The Alexander Technique Teacher Training Program
The Alexander Technique Teacher Training Program is a 3 year, minimum 1600 hour intensive
training. It interweaves theory and
practice through an experiential and reflective process. Students learn hands-on skills,
observational and verbal tools of communication based on the theory and practice of F. M.
Alexander's principles. Students will then apply these principles as they learn to teach
others the Alexander Technique. The program runs three days a week and Sundays (Sundays - Wednesdays).
Objectives / Learning outcomes:
Students will be able to
- Identify their habits of movement through self observation and observation of other
students.
- Implement a process of experiential, individual work to build a firm foundation to
improve their movement skills.
- Demonstrate hands-on skills, observational and verbal tools of communication
based on the theory and practice of F. M. Alexander's principles.
- Apply the principles of a self- management process which gives students an
understanding of balance and dynamic posture control as they learn to teach
others the Alexander Technique.
The training course will focus on two basic themes:
- The practice of the Alexander Technique
- Its application in teaching
Basic Schedule
Year 1: Experiential and individual work that builds the foundation of one's own
functioning, the use of our hands in teaching and our interaction with others. Study of F.
M. Alexander 's books and related subjects, anatomy and physiology and work with invited
specialized experienced teachers. There will be a combination of individual and group work.
By the conclusion of the first year students will have a basic knowledge of the theoretical
foundations and practical applications of the Alexander Technique.
Year 2: A continuation of first year and in addition, working with other students
on more complex
skills and 'procedures' under guidance (such as guided and facilitated more complex moving
patterns). Students explore the application of the Alexander
Technique as a process of re-educating others, in a supervised setting.
Year 3: As in previous years but now working with fellow students with less guidance from
teachers, plus giving lessons with verbal guidance to own pupils under supervision.
Progress is assessed in an ongoing way involving internal and external assessors.
Students will learn to give and receive feedback from their classmates as well as
their own students.
Electives will be discussed and determined on an individual basis at the end of the
probationary time (the first three months) in first year.
Admission Requirements
Students will require private lessons with a certified Alexander teacher, two reference
letters (one must be from an Alexander Technique teacher), as well as lessons with the
teachers in The Vancouver School of the Alexander Technique.
The first three months of the Vancouver School of the Alexander Technique will serve
as probationary, and when the student continues in the training course the first term
is counted towards completion.
Program Costs:
$7500 per year for three years (plus electives and student membership in CANSTAT), plus $150 non-refundable application fee
Certification:
Certification of the student is granted upon satisfactory completion of all course requirements.
The Vancouver School of the Alexander Technique is certified by the Canadian Society of
the Teachers of the Alexander Technique (CANSTAT) and meets the requirements as set out
and established by the Society. Once students graduate from the Vancouver School of the
Alexander Technique they can become members of CANSTAT and may then join any Alexander
Technique Society worldwide.
The School is registered by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA).
