Teacher suggests further training for teachers before preparing students

Dear Ed,

As Noel asked, I have gone back over the article I sent you last spring. The old article really isn’t that relevant now because of the discussions that took place during and after [last year’s teachers’] conference.

One point I would like to repeat from that article is to suggest a course for teachers on Preparing Students for Teacher Training, a course that could be video taped, so a “home study” course would be available for purchase by those teachers who could not attend in person. This video would only be sold to teachers. Included with the video would be written instructions, a list of points for reference and a section with questions to be answered by the teacher. The teachers who completed this course, either in person or at home, would be part of the solution of sending well-prepared students to teacher training.

KG’s article, “Embrace or Abdicate?” in the October 2002 issue of the Vital Force touched on the idea of this type of course. The proposed course could be taught in a couple of different locations each year for those ready and able to take it. The video would ensure access to this advanced training for teachers who want it but are unable to attend the course. Eventually, teachers who take the course could become the ones to check the answers sent in by those who do the course at home—teachers helping teachers in training.

The proposed course would be a guide for teachers, the next step for us as we grow and are ready for deeper guidance.

When we complete the 40+ hours of the Teachers Training course, it may mean for most of us that we are now ready to find a deeper understanding of T’ai Chi Chih Joy Thru Movement, as our students take us to a new level. As we understand, grow and discover parts of the T’ai Chi Chih discipline that we did not know about before, we realize it is time to take a deeper look at how to be a teacher. We attend Teacher Training Courses, workshops and retreats, but find most of what is covered at those events is still more for the beginner. Not a great deal of depth can be provided there.

Then, someone finds us who loves TCC practice as much as we do, and we want to share our deepest understanding of the TCC discipline with that person. But wait; there is no help here. How can we guide someone else to a level of training that we have not had? Now is when we are ready to receive more guidance—we have shed our coats and know we are ready for more. Now we can be taught to teach those students who seek to become teachers.

Monique Beneteau, in her article “Canadian student weighs in with her view,” also in the October 2002 Vital Force, expresses this idea beautifully. Please reread her article, as there are many great points, especially the four stages.

So, perhaps some focus should be on the present teachers who wish more training. I realize some teachers and students are in very special places and have all this training at their doorstep. Many of us do not. I am one who does not, and I am one who would like more training. I am ready for it and I am not abdicating any part of my responsibility to my students by saying that.

Take off your coat, explore new concepts, and expand your awareness.

I invite comments from the community on this idea of a course for teacher advancement, to enhance our Journey of Discovery.

– Donna McElhose