Teaching with the Wine School of Philadelphia & the National Wine School

Teaching with the Wine School of Philadelphia and the National Wine School means representing a serious educational institution with established standards, structured curriculum, and a long history of professional wine education.

Our instructors are not casual presenters or guest speakers. They are educators trained to teach clearly, responsibly, and in alignment with a defined program of study. For that reason, becoming an instructor is not a single-step certification, but a progressive professional pathway designed to support both instructors and students.

The Wine Instructor Program is designed for advanced students who have completed the Core Sommelier Certification. Instructor training builds on this shared baseline, allowing the focus to remain on teaching skill, classroom clarity, and professional development rather than introductory wine knowledge.

Teaching Is a Pathway, Not a Credential

We believe strong wine education depends on more than subject knowledge. It requires the ability to communicate clearly, manage a classroom, teach within a curriculum, and create an environment where students can learn with confidence.

For that reason, teaching with us follows a staged process:

Stage One: Wine Instructor Training

Instructor Training is the entry point for students interested in teaching wine. This program focuses on how to teach, not what to memorize.

Training emphasizes:

• Classroom structure and pacing
• Clear explanation of complex material
• Professional presence and communication
• Translating wine knowledge into teachable concepts

Completion of instructor training signals readiness to move forward in the development process. It does not automatically result in teaching assignments.

Stage Two: Evaluation & Classroom Readiness

After completing instructor training, instructors continue developing classroom readiness through ongoing engagement and observation.

Rather than treating evaluation as a standalone event, we integrate it into continued study and participation. Instructors refine their skills through:

• Advanced and Master-level coursework
• Observation, guest teaching, or co-teaching opportunities
• Ongoing feedback and mentorship

This approach ensures instructors are confident, prepared, and aligned before teaching independently, while maintaining a consistent experience for students.

Stage Three: Teaching Opportunities

Teaching assignments are offered based on:

• Demonstrated classroom readiness
• Subject expertise and course fit
• Program needs and scheduling

Not every instructor teaches every course, and not every course runs every term. This selectivity allows us to match instructors to classes where they are best positioned to succeed and grow.

What We Look for in Instructors

We seek instructors who:

• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Respect students and the learning environment
• Teach within a structured curriculum
• Represent the school with integrity and care

Teaching with us carries responsibility—not only to students, but to the broader educational standards the school represents.

For Those Who Have Already Completed Instructor Training

If you’ve already completed instructor training, the next step is continued engagement in advanced coursework.

Classroom readiness is assessed over time, and teaching opportunities are offered as programs run and needs arise. We remain in contact with trained instructors as opportunities develop and encourage continued study as part of professional growth.

Teaching as Ongoing Development

Teaching is not static. Instructors continue to learn, refine their approach, and deepen subject expertise over time.

As experience grows, instructors may take on broader responsibilities, including advanced courses, curriculum contributions, or mentorship of newer instructors. Teaching with us is intended to be a long-term professional relationship, not a one-time credential.

Interested in Teaching?

If you are interested in teaching wine in a structured, professional educational environment, instructor training is the first step in that process.

Teaching with us is a progressive pathway—train, demonstrate readiness, then teach—with clear standards and support at every stage.

If you have completed instructor training and are interested in teaching, let your Advanced or Master-level instructor know during the semester. This allows us to be aware of your interest as part of your continued development and coursework.