Handicraft teacher training: Overview of schools and offers

The needlework teacher training (specialist training in needlework) lasts two years and is part-time. Afterwards, students work independently on their diploma thesis and take part in compulsory internships and work shadowing.

The continuing education, further training to become a needlework teacher aims to provide pedagogical and methodological-didactic training to become a specialist teacher in needlework lessons at Waldorf schools and Rudolf Steiner schools in order to support children in their general learning steps and to show them the way from play to work.

Participants in a needlework teacher training course are expected to have a good basic knowledge of textile techniques in addition to having completed vocational training or a school-leaving certificate. Dexterity, enjoyment of textile work and knowledge of textile cultural techniques are required. Enquire with the providers.

Training to become a handicraft teacher teaches both practical skills and pedagogical-theoretical knowledge. The aim is to pass on creative, craft and design skills in a school context. The focus and content may vary slightly depending on the training institution. Typical subject areas covered by needlework teacher training include

• Textile techniques: knitting, crochet, embroidery, hand sewing and machine sewing
• Design and drafting: designing and painting, drawing shapes, creating patterns, designing dolls and toys
• Materials science: properties and processing of wool, silk, linen and other natural materials
• Project work: making slippers, clothes or decorations, designing stage sets for school theaters
• Drawing basics: drawing animals, color theory, surface and spatial design
• Pedagogical basics: introduction to anthroposophical pedagogy, theory of the senses, theory of temperament and promotion of sensory perception and fine motor development
• Geometric and mathematical basics: Geometry in a craft and artistic context

These subjects help to develop a holistic understanding of design, material processing and the pedagogical task in the classroom. The content of the needlework teacher training course promotes both the professional and personal development of prospective teachers.

Important: Each school determines the focus and content of the needlework teacher training individually. It is therefore advisable to enquire about the specific curriculum directly with the desired training institution. Use our contact form to forward your question directly to the school of your choice - simply, quickly and without obligation.

The needlework teacher training can be completed as a weekly course or as a block course. In the case of a weekly course, you attend lessons once a week (4 lessons each) as well as a weekend. In addition, there are around 10 hours a week for self-study and homework. In the block course, there are 12 block courses of four days each, spread over approximately two years.

The total costs for the needlework teacher training or continuing education, further training amount to around CHF 10,400. These costs include the training costs, the registration fee, the materials, a dyeing course and the examination and diploma costs.

The Textiles and Art Association's needlework teacher training program lasts two years, plus one year of work shadowing and internships. The first two years can be completed as weekly training or block training, with weekly training consisting of four lessons per week and block training consisting of 12 blocks of four days each. This is supplemented by approximately six hours of self-study per week.

The total cost of continuing education, further training to become a needlework teacher, including tuition fees, registration fees, diploma and examination fees and the dyeing course, is approximately CHF 10,500. Please contact the training provider directly via the contact form for the exact training costs.

Training to become a needlework teacher covers a wide range of technical and pedagogical content. The focus can vary depending on the school and orientation. As a rule, the following subject areas, among others, are covered during training to become a needlework teacher:

• Knitting and crocheting: Promoting fine motor skills and developing manual dexterity
• Sewing: using the sewing machine, hand sewing and making patterns
• Embroidery and textile techniques: introduction to various design options with needle and thread
• Materials science: properties and processing of natural materials such as wool, linen and silk
• Designing and drawing: Creative forms of expression through form drawing, free painting and drawing animals and landscapes
• Anthroposophical pedagogy: Fundamentals for the development of children in arts and crafts lessons
• Sensory science: understanding the importance of sensory perception in the learning process
• Geometry and spatial theory: mathematical foundations for textile and design work
• Earth climate zones and footwear: combining geography, design and practical application

These subjects in the handicraft teacher training program not only serve to teach technical skills, but also promote creativity, perception and pedagogical understanding. The content combines craftsmanship, art and pedagogy to create a holistic education.

Please note: Each school determines its own exact learning content for the needlework teacher training course. To be sure which topics are taught at a particular institution, we recommend asking directly. Use our contact form to forward the question directly to the desired school - we will be happy to help.

The prerequisite for the needlework teacher training is a high school diploma or a vocational qualification. In addition, an interest in working with pupils, good manual skills, knowledge of textile cultural techniques and enjoyment of textile work are required. To be on the safe side, check with the providers.

After completing the needlework teacher training or continuing education, further training, graduates are authorized to teach the subject of needlework / textile design for grades 1 to 8 at Rudolf Steiner schools.

In the course of continuing education, further training to become a needlework teacher at the Textiles and Art Association, participants create work folders and portfolios which, together with a partial lesson presentation, form the conclusion of the lessons. In the third year of the course, the participants carry out school internships and work shadowing and write a diploma thesis, which consists of a practical part, a presentation and a written paper.