Students
who successfully complete a Teacher Education program at The Performance School
are characterized by:
1. qualities of patience, compassion, honesty
and respect in interaction with peers and students, as observed by their fellow
students and faculty.
2. an embodied understanding of the commonly
used Alexander Technique concepts and principles by consciously allowing a
positive change in their own psycho-physical coordination, i.e. allowing their
head to move in relation to their spine in a way that results in a quality of
increasing pliability throughout their body; moving which is characterized by a
natural sequencing of muscular response, allowing them to respond in a fluid
and continually adaptive way; an increasing alertness, awareness, fluidity and
poise; and a voice which is clear and resonant, free from habitual vocalized
pauses and gasps for air.
3. their confidence in discussing Alexander’s
ideas, their own understanding of the Technique and how Alexander’s ideas have
influenced their development as a person and a teacher. Forms in which students
may demonstrate their knowledge include:
a. preparing and presenting a talk on the Technique to a select group
(e.g. a psychology department, education department, community group, etc)
b. writing a paper discussing their understanding of the principles
and how they work
c. developing a wall chart or other visual aid outlining and
explaining the principles
d. other means of the student’s choice which will demonstrate this
knowledge.
4. an ability to teach the Alexander Technique
by clearly and simply communicating the concepts and principles of the
Technique by giving clear demonstrations and verbal explanations that are
appropriate to the pupil’s learning in the moment; by forming a clear teaching
intention, and carrying that intention through each teaching moment; by
providing opportunities for pupils to begin to examine their own beliefs and
thinking; and when using hands, by using their hands sensitively and
appropriately. Both verbal explanations and any use of hands will allow pupils
to effect a positive change in their psycho-physical coordination, most of the
time.
5. an ability to observe themselves while
teaching, and later articulate to an observer the choices they made with regard
to using their hands, verbal explanations and physical demonstrations.
6. an understanding of anatomy and physiology as
they relate to human movement and behavior; an ability to help pupils
understand how mistaken ideas about their structure interfere with their best
use; answer pupils’ basic questions about anatomy; and refer them to other
sources for more detailed answers.
7. an understanding of ethical issues, an
appreciation of safety issues, and a knowledge of when it is appropriate to
refer a pupil to another professional.
8.
an understanding of the business and marketing skills necessary to begin a
teaching practice. Students must have the skills necessary to set themselves up
in their own business. They must have the marketing skills to differentiate
themselves from other techniques and practitioners, particularly those that the
public perceives to be similar to the Alexander Technique. To demonstrate these
skills students must
a. be familiar with local and national tax requirements, and business
forms
b. be able to fill out the appropriate forms
c. write a position statement expressing who they are, what they do
and how they are different from other practitioners in their marketplace and
d. produce either
i. a brochure describing themselves and their work, or a flyer for a
workshop or class and
ii. a design for a business card or
iii. a web site.
Any
business and marketing information students develop should allow a person
unfamiliar with the Alexander Technique to get an initial understanding of the
basic concepts and principles of the Technique. (Student
who are already in business for themselves may waive a through b).
created with
Website Design Software .