Local Learning

Local Learning: The National Network for Folk Arts in Education is a National Service Organization that connects folklorists, tradition bearers, folk artists, and educators across the nation and advocates for the full inclusion of folklife and folk arts in education, because traditional culture and local knowledge can transform learning, build intercultural understanding, and create stronger communities.

We serve artists looking to gain skills in presentation and building learning activities, students who begin to see their cultural and community knowledge as valuable assets in their own education, and parents/families who find themselves welcomed into schools and learning spaces.

We provide professional development training and resources for K-12 educators, support folklorists and folk artists working in education, consult with state and community organizations, and present at conferences of many disciplines, including folklore, education, and social studies-focused gatherings.  

Our flagship publication is the Journal of Folklore and Education (JFE). As a digital publication, JFE provides a forum for interdisciplinary, multimedia approaches to community-based teaching, learning, and cultural stewardship. The JFE audience is educators and students at all levels and in all settings, folk culture specialists, and other interested readers.