Sunday, March 15, 2009

Teaching....a challenging transition

I love talking to new teachers about that awkward moment when they had to get up in front of the class and actually lead a roomful of people through movement for the first time. Everyone has a different experience it seems, but one thing that holds true for all---it was an "out of body/mind" experience for at least some portion of teaching the class. We wonder if we cued the right things, called our right hand our left mistakenly, or even remembered to get in all the spinal mechanics during the class. In our program, we challenge each student to first get the work in their own bodies, (as Ron says, "into our bones"), memorize the material, and begin the transition of learning how to actually teach others this expansive body of work. Teaching is much more than just calling out "exercises" with a few helpful tips. We strive to go much further down that path. We have specific "teaching labs" in our program and a process in which we lead the student to become a teacher, but first, let's talk about what it means to teach. I would love to hear some short definitions of what it means to be a Fletcher Pilates teacher...anyone?

1 comment:

  1. To whom much is given, much is expected. I feel this way about being a Fletcher Pilates Teacher.
    I think this is why learning before and while you teach is so very important! It is always an ongoing mission to perfect,so you must continue learning even when you have "finished" a Teaching Program.
    The amount of information is endless and there are always new voices to be heard and to learn from.
    I thank you all.

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