Our story

80 years of empowering teachers and engaging students

Our roots

In rural Wisconsin in 1941, Norman Eckley was struggling to prepare his students for future jobs in agriculture. His struggle had nothing to do with his knowledge, experience, or teaching ability. He just couldn’t find the teaching tools he needed to support his lessons — so he decided to create his own.

Norman’s teaching aids brought learning to life in the classroom and offered his students real-world experiences. Working from his garage, he went on to found Nasco Education and share them with teachers everywhere through his mail-order catalogs. Suddenly, those impossible-to-find resources were all in one place at teachers’ fingertips.

This single-minded mission — to empower teachers with hands-on solutions that prepare, engage, and inspire students — is the foundation on which Nasco Education was built.

Nasco's founder, Norman Eckley

Who we are today

Today, we’ve expanded our offerings to many subjects, and teachers turn to Nasco Education for engaging, hands-on materials, curriculum, and professional development for kindergarten to 12th grade.

And when a solution doesn’t exist, we create it. Our experts work hand-in-hand with teachers to develop innovative solutions for the classroom. Helping you set students up for success in school and beyond is what we do best.

Empowering teachers

It starts with making your job easier. Our carefully curated supplies, pre-assembled and custom educational kits, comprehensive curriculums, free lesson plans, and webinars are all designed to save you time and help you deliver lessons students will never forget.

Engaging students

Whether you’re looking for supplies to inspire young artists, math manipulatives for each student, or engaging lessons for science, culinary arts, or AFNR — it’s all here. You’ll even find ways to focus on diversity and help students practice social-emotional skills.

Need help deciding?

Call us at 1.800.558.9595 or email custserv@nascoeducation.com for expert advice and customer care.

Our contact info has changed! Click here to see the preferred way to reach us.

Free shipping for online orders over $199! Some exclusions apply.

Free shipping for online orders over $199! Some exclusions apply.

Customer Service 1.800.558.9595 • Copyright ©2023 Nasco