The ability to convey kinesthetic experience with the hands is the special craft on which teaching the Alexander Technique is based, and is at the core of the teacher training course. Learning to use the hands in teaching requires detailed, disciplined work by the student and close supervision by the teacher. For this reason, systematic work on this aspect of the Technique takes precedence over other aspects of learning to teach, and extends over the duration of the training course. First year In the first year of the training course, hands-on work is closely supervised by the teacher in structured activities that progress sequentially from making a very simple contact with the hands on a flat surface, to placing hands on a pupil and performing basic procedures. In the second year, the student applies the basic principles of the first year to active teaching procedures such as moving a pupil's head or raising a leg.
Supervised teaching is an essential component of training for third-year students.
Under the supervision of the director, students are given an opportunity each week to work with a practice student. Hands-on work in the third year is also supplemented with teaching seminars specifically designed to address ethics and professional conduct, starting and running a private teaching practice, developing a teaching practice, and giving a first lesson. During this term, graduates will be invited to come to class as unpaid teaching assistants in order to develop a professional identity and to gain confidence in their teaching skills.