Members Discussion: ATM only teacher training

For most of us, the idea of getting the Feldenkrais message out to more people is paramount.

Moshe Feldenkrais was, as we know, ahead of his time but there is now a plethora of offerings which mention the words awareness, movement, working with your nervous system, brain-based learning to name a few. And yet, we know the Feldenkrais Method is unique, with distinct teaching.

Keeping this in mind, at our last Annual General Meeting we discussed an idea which would add another string to our Feldenkrais bow, creating more opportunities to get our method out in the public arena, both now and for the future generations.

This idea is the creation of a training program for Feldenkrais Awareness Though Movement Teachers. (Moshe himself taught an ATM-only teacher training in Esalen).

Some of the benefits of such a program are:

• That some people only want or are able to teach Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and not do the hands-on work (Functional Integration).
• That the training would be take less time and cost to complete, making it more accessible for more people.
• That some people would want to add ATM teaching as an adjunct to their other training programs or professions and enhance their viability to teach movement to the public.

And ultimately,

• That more people will be reached with the benefits of the Feldenkrais method.

ATM Teachers only Training has been discussed by Guilds around the World for many years. The Feldenkrais Guild of North America has approved 2 pilot programs, which will graduate this year. In a similar way, National Council is proposing that we initiate a pilot program here in Australia.

At this stage the demand for an ATM Teacher Training in Australia is unknown but cannot be tested without the Membership category in our Guild.

National Council is therefore proposing the creation of two Membership categories for Graduates of a Feldenkrais ATM Teacher Training Program.

1. Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Teacher

2. Certified Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Teacher.

These teachers will be eligible to use the Awareness Through Movement trademark and if Certified, be able to add Certified to this.

While we have several young practitioners in our Guild, providing an option for younger people to consider training in Awareness Through Movement Teaching would be beneficial to the viability of the Guild going forward.

AusTAB will be responsible for the guidelines for such a training program and assess the applications received for it.

AusTAB would also ensure a pathway for the graduates of this new program to become Feldenkrais Practitioners should they wish.

The creation of the new memberships will be made within the By-laws of Guild and be done by the National Council.

At the last AGM there was much support for this idea. However, if you would like to discuss it further, you could come along to the Zoom meeting we will be holding on October 24th at 7pm (AEDT).

If you are unable to attend, you could:

1.. Send questions or comments in an email to National Council -  afg@feldenkrais.com.au

2.  Watch the recording of the Zoom session in the Members’ area of our website.

3. Ring for a chat using the number below.

Members are invited to respond to the proposal by Monday 6 Nov following which the National Council, as guided by you, will make a decision on the proposed change to the Guild’s by-laws.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Vonthien

AFG President

0418 192 136