Student requests help in finding a teacher to prepare her for TCC teacher training

I recently moved from [“City A”] where I was working with [an accredited teacher] to [“City B”]. There are four teachers listed . . . Do you have any suggestions as to which of these people might best help me to continue on my path to becoming certified? Thanks in advance.

– Anne O’Mara

Hi Anne,

Good question. Hard for us to know. One is a longtime and dedicated teacher. I audited at the accreditation of two others in 1997 — both moved well. I don’t know the last one.

Since 1997, I have seen the most experienced teacher at one (or maybe two teacher conferences). She may have attended another one or two events as well. One of the two whose training I audited did attend both teacher conferences and other TCC events very consistently for about three or four years following accreditation, and then stopped coming. Because I have seen that person move most recently, I would probably start there.

The teachers who attend community-wide TCC events on a regular basis (led by the originator of the form, the head of the community or either of the teacher trainers) tend to be the ones who make the more subtle breakthroughs in their personal practice, and reach a higher level of understanding. But, this is a generality, and is not true in every case. What is paramount is that there is an attitude of discovery when practicing the form, so that new insights can be seen. Being in the presence of one who moves more proficiently will tend to open up the awareness.

We do not have any up-to-date information on any of these folks. The three I knew the best were all sincere. And sincerity is also something you should be looking for.

You will have to make this decision for yourself. Perhaps you could meet with each of them to see how they move and who you feel will push you. In other words, you interview them. The standards have gone up since each of them was accredited, and it would be doing you no favor if they didn’t really push you to excel. However, even though you are interviewing them in the beginning to make your choice for a primary teacher to work with, after that, the process of determining your course of preparation should be turned over to the teacher you have chosen (and who is willing to work with you). There is no one way to prepare a student, and each teacher has his/her methods that work.

Do keep in mind that the only way you’ll go to a teacher accreditation course is if a teacher feels you are ready to go and is willing to refer you and this is not something that can be bought. It is not something that can be rushed to fit a certain timeline. It is not something that can be guaranteed if you take a teacher prep course. This is a science and also an art, and the teacher will “know” when it is the right time (and when it is not — although you may not see why). It is the teachers’ word and reputation when they sign the referral form. They will only do it if they feel sure you will pass the course.

After you work with the first teacher you choose, a second teacher has to be consulted and worked with to some degree [however much he/she feels is necessary] for a second signature of approval. That is new this year. Since you subscribe to The Vital Force, I’m sure you have read how the “deferral” process has been cancelled as of this calendar year. From now on, teacher candidates attend on a pass/fail basis — all the more reason to be sure of your preparation before you go.

I hope you have both of Justin Stone’s videotapes (the 1994 and the 2000 versions, which are entirely different tapes), the text by Justin and the audiotape “Justin Stone Speaks on T’ai Chi Chih.” In my opinion, all are essential in preparing for teacher accreditation. All can be ordered through any T’ai Chi Chih teacher or directly from Good Karma Publishing.

Best wishes on your journey!

– Noel Altman