The certification program is designed for anyone who is interested in becoming a punch needle rug hooking instructor. Punching experience is a must but no former teaching experience is required. The Oxford Rug Hooking School oversees the certification program, and the mandatory training component is offered independently by our Advanced Oxford Certified Instructors, in this case, by Una Walker. The training follows the set Oxford Curriculum which involves approximately 60 hours of class learning and covers all the topics necessary to give you the skills and confidence needed to be successful.

During the training program all students will learn potential problems, pitfalls, and “tricks of the trade,” both for punching, and for teaching the craft to others.  Where to teach, where to get supplies, how to write course descriptions, lesson plans, supply lists, contracts, and much more will all be covered.  Students will even have the opportunity to practice new teaching skills and will end the course with a personalized plan for starting on their teaching journey.

Many different technical skills will be taught including how to use all the Oxford Punch Needle sizes, shading, three-dimensional rug hooking, sculpting, and how to use novelty yarns and strips of fabric and more. Students will begin a special sampler in class that will illustrate these techniques and serve as an excellent teaching aid for when they start to teach their own classes.

Participants will also be required to design an original 2' x 3' rug ahead of time to be color planned in class (materials for this rug are supplied by the student themselves). Both the sampler and the 2' x 3' rug will be finished as homework, along with other assignments. 

All physical homework must be submitted for evaluation to Una, either by mail or personal delivery, and this is the responsibility of the student.

Those who successfully complete the course and all homework assignments will be made a Certified Oxford Instructor by the Oxford Company/Oxford Rug Hooking School. They will be provided with ongoing support by Una, as well as through the Oxford Company and the Dean of the Oxford Rug Hooking School, and will receive all the additional benefits that come with holding the distinguished title of Certified Oxford Instructor.

Please note that this is a demanding and intensive program where much is given but much is also required. Come ready to work hard, to have fun and to learn a lot!

Una Walker brings her own unique style, perspective and personal experience to her courses, but the courses will cover the same core materials as outlined in the Instructor Training Manual, involving approximately the same number of classroom hours, and having the same homework requirements.

Homework Deadline:  The Homework Deadline is 4 months from the last day of your course.

Included Materials:  You will receive a pre-class sampler kit, an in-class sampler kit, as well as the Teacher Training Manual from your instructor and these are included in your course fee. (There may be additional mailing fees for the Sampler Kits and Training Manual being sent to locations outside of North America). 

Additional Supplies: You will need to provide the monk's cloth and fibers for your 2' x 3' certification rug. The cost will vary depending on materials chosen, along with a few other supplies and tools, such as punch needles etc. A detailed supply list of items required for the course will be provided by your Advanced Instructor after acceptance into the program. 

The cost for the Oxford Instructor Certification Program is standardised at $1595 USD which is payable to your instructor once you are accepted into the program.  Additional taxes may apply.  There are two scholarships available each year to help offset the costs of taking the course. Follow this link for more info.

How To Apply:
After reading through all the information on this page, you will find an application form below. The review process should be completed within a week of submission. If you have not heard from us within that time, do not hesitate to drop us a note in case we did not receive your application as anticipated.