From an auditor’s perspective

Ever since my own accreditation in 2001 I have wanted to audit a teachers’ training. But it always seemed that when there was one close by I was committed elsewhere and when I was free the training was too far away. So I knew that when there was one in Minnesota I was going! The fact that two of my own students were teacher candidates made it even more important for me to be there. It is hard for me to find the words to express what the week meant to me.

I knew that I wanted an opportunity to learn and to improve my own practice by refining my movements. I learned so much. I finally feel more comfortable with Working the Pulley and I think my timing is now better on Daughter in the Valley so that my hands and weight shift are finally in sync. I have a new appreciation for my knees and what they do in all the movements as well as a sense of flowing in my arms as my elbows and wrists soften and bend. I still have to integrate everything into my daily practice, but things feel softer, at least for now.

I also wanted to become a better teacher by learning how to identify problems and finding ways to help the students make the necessary changes. By watching the candidates and listening to Sandy I was able to see things I had not seen before. A small change in stance, a slight lowering of the arms, a little more bend in the knees can all have a big impact on the overall movement. I learned how to identify problems with timing, synchronicity, alignment, stance, weight shift and so much more. And I found new ways to suggest changes to the candidates that I can use with my own students. The next time I send students for accreditation they will be even better prepared than these two students were!

I remembered all the help auditors gave me at my own accreditation, and so I wanted to help whenever I was asked. And asked I was! From Sandy asking me to lead the opening practice on the first morning (Gulp!), to candidates asking me to help them in the evenings, to giving advice on presentations, I worked every day I was there. The candidates told me how much I gave them – but I have to say that I received more than I gave. I received the gift of their sincerity, the sharing of stories and of tears. I received hugs and smiles and honest answers to difficult questions. I had the privilege of watching them change as their practice deepened and softened. But most of all I received the gift of trust – from the candidates and from the other teachers; a validation that I do have something to share that is of value. And that means the world to me as a teacher who often struggles with my own practice.

So I encourage all teachers to audit teacher training. Put yourself out there even if it’s not comfortable for you. (It wasn’t for me.) Dare to make a mistake in front of everyone. (I did.) The worst that can happen is that you will learn something. The best that can happen is that you will discover that you know more than you think you do!