Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Ongoing learning for Alexander Technique teachers

The original and continuing purpose of MATTS is as much to be a supportive professional hub for teachers as a centre for the training of teachers. It is not uncommon for there to be as many teachers in the classes as students.

Qualified Alexander Technique teachers are always welcome to participate in the school as part of their continuing professional development.

MATTS offers a friendly and supportive environment in which teachers of all levels of experience can continue exploring and developing their work alongside other teachers and trainee teachers.

Many teachers come to MATTS regularly because they value the general atmosphere, the opportunity for ‘turns’ and regular work exchange, and the wider life of the school.

Practical work and professional exchange

Qualified teachers attending classes at MATTS are always free to:

exchange work with colleagues
receive individual turns from senior teachers
take part in supervised hands-on groups
attend talks, tutorials and workshops connected with professional practice
observe and discuss different approaches to teaching
participate in the wider practical and social life of the school

Because several members of the MATTS training team are usually present, visitors always have the option to receive turns or exchange work with a number of different teachers over the course of a session.

The atmosphere is focused but relaxed, with an emphasis on practical exploration, reflective discussion and the ongoing development of teaching skills.

The life of the school

Continuing professional development at MATTS is a part of the ordinary life of the school itself.

Teachers are welcome to attend on any school day. Thursdays and Fridays are often particularly lively days for CPD, with several senior teachers usually present.

Many teachers travel long distances to attend and the classes have become an important professional resource within the wider Alexander Technique community.

Visiting teachers and special events

In addition to our usual classes, MATTS frequently hosts visits from senior and internationally recognised Alexander Technique teachers from the UK and abroad, and these are free to teachers.

Recent visitors have included John Nicholls, Dorothea Magonet, Anne Battye, John Hunter and Bruce Fertman. Some visiting teachers lead the school for one or two days when they are with us, and John Nicholls leads the school for a full week every summer.

Attendance and practical arrangements

Teachers are welcome throughout the academic year and are free to come without notice, and to arrive and depart at the times of their own choosing.

Participation in classes is free to Alexander Technique teachers, although a small voluntary contribution towards overheads (perhaps around £5) is appreciated.

Newer teachers, or teachers who feel they would benefit from a little additional support or refresher work, are invited to contribute £25 per day, although arrangements remain flexible and informal.

Teachers wishing to undertake more sustained retraining or formal postgraduate study are welcome to attend as postgraduate students at the same rates as trainee teachers.

Tea, coffee and snacks are provided during the morning break and Thursdays often include home-made cake or bread. The tea break is an important social part of the day and many teachers value it as much as the formal practical work itself!

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