Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training School
Suite 4 / 188 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, Australia 2060
Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training SchoolSuite 4 / 188 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, Australia 2060 |
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Teacher Training:- Brief Course Outline
F.M. Alexander Teacher Training in its Authentic Form
The Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training School is committed to preserving Alexander's teaching in its authentic form i.e., * "it is not submerged in and confused with other methods but is derived from Alexander's clearly reasoned-out principles - which all teachers and trainees must do their utmost to safeguard." In this way trainees are able to gain a deeper understanding of the principles, so that as the application work widens it can have the profound influence on confidence, health and well-being. * Outlined in the Editorial by Dr. Wilfred Barlow M.D., Patrick Macdonald, and Eric de Payer. The Alexander Journal, Number 2, Summer 1963, STAT - London.
Competency Based Traditional Training
The Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training School offers a standard of excellence in teacher training in that the 1600 hour training is consistent and continuous over three years. The class size is small which allows the Head of Training to give individual care and attention to each trainee on a daily basis. Trainees are instructed in the methodology and principles of the F.M. Alexander Technique as outlined in Alexander's four books.Specializing in Hands-On Skills In order to assist trainees to go through the changes that accompany the work, the atmosphere at the school is peaceful, mindful and supportive. The Head of Training and the main teaching assistant both recognise that each trainee, as an individual, will develop at his/her own pace therefore there are no time constraints or expected 'outcomes' in the first two years. Professional Requirements The training is conducted under the auspices of the professional body AUSTAT, The Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. The course is conducted in accordance with the regulations as specified in the AUSTAT Constitution. The regulations include the following:-
The course is conducted four mornings per week, Monday to Thursday, 9am-1pm. There are four terms per year each with a mid-term break. The school provides trainees with student Rail/Bus passes but does not offer Student Visas. The school has lectures and workshops from visiting psychologists, musicians and senior national and international Alexander teachers.
Before Acceptance Before applying to join the Alexander Technique teacher training course it is necessary to meet with the Director/Head of Training and the main teaching assistant and have a series of lessons with them. It is also advised that you visit the school during class hours. Alexander lessons and teacher training can differ from school to school and teacher to teacher, therefore it is important that you are fully aware of how the Alexander Technique is taught at the school. FIRST YEAR: Alexander's four books are studied throughout the three year course. Trainees receive extensive hands-on work from the Head of Training and her assistants in order to bridge theory with practice. Alexanders' core principles of inhibition, non-doing and direction-sending are introduced both during the hands-on work and in on-going discussion. The importance of learning how to apply the principles of self-work prior learning hands-on skills is emphasised. When a trainaee is able to self-work hands-on application work is introduced. It is recognised that each trainee develops at his/her own pace in time. SECOND YEAR: trainees continue to have daily hands-on work from the Head of Training and assistant teachers. Alexander's unique indirect teaching method (via the head, neck & back) is adhered to, and the terms used in his books clarified both in theory and practice. Trainees receive individual instruction in hands-on application work to balance the head, neck and back relationship of another, while they continue to self-work. They also learn how to teach and demonstrate inhibition, non-doing and to give clear, gentle direction to the primary control. (see Alexander quote CPD). This is a highly specialised skill unique to those Alexander teachers who stick to principle. Practical application advances to voice work, public speaking and having fun reciting Shakespeare Sonnets. THIRD YEAR: trainees continue to have daily hands-on work. They are also given extensive instruction and guidance in how to refine their own hands-on work. Refined hands-on skills are necessary in order to teach and demonstrate, inhibition, non-doing and direction. They are also necessary in order to know; what a free neck is, what a head balancing forward and up on the neck is, what lengthening and widening is, what deep natural breathing is and importantly, how to bring this about in a pupil. In preparation for graduation, communication skills are further assisted in order to clarify, simply the terms used by Alexander, so potential pupils are clear on what the Alexander Technique self-work principle is about. Trainees are given advise on; setting up a practice, writing letters to G.P or insurance company letters, how to conduct an initial consultation & lesson and how to present the AT to G.P's or other health professional in order to explain the benefits of lessons for their patients. Trainees have the opportunity to demonstrate a first lesson, give an introductory talk and group demonstration. Support, guidance and encouragement is given to each trainee. AUSTAT MODERATION As from 2010 the professional society AUSTAT, The Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique set up a trainee Moderation Program for all Alexander Teacher Training Schools accredited by AUSTAT. For further information contact AUSTAT (see www.austat.org.au) or the Director of Training. FOR A FULL COURSE PROSPECTUS including Timetable and fees Contact Us.
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