ACAT, Teacher Certification Program

Teacher Certification Program

Founded in 1964, the American Center for the Alexander Technique (ACAT) was the first teacher certification program of its kind established in the United States. Built upon the vision and dedication of Judith Leibowitz and Deborah Caplan, ACAT is a

	Being in the process with another person as they discover more effective ways of functioning in their lives is one of the exciting things about being a teacher of the technique.
	–	Sarnell Ogus Former ACAT Faculty Long Island, NY

progressive organization taking a leading role in the training of Alexander teachers.

The essence of the program is an enduring commitment to the work of Frederick Matthias Alexander. ACAT is proud to have trained more than a third of the country’s Alexander teaching population.

The Technique
The Alexander Technique is an educational process for improving use of the whole self. Alexander students learn to perceive and change habits that interfere with their natural design for movement and expression. Through a teacher’s verbal, visual and hands-on skills, the Alexander student receives the necessary experiences for facilitating change. Benefits of practicing the technique include improved coordination, poise and the alleviation of pain caused by postural stress.

The Profession
Teachers of the Alexander Technique participate in a stimulating process of physical, psychological and intellectual growth. The technique is taught primarily in private lessons. The one-to-one relationship maximizes individual attention and the hands-on experience.

Graduates of ACAT, in addition to establishing private teaching practices, have taught at such internationally respected institutions as The Juilliard School, The Mannes College of Music, The Aspen Music Festival, Sarah Lawrence College and New York University. Many also conduct a wide variety of group classes and workshops throughout the country and abroad.

The Training
ACAT’s Teacher Certification Program is at once a remarkable journey of self discovery and a systematic training in the principles of the Alexander Technique.

In the training process, students attain a high level of self-awareness and develop the subtle, sophisticated hands-on skills that are a hallmark of the technique. The curriculum is based on F. M. Alexander’s concept of the use of the self. Learning an efficient way of working and of using oneself is essential for communicating the technique to others.

Teaching skills are built gradually over three years. The emphasis is on learning by experience and the majority of classroom hours consist of practical hands-on work. A conceptual framework is provided through lectures, demonstrations, readings and discussions. Included are the writings of Alexander, related literature, Anatomy and Kinesiology. Additionally, an independent study program allows students to explore areas of particular interest.

Individual instruction is an important component of the training both within class time and as private lessons. The student/teacher ratio within a class is 5 to 1. During the third year students begin supervised teaching of volunteers from outside the program. The study of marketing, communications and professional ethics prepares students to develop a teaching practice.

The certification program is a three year, 1600 hour course. Classes are conducted on weekday mornings from September through June. Graduates receive certification from both ACAT and AmSAT, the American Society for the Alexander Technique.

The Faculty
ACAT is unique in having such a diverse faculty. Teachers offer a variety of approaches to the technique as well as bring backgrounds of experience in other professions, such as psychotherapy, physical therapy and the performing arts. Teachers work closely together to exchange ideas and to develop and refine the training program. ACAT faculty create a multifaceted, supportive and responsive environment that encourages students to develop an individual appreciation of the technique and to explore their own personal teaching style.

To Apply

The prerequisites are:

A minimum of 30 Alexander lessons, four of which must be with members of the admissions committee
21 years of age
A Bachelor’s Degree or at least three years of full time undergraduate study

The application process requires:

The completion of an application form
Copies of college transcripts
A letter of recommendation from a certified Alexander Teacher
An application fee of $25. ($50. for foreign students)

Application Deadlines
For September enrollment:    June 1
For January enrollment:   November 1
For April enrollment:   March 1

Foreign Students

Click here to find out how to contact ACAT

This school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

The ACAT Teacher Certification Program is approved by the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT) and is licensed by New York State Department of Education.

For an application and school catalog
or to arrange a visit, email CertificationProgram@acatnyc.org

ACAT is incorporated as a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization.
Photos: Reid Baker (close-ups) / Judith Barkow (classroom)