Intermediate Teacher Training Program

Students will view the online lectures once during their program. Students have the option to attend them live in Boulder while enrolled in the program for no additional cost, but it will be in addition to viewing the lectures online once. If students are able to attend the live lectures after viewing them online, it will reinforce the information viewed online. If students attend the lectures live, these hours can be counted towards Observation and Miscellaneous.

Local and long distance students: Attending live lectures at TPC. Schedule for all Formal Lecture weekends:

Friday        Lecture           4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday    Lecture           Noon – 3:00 p.m.

Break              3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lecture           4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday      Lecture           9:00 a.m. – Noon

Break              Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Lecture           1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Trainees should be dressed in comfortable attire for the Formal Lecture Series. Some trainees will volunteer to be the “body” for exercises during the weekends. On certain days of the weekends, the Teacher Trainer will teach a Mat class. Typically trainees will be sitting on the floor or equipment and are encouraged to bring seating if so desired.

The Mentorship hours should not be considered as “check marks” for trainees to complete, but rather the hours are used to understand on a deep level how to teach different types of clients that will have individual needs. Trainees need to learn to evaluate how to best communicate with clients, at the same time keeping them moving during a lesson and creating a lesson plan. Part of learning how to teach is also learning how to work with different types of personalities. If a student completes the mentorship hours as “check marks” it will be difficult to pass the final exams. It is important to use this time and the requirements to understand the Pilates Method. All mentorship hours are reported daily/weekly in iTPC. Students must turn in an assignment in each Phase for the mentorship hours.

Observation begins immediately. Prior to observing students should read the Observation Guidelines (How to Observe) document. This is a great way to begin observations. Start with the basic information; for example: names of equipment, exercises, order, set up for exercises and safety. Students should begin by observing a mixture of privates, beginner classes, and one advanced class each week. Slowly progressing to more advanced classes as the student begins to find a focus for their observation. Observing beginner clients will help the trainee to understand how to begin practice teaching. (This may not be available to long distance students depending on their local studio.) Once a student becomes more comfortable with observing, refer to the Practice Teaching Critique 1 and 2 documents to further look for a deeper understanding of the Pilates exercises.

*The point of the observation is to learn in a “real life” situation how to teach clients. Students can use hours of attending live lectures towards observation but should keep in mind that students should observe throughout the trainee program. As we grow in our careers, there is always more to learn.

Local Trainees: Observation is included in the tuition of the teacher training program, all students can use The Pilates Center facility to observe clients. Students must ask permission from teachers in advance and out of ear shot of clients if they can observe. Students should arrive at TPC in advance to determine what hours and teachers they would like to observe. This is especially true with private lessons. Private lessons can only be observed by two trainees at a time. Classes can have up to four observers as long as there are not more observers than clients in the classes. More advanced classes may have more observers since it is likely these attendees are trainees, graduates, and/or teachers that are participating in these classes; please check with the teacher prior to observing. There is a computer screen located at the front desk that students can look at for the entire day to see what is available in the studio to observe. It is a good idea to ask the receptionist to show the student what will be happening the next day so that the student can plan ahead. Students should sit a good distance away and not interrupt the lesson when observing. Plan to ask questions at the end of the lesson. If the teacher is in a hurry, write your question down and leave it at the front desk or email the teacher your questions. Be sure to look for modifications, words the teacher uses to move the client on and off the equipment, safety. Please refer to the Observation Protocol when observing at TPC.

Long Distance Trainees: Will need to find a studio where they can observe TPC graduates teach clients. Students may have to pay additional fees to observe outside of TPC. The student should check with the local studio regarding Studio Protocol for observing clients. It is encouraged to film lessons that trainees take with any TPC graduate so that they can view it at a later date for observation. This has shown to be extremely valuable for long distance students’ progress with observation and practice teaching, as well as their own personal journey in the Pilates repertoire. Students are also enrolled on iTPC in the Observation Library where they can view privates and classes that have been taught at TPC. Students can observe DVD’s created by TPC and Pilates Anytime classes taught by Amy, Rachel, Kelli, and Debora (as long as classical repertoire and not a different lineage: Eve Gentry). It is encouraged to observe as many TPC graduates as possible, in other words if a student is working with a Host Advisor, they should still find another TPC graduate to observe. This will give the trainee more exposure to different styles of teaching, which is extremely important when learning how to teach. Master’s Program graduates who did not complete the teacher training program are observable; however, students should understand that the MP graduates did not learn how to teach from TPC so there will be differences in their teaching style. This will need to be taken into consideration when observing a MP graduate.

What is considered as Observation?

• Observing TPC graduates teach.
• Observing TPC staff teach on Pilates Anytime, must be classical repertoire.
• Watching TPC staff teach on TPC’s DVD’s and/or online classes and Observation Library.
• Filming a lesson taken with a TPC teacher, Licensed Teacher Trainer, Host Advisor, and graduate then viewing it later. This option is used for local and long distance students.

A balance of classes and privates will enhance your uniform development. Understand that the goal of each teacher is based in the foundation of “Return to Life”, although the language used for cues, images, and the modifications given for exercises may vary. When in doubt re-read “Return to Life” and see how the lessons enhance your own awareness related to the goals of Pilates or review the online lectures. Refer to the current class schedule. Take regular classes to experience this type of teaching with flow and take trainee classes to delve deeper in the teacher training questions. It is encouraged for students to film or vocal record private lessons. Students can vocally record classes as well. These are an additional cost to the student and not included in the program. Please also keep in mind that although we require 50 hours of lessons to complete the program you may want to, and we encourage you, to take more lessons budget permitting.

Local students: At TPC, there 8 – 10 teachers that have been working in a teacher training facility for at least 2 years, and teachers with 20 plus years’ experience. It is encouraged to take lessons (classes and privates) with different teachers to find a teacher that resonates with a student. TPC offers Movement Skills classes that are created for trainees to better learn skills needed to complete the exercises. These classes are a great way to collaborate with your fellow trainees and ask questions with the experience teachers at TPC.

Long distance students: Will need to find TPC graduates to work with that are local. It is best to take lessons from as many TPC graduates available in the student’s area, even if the student is working with a Host Advisor and/or Licensed Teacher Trainer. Students can take lessons with Master’s Program graduates who did not complete the teacher training program; however, students should understand that the MP graduates did not learn how to teach from TPC so there will be differences in their teaching style. This will need to be taken into consideration when taking lessons with a MP graduate.

What is considered a Lesson?

• Private lessons and/or classes from TPC graduates. It is encouraged to film your lessons.
• Movement Skills classes (Reformer, Mat, Chair, Pole/Tower) are considered Lessons.
• Skyping while a TPC teacher, Licensed Teacher Trainer, Host Advisor and/or graduate teaches the student.

* At TPC, trainees receive two free late cancels. Thereafter, the trainee is charged full-price for all classes or privates for that day that aren’t cancelled within 24 hours. Any class on Monday must be cancelled within 24 hours. There are two options to cancel for Monday: Call the front desk by Saturday or use Mind Body On-line to cancel within 24 hours.

Observed Teaching’s referred to as OT’s begin after the completion of the Second Advisor Meeting. The purpose of the OT’s are for the students to experience being critiqued by different teachers prior to Practice and Final Practicals. These appointments can be taken with any TPC teacher in Boulder. The student should challenge themselves by completing some or all of these with examiners/LTT’s. Students can come to these appointments with an agenda; i.e. teaching flow, bringing a client they have questions about (clients do not pay a fee when being a “body” for OT’s), teaching a certain level, etc. These appointments are meant to allow the student to begin to get over “stage fright” of teaching in front of different teachers, especially examiners/LTT’s.

These appointments can be catered to the student’s needs. Students should come to their OT appointments with a teaching skill they would like to work on during the meeting. OT’s are 55 minutes long and students will teach for 45 – 50 minutes and discuss the notes written by the teacher completing the OT for 5 – 10 minutes. The teacher completing the OT will write notes for the student but will not be using the Practice Teaching Critique 1. The teacher will be looking for the student seeing more, multitasking, using imagery, speaking to issues with more accuracy and/or be capable of doing deeper work at tempo. The trainee will be required to turn in an assignment after completing each OT.

Local students: can work with any TPC teacher on staff.

Long distance students: working with a HA, will complete their first and second OT with their HA then complete their final OT at The Pilates Center or completing them with a local LTT. Only 2 of the 3 OT’s can be done with a HA. A student can complete all 3 OT’s with a local LTT. The last OT is completed in Boulder prior to the final exams, unless completed with a local LTT. Long distance students can complete all 3 OT’s with TPC by either Skyping or sending videos for the first 2 appointments. However, it is suggested to use a local HA or multiple HA’s if there are multiple HA’s in the students area.

What is considered Observed Teaching?

• Observed teaching is in addition to teaching in Advisor meetings.
• Observed teaching can be with any TPC teacher.
• Long distance students can complete all OT’s with a Licensed Teacher Trainer.
• Long distance students can complete two OT’s with a Host Advisor.
• Observed Teaching can be done over Skype.

*(It is encouraged to film all OT’s, this can be used as observation)

The Pilates Center Intermediate Teacher Training Program examination process ensures that each Trainee graduates with the extensive knowledge necessary to be an exemplary Pilates teacher. There are two objective exams, three final exams – two practical teaching exams and one performance exams.  During all performance and practical exams the examiners will ask why you are making specific choices and discuss (with you) what you are thinking.

All written exams are taken on iTPC.

All exams are pass/fail with the passing mark at 85%.  Any failed exam must be repeated, and the Trainee is responsible for paying a separate fee to repeat the exam. Should a Trainee fail any exam a second time, a written warning will be issued and the Director of Education will discuss options with Amy/Rachel.

TPC’s primary mission in the Intermediate Teacher Training Program is to produce the finest Pilates teachers in the world. To that end, the exam process is both challenging and stimulating, and yet sometimes even confronting as well. Know that the examiners have high standards; but at the same time, they are also profoundly committed to making sure you have achieved proficiency, and beyond that, to helping you reach even higher goals through the testing experience.

Because the final exams are meant to be learning experiences too, each situation is unique and personal. Expect the examiners to talk quietly between themselves, take notes, and to make requests of and suggestions to you. They may even stop you if they feel the need to steer you in a different direction or understand your thinking better. This is meant to stimulate your teaching to higher levels.

We highly suggest that you:

• Take every opportunity to watch others’ exams.
• Consider being a ‘body’ for other trainees’ exams.
• Practice teach in front of the examiners and your teachers as much as possible prior to your final practical exams.
• Choose a volunteer client “body” who understands the rigorous agenda and is up to the challenges of this vulnerable and revealing experience. This body needs to be at least a Level III, working on the Level IV work.

Always remember that the examiners are trying to stimulate you to your deepest learning experience and to set you on the most powerful path to your future.

Written Exam 1                                                                          2 hours
A multiple choice exam that covers basic data supplied in the lectures and Return to Life such as: the history of Mr. Pilates and his studio, philosophy of Contrology, names of exercises, order and number of repetitions of any given level of Reformer or Mat exercises, etc. This exam is taken in Phase 4. Upon completion of the exam, students will find out the grade immediately.  To study for the exam refer to Intermediate Written Exam 1 Study Guide, Level Card Reformer I – III, and Exercises – Mat (all levels).

Written Exam 2                                                                         2 hours
A multiple choice exam that covers basic anatomy information covered in the lectures as well as The Anatomy Coloring Book, Taking Root to Fly, and The Anatomy of Movement such as: the names of major bones and muscles, the primary purpose of certain key muscles, major muscles used in a given Pilates exercise, etc. This exam is taken in Phase 6. Upon completion of the exam, students will find out the grade immediately. Refer to the Written Exam 2 Study Guide, Diagram 1, Diagram, 2, and Diagram 3 documents.

Intermediate Written Exam 3 (essay)                                   1 hour

This essay exam is purposefully worded to show what you know and how you think.  The questions range from history through theory and often combine multiple aspects of your training.  The exam must be typed and attached to iTPC, refer to Essay Writing document. A Licensed Teacher Trainer at TPC or local to the long distance trainee will grade this exam. Please allow up to two weeks to receive feedback. In addition, you submit your final Case Study summation at this time.  This exam is taken in Phase 10 in the 12 month schedule and will take up to 1 hour to complete. Refer to the Intermediate and Intermediate Plus Written Exam 3 Study Guide document.

Practice Performance (perform Level IV Mat)                     1 hour

This is an exam of the intermediate (Level IV) Pilates repertoire on the Mat.    The scheduling of this exam insures you additional time before your Final Performance exam to work on weak areas.  This exam is taken in Phase 10 with one Licensed Teacher Trainer.

Local students: complete this exam in person with a LTT. Students completing exams locally need to email Kelli Burkhalter Hutchins: kelli@thepilatescenter.com two months in advance to schedule exams to ensure availability in the schedule.

Long distance students: will have a choice to either send TPC a video, Skype the exam, complete the exam at TPC, or complete the exam with a local LTT. If the trainee chooses to film themselves completing a Level III performance on the Reformer. The footage will be sent to TPC through YouTube or Dropbox to the Director of Education, kelli@thepilatescenter.com. The footage will be viewed and feedback will be written. TPC will send the feedback to the HA and the HA will schedule an appointment with the student to go over the feedback. Please allow up to two weeks to receive feedback. If a long distance student is working with a local LTT, they can complete this exam in person with the local LTT and will receive feedback immediately. Any student can travel to TPC to complete this exam. LTT will use the Performance Critique 1 during this exam, students will need to complete an assignment in iTPC after receiving feedback. Refer to Intermediate Plus Practice Performance and Practical document for exercises.

*It is advised that students complete this at the end of Phase 9 so that the student has enough time to receive feedback and will not get stopped in iTPC.

Practice Practical (teach Level III Mat and Reformer)          2 hours
This exam is a two hour session in which you teach a volunteer client who is well versed in Pilates (an intermediate/advanced (Level III – IV) student or Trainee). This exam is scheduled at the beginning of Phase 8 before your anticipated graduation date to assure us that you are on the right track, that there are no “holes” in your understanding of skills (levels I-III) and to give you the chance to get over any stage fright.  This exam is taken in Phase 10.

Local students: complete this exam in person with one Licensed Teacher Trainer. Students should be prepared to teach both Reformer and Mat. Students completing exams locally need to email Kelli Burkhalter Hutchins: kelli@thepilatescenter.com two months in advance to schedule exams to ensure availability in the schedule.

Long distance students: will have a choice to either send TPC a video, Skype the exam, complete the exam at TPC, or complete the exam with a local LTT. If the trainee chooses to film themselves teaching a Level III Mat and Reformer, the footage will be sent to TPC with a DVD (attention Pace Wilson) or through YouTube to the Director of Education, kelli@thepilatescenter.com. The footage will be viewed and feedback will be written. TPC will send the feedback to the HA and the HA will schedule an appointment with the student to go over the feedback. Please allow up to two weeks to receive feedback. If a long distance student is working with a local LTT, they can complete this exam in person with the local LTT and will receive feedback immediately. LTT will use the Practice Critique 2 during this exam, students will need to complete an assignment in iTPC after receiving feedback.  Refer to Pract and Final Practical Int and Int Plus document for exercises.

*It is advised that students complete this at the beginning of Phase 10 so that the student has enough time to receive feedback and will not get stopped in iTPC.

Final Performance (perform Level IV Reformer)                                      2 hours
In this exam you will perform intermediate/advanced (Level IV) Pilates repertoire on the Reformer.  This exam is taken in Phase 12 with one Licensed Teacher Trainer.

Local and long distance students: complete this exam in person in Boulder at The Pilates Center.  This exam needs to be scheduled at least two months in advance to ensure availability in the schedule. If a long distance student is working with a local LTT, they can complete this exam in person with the local LTT and will receive feedback immediately; these students do not have to travel to TPC to complete their finals. However, it is highly suggested to visit TPC at least once during the training program. LTT will use the Performance Critique 2 during this exam, students will need to complete an assignment in iTPC after receiving feedback. Refer to Final Perf Int and Int Plus document for exercises.

Final Practical (teach Level III)                                                  2 hours
This teaching exam allows us to consolidate all previous exam information so we can guide you through any lingering questions.  The exam will be done on the Mat and Reformer teaching the intermediate work. It is a two hour exam similar to the Practice Practical and assures us that you know every exercise on every piece of Pilates equipment, are able to modify as necessary for your client, and can teach using all the skills outlined in the Critique and How to Observe forms. Choose a volunteer client who is well versed in Pilates (an intermediate to intermediate/advanced (Level III – IV) Trainee that can complete all Level III exercises).  This exam is taken in Phase 12 with one Licensed Teacher Trainer.

Local and long distance students: complete this exam in person in Boulder at The Pilates Center. If a long distance student is working with a local LTT, they can complete this exam in person with the local LTT and will receive feedback immediately; these students do not have to travel to TPC to complete their finals. However, it is highly suggested to visit TPC at least once during the training program.  LTT will use the Practical Critique 2 during this exam, students will need to complete an assignment in iTPC after receiving feedback. Refer to Pract and Final Practical Int and Int Plus document for exercises.

*If a student fails any exam, they will be responsible to pay to retake the exam to graduate. Upon completion of the Final Performance and Practical, students will complete a final assignments, Exit Interview and Graduation Form.

iTPC
All assignments in iTPC must be completed with a passing grade of 85%. If the assignments are not completed upon completion of final exams, the student will be expected to pay extensions until iTPC is completed. The student will receive their diploma once all assignments and requirements have been met.