Teacher Training Course

The Teacher Training Course  at the Alexander Technique Centre Berlin is internationally recognised, designed to meet the standards set by the ATVD and the International Affiliated Societies of the Alexander Technique. Successful graduates receive a certificate of qualification, authorising the professional title ‘Teacher of the F.M. Alexander Technique’ and are eligible to become a certified member of any of the affiliated societies around the world.

The course comprises of 1600 hours of study over a period of 3, alternatively 3 ½ years. Entry to the class is possible at any time. Classes are held from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at: Arndtstrasse 21, 10965 Berlin, Germany. It uses a three-semester structure of around 29 weeks a year.

The Teacher Training Course is a unique opportunity for enriching one’s personal development while acquiring the vocational skills particular to the Alexander Technique Teacher.

At least 80% of the course is practical work. Students are encouraged to explore and apply the principles of the Alexander Technique in practical every day activities, and gradually acquire a deep understanding of the principles underlying the technique: inhibition and direction; the unity of mind and body; the diverse qualities of sensory appreciation and its role in understanding and interaction; the primary control of the human organism; conscious constructive guidance and control; coordination and communication; doing and non-doing.

Much of the time is devoted to a continuous heightening of one’s own sensory appreciation in hands-on work. Particular attention is given to developing and refining the sensitivity, flexibility and intelligence of hands-on communication skills – a hallmark of the Alexander Technique teaching – and adapting verbal aptitudes, which support it.

A daily tea break for a little more than half an hour, gives us the opportunity to discuss issues arising during the practical work, or delving astutely into a theoretical understanding of the Technique. An hour and half per week is dedicated to studying the texts of Alexander’s 4 Books.

Students learn to teach in all situations, in simple every-day settings – sitting, standing, walking and lying down etc, but also in specialised activities such as playing an instrument, singing, rehearsing for a role or simply cutting bread. The course also explores the various traditional procedures rooted in the Alexander Technique teaching:  ‘hands on the back of the chair’, ‘the whispered A’, ‘the position of mechanical advantage’, ‘the Lunge’, ‘using the wall’, etc.

A basic, practical understanding of anatomy, psychology, and pathology, enhancing the trainees’ understanding of the ‘use of the self’, is also part of the curriculum. Visiting teachers or members of the faculty with an expertise in these areas are invited to the program to give workshops and seminars.