Local Learning:
The National Network for Folk Arts In Education

Connecting folklorists, artists, and educators since 1993

We are people-centered and process-driven

  • To be people-centered means that respect, connections, partnership, equity, and inclusion inform all our relationships and collaborations.
  • To be process-driven means that we work iteratively, with purposeful reciprocity and reflexivity built into our programs.

A resource for all

The Journal of Folklore and Education (ISSN 2573-2072) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published annually by Local Learning: The National Network for Folk Arts in Education. It includes research, case studies, lesson plans, and learning activities written by teachers and practitioners. Our intended audience includes educators and students at all levels and in all settings, folk culture specialists, and those working in community-based organizations.

We Are Folklore Educators. Invite Us To Work With You.

For more than two decades, Local Learning’s team of folklore and folklife educators have been helping teachers and artists to develop enriching curricula for students of all ages. Find out how we can help you bring folk arts to life!

For Teachers

Our teacher training institutes and
workshops are great opportunities for
school districts and state agencies
looking to bring a cultural lens to
classroom learning.

For Artists

Your cultural knowledge matters. Our
artist training will amplify your voice and center the skills you most want to
share with learners of all ages.

Live in New York?

Our New York workshops are our test
kitchens for mixing up great recipes for
engagement and culturally affirming
practices.

Featured Resources

Activities. Research. Case Studies. Interview Guides. Find this and more in our resources.

Learning Activities and Lesson Plans

Craft custom searches and access
teacher tested activities to use in your
learning space.

Research and Reading

Find classic folklife education texts and
cutting-edge research and case studies
in our library.

Teaching Inquiry

HOW to do an interview, WHY to use
interviews as a part of one’s
curriculum, and WHAT can be done
with completed interviews.

Network News

Fall News from Local Learning

Fall News from Local Learning

Dear Local Learning Community, Folk Arts and its role in educational settings has been a passion of mine for my entire career. When I was asked to join the board of Local Learning - and later to serve as its Secretary - I was thrilled to be able to work...

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World Music Residencies in NJ

Local Learning is working with the Perkins Center in 2025! The Perkins Center is currently accepting applications for its World Music in the Schools (WMIS) program, which will bring global music and dance residencies to middle and high schools during the Spring 2025...

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2024 AFS Education Session Pathways

2024 AFS Education Session Pathways

AFS 2024 EDUCATION-RELATED SESSIONS November 6-9, Albuquerque Convention Center WEDNESDAY Folklife Participatory Action Research with the Southwest Folklife Alliance November 6th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM MST   Ballroom Facilitated by Selina Morales, Nelda Ruiz, Laura Rios...

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Local Learning: Bringing a cultural lens to complex subjects since 1993