Training Standards

ATAS is passionate about maintaining high training standards to ensure that future generations of teachers have the best possible training and that the Alexander Technique continues to flourish internationally. Teachers within member Societies develop the necessary skills and competencies to prepare them for their professional careers.

ATAS respects the cultural and pedagogical training variations that exist between member Societies. ATAS also understands that requirements can evolve and adapt as their outcomes prove to be effective. The high standards remain the same within the differences between Societies. Every Society follows the fundamental principles of the Alexander Technique and graduates competent teachers.

Member Societies have rules governing training schools, codes of professional conduct for trainees and teachers, and mechanisms in place for complaints to be processed fairly.

At the core of ATAS's training standards is the "hands–on" pedagogical work. The principles of the Technique are explored over three or more years of training, taking a minimum of 1600 hours to complete. Teachers may then qualify to become Certified Teachers within their Society. Member Societies utilize both quantitative and qualitative requirements in their teacher–training.

Quantitative Requirements

Total training hours
Hands–on training hours
Training weeks per year
Training days per week
Training hours per day
Years of experience required for training school directors and assistants
Student/teacher ratios that allow sufficient hands–on work between the director and assistant director and their students

Qualitative Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of the Alexander Technique literature, anatomy, and physiology
Assigned projects and discussions
Supervised internship programs
School visits from senior teachers assessing trainee progress
Assessment procedures for teachers wishing to join ATAS Societies who were not trained in ATAS schools
Continuing professional development standards