Alexander Technique Training Aotearoa

ATTA’s Teacher training program involves a systematic training in the principles of the Alexander Technique. The curriculum is based on F. M. Alexander’s concept of the use of the self. As a fundamental basis to teaching, students attain a high level of self-awareness and develop the subtle, sophisticated hands-on skills that are a hallmark of the technique. Learning an efficient way of working and of using oneself is essential for communicating the technique to others.

Teaching skills are built gradually over three years. The emphasis is on learning by experience and the majority of classroom hours consist of practical hands-on work. This is provided through lectures, demonstrations, readings and discussions. Included is a study of the writings of Alexander, related literature, anatomy and physiology.

Individual instruction is an important component of the training both within class time and in private lessons. The student/teacher ratio within a hands-on class has a maximum of 5 to 1. During the third year students begin supervised teaching of volunteers from outside the programme. The study of marketing, communications and professional ethics prepares students to develop a teaching practice.

The certification programme is a three-year, 1600 hour course. Classes are conducted on weekday mornings from 9:00am to 12:30 daily. Graduates will receive certification from both ATTA and ATTSNZ (Alexander Technique Teachers' Society of New Zealand).

Course dates
The 2011 training starts 1 August and finishes 7 October; final term 25 October to 13 December. 2012 term dates are: 30 January to 5 April; 23 April to 29 June; 16 July to 28 October; 15 October-14 December.

Open day
There will be an open day for interested prospective trainees in June 2011. We will finalise the date later in the year.

Cost
The cost of training has yet to finalised but we aim to minimise the expense for students as much as possible. However, Alexander training is expensive because of the high ratio of teachers to trainees. We estimate the cost will be $(NZ) 11,500 per year.

Alexander Technique Society New Zealand (ATTSNZ)
ATTSNZ is the professional teachers’ society affiliated with the major teachers' societies worldwide and maintains internationally high standards of training and professional ethics. The ATTA training course is certified and monitored by ATTSNZ.