Alexander Technique teacher
Beauty and Wellbeing

How to become an alexander technique teacher

You can get into this job through:

• a college course

College

You'll usually need to complete a 3 to 4-year course which meets the standards of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC):

• a programme of training that meets, as a minimum, the Alexander Technique National Occupational Standards and the Alexander Technique Core Curriculum

Professional organisations who deliver training or register teachers with the CNHC are:

• The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
• Interactive Teaching Method (ITM)
• Professional Association of Alexander Teachers (PAAT)

Although there are no set entry requirements for these courses, it could help your application if you have the following:

• knowledge and understanding of the technique from individual lessons with a qualified practitioner
• an understanding of subjects like biology, anatomy and physiology
• previous experience or qualifications in counselling, health and social care, or a career related to medicine

College (Entry requirements)

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More info

Professional and industry bodies You'll find it useful to join the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council's voluntary register of Alexander Technique teachers to show that your training, experience and insurance have been checked.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• customer service skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work on your own
• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day to day

On a day-to-day basis, you'll work with clients with a range of issues, like:

• muscle tension, back, neck or shoulder pain
• posture or balance problems
• poor self-confidence
• breathing or voice problems, particularly for music and drama students
• flexibility and timing for people involved in different sports activities

Your tasks may include:

• explaining how the technique relates to a client's condition
• assessing posture and movements
• using your hands to encourage clients to let go of tension
• helping clients understand how to use their body more efficiently
• teaching clients how to use the technique in everyday life

Working environment

You could work at a health centre, in a therapy clinic or at a client's home.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

You could work with other practitioners of complementary medicine and set up a natural health clinic. Some parts of the country have NHS trusts which offer Alexander Technique lessons. With experience, you could promote your services to local GP surgeries, NHS organisations and hospitals.