Alexander
Technique teacher training continues and intensifies the unique learning experience
that takes place in private lessons. The training is a fascinating process that
is often one of remarkable growth and improvement for the teacher-trainee.
Trainees
are provided with the ample, regular class time and individual attention necessary
for developing the skills and knowledge essential to teaching the Technique. The
course meets for several hours each day, four to five days a week for three and one-half
years. This comprehensive certification program fulfills the teacher-training standards established
by F. Matthias Alexander, the creator of the Alexander Technique.
Course
Instruction
The Alexander Technique teacher's own use
is intrinsic to his/her teaching skills. Therefore, the core of the training is
based on the learning process provided in private lessons.
Individual
turns
Every day of the training, each
trainee is given one or more individual turns from the instructor. "Turns"
are "mini" Alexander Technique lessons, short learning intensives for
the trainee to improve his/her own use. Included in individual turns are Alexander's
Procedures and table work.
Teaching
Skills Instruction
The learning that takes place during a daily turn is
the basis for developing teaching skills. Each day, what is learned during the
mini-lesson is expanded upon in teaching skills training. Trainees work with each
other in small groups of two to five people. The instructor provides individualized
instruction to each student as well as general instruction to the group.
Lectures,
Readings, Discussions and Group Activities
Included in lectures and/or
group activities are developmental movement, Alexander's Procedures, the Dart
Procedures, pertinent current and historical information in science and education,
voice study, and other related subjects. Readings include F.M. Alexander's writings,
writings by other Alexander Technique teachers, and related literature.
To
help further understanding of the Alexander Technique, the course also focuses
on the historical development of the Technique, from a method of voice and breathing
improvement to a technique of psycho-physical re-education.
Special
sessions on other topics pertinent to being a teacher of the Technique, such as
building a teaching practice, are also included in the training.
Throughout
the training, trainees develop a practical understanding of what F.M. Alexander
termed the "Use of the Self," how coordination functions as an integrated whole
of mind and body. Central to this understanding are learning and applying the
Principles of the Alexander Technique: the "Means-Whereby," including "Inhibition"
and "Direction," and "Primary."
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Training
Schedule
The training takes place over seven semesters. Semesters run from
January to May and late July or early August to November. Each semester is 15
weeks of instruction, with a one or two-week mid-semester break.
Days
and Hours
The training meets weekdays for several hours
each day. Contact the Center for specific schedule information, info@alexandercenter.com
Location
The
course is located in McLean, Virginia, within 15 minutes drive of Washington,
D.C. and suburban Maryland.
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Index
Certification
On
successful completion of the training, a trainee is certified by the Alexander
Technique Center of Washington. Trainees are also qualified to receive a teaching
certificate from the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT).
.
The Course
The
Alexander Technique Center of Washington's Teacher-Training Program has been approved
since 1994 by the American Society for the Alexander Technique. The Training Course
meets or exceeds international standards of training set by the Society of Teachers
of the Alexander Technique, Great Britain (STAT), the oldest (est. 1958) and largest
professional organization of Alexander Technique Teachers, and its affiliated
organizations in 14 countries.
The Alexander Technique Center of Washington has been certified to operate as an Institution of Higher Education by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The Teacher-Training Course is approved for Veterans Educational Benefits by the Office of Veterans Education, Virginia Department of Education.
Requirements
Adults
18 years old or over who have had at least 30 Alexander Technique lessons from
a qualified teacher may apply for training.
Course
Director
Marian Goldberg has been teaching the Alexander Technique since 1983 and is certified by both the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, UK, and the American Society for the Alexander Technique. Marian completed a full-time (daily), three-year teacher training and two years of advanced training with Joan and Alexander Murray at the Urbana Center for the Alexander Technique. She has also studied with teachers trained by F. Matthias Alexander. Marian has taught workshops and classes in the Technique for colleges and universities, and for a number of organizations, including the United States Marine Band, the Green Festival and the Why Me? Foundation. Marian maintains a private teaching practice. She has developed several websites, including "John Dewey and the Alexander Technique" and the "Alexander Technique for Musicians" and is the editor of Beginning from the Beginning: A Conversation with Joan and Alexander Murray. Marian has also been certified as a Feldenkrais® Practitioner and has trained in Cranio-Sacral Therapy.
Applying
for Training
Contact the Center to receive an application. An interview
and and up to three lessons with the Director may be required.
For
an application form or for more information, please contact
info@alexandercenter.com
The
Alexander Technique Center is accepting applications for the 2008 Summer-Fall
semester and the 2009 Winter semester. Contact the Center for schedule and fee information, info@alexandercenter.com.
Recommended reading on teacher training in the Alexander Technique: Taking Time. Available from AmSAT Books.
More
Teacher-Training Programs
The
Urbana Center for the Alexander Technique
aaAlexander Technique Urbana
St. Louis Center for the
Alexander Technique
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© 2002 Marian Goldberg
.
