition to its “how-to” advice, the video promotes personal growth for both instructors and students. Teaching can enhance the instructor’s understanding and mastery of embroidery, while students benefit from diverse perspectives and approaches to the craft. We hope that this initiative will not only strengthen individual skills but will also foster a vibrant, collaborative community of embroidery enthusiasts.

We know that good teaching at the local level will insure a positive experience for the teacher as well as the attendees. Moreover, a teacher who has a successful experience is more likely to continue to teach at a regional or national level. And an attendee who has a positive experience at a local level is more likely to return or even join or renew chapter membership.

To access the video, visit the Resources section of the NAN website. If you have questions about the video, or would like more information about NAN’s Teachers’ Certification program, please send an email to teachers@needleart.org. We welcome your comments and questions!