Preparing Students for Teacher Accreditation

Preparing students to attend a Teacher Training course is one of the most important tasks we perform as accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructors. The degree of preparation candidates receive directly affects their ability to gain the most from the course while enjoying the accreditation process. Candidates who take the time to allow their personal practice to mature tend to struggle much less, and are able to sink into the essence of T’ai Chi Chih more easily. Here is a suggested approach to properly prepare candidates for their Teacher Training course.

Learning From an Accredited Teacher

During the first T’ai Chi Chih class explain to new students how important it is to learn from an accredited instructor. Firmly state that they may not show anyone how to do the movements they are learning because they are not accredited. Indicate that if students have friends or family members who are interested in learning the movements they may join the class next week. This is also a good way to boost course enrollment!

The Value of Personal Practice

Throughout the course remind students of the value of their personal practice. Discuss the cumulative effects of T’ai Chi Chih practice, and give some personal examples to illustrate how your practice has matured throughout the years. It is important to discuss the maturation process early rather than bringing it up when students approach you about becoming accredited.

Becoming an Accredited Teacher

In the final session of the beginning course describe other T’ai Chi Chih courses they may attend, and mention that some may be interested in becoming accredited instructors at some point in the future.

Explain that the accreditation process is not to be taken lightly, and will require diligent practice over an extended period of time. Remind students that only accredited instructors can teach T’ai Chi Chih, and that all students must be referred by their instructor before attending a Teacher Training course.

When students express interest in becoming accredited explain how the process works, and provide them with a schedule of upcoming Teacher Training courses from The Vital Force calendar. Review the ‘T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Candidate Preparation Guidelines’ and ‘T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Candidate Referral’ form* with them, and give an honest appraisal of the areas they will need to work on in their daily practice during the coming months. Emphasize that they must know how to move as well as have the proper attitude.

Refining TCC Movements

Candidates should also be encouraged to repeat the T’ai Chi Chih course, or attend a T’ai Chi Chih course offered by another accredited instructor in the area. Repeating a course allows students to refine their T’ai Chi Chih movements, provides the opportunity to observe how they are taught, and may involve leading some of the practice sessions in class.

Having candidates lead the movements gives them confidence, and allows the instructor to spend more time with the other students, during practice sessions. If necessary, make gentle corrections to candidates while they are leading the group, and emphasize to the class how important it is to have an open attitude of respect and sincerity when working to become accredited. This reaffirms the commitment of candidates while conveying the importance of the preparation process to newer students.

Teacher-Candidate Preparation

Some teachers get together and offer a Teacher Preparation course for candidates in the area. These courses can be very valuable in preparing candidates. They usually include an overview of the Teacher Training course, close review and refinement of the TCC movements, a brief explanation of the mandatory presentation, and some discussion of the philosophy of TCC.

Auditing Teacher Training

Finally, audit the Teacher Training course yourself to renew your own practice and assist wherever possible. Even doing the movements well in silence is a valuable contribution. Auditing teachers make candidates feel more comfortable, and contribute to the success of the entire accreditation process.

It is extremely important that all Teacher Training course attendees be properly prepared. Candidates who are well prepared, and have the proper attitude will gain the most from the experience. Teachers who prepare candidates thoroughly are best serving the needs of the student and the entire TCC community.

If you would like a copy of the ‘T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Candidate Preparation Guidelines’ and ‘T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Candidate Referral’ form please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

– Ed Altman,
San Rafael, CA 94903-2330.