Teacher Training

Skinner Releasing Technique is a registered trademark and can only be taught by certified teachers. To be considered for teacher training candidates must have substantial experience of SRT and be able to demonstrate an understanding and embodiment of the principles of the technique.

Teacher training is delivered by the Skinner Releasing Institute and is a rigorous and in-depth course of study. Once completed, this training allows graduates to join the worldwide faculty. There are currently teachers in Australia and New Zealand, Europe and the UK, as well as in the United States, Canada and South America.

Introductory Teacher Certification Programme for 2023–24

Joan Skinner developed her approach to movement education in the 1960s, later named Skinner Releasing Technique by her students. Since then, she and her most experienced faculty have trained teachers in both the adult and children’s programmes.

The Introductory Teacher Certification Programme (ITCP) is a two-year commitment of six weeks in the summers of 2023 and 2024. It is a rigorous and in-depth course of study. Once completed, this training allows graduates to join the worldwide faculty. There are currently teachers in the United States, Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Turkey, and the UK.

For the first time, the ITCP will take place in Scotland, at the Kinning Park Complex in Glasgow.

Programme Information

Training Overview

The training will occur in two six-week blocks of intensive full-time study – 10 July–18 August 2023 and 8 July–16 August 2024 – with study and practice assignments in the intervening period. The programme includes Introductory and Ongoing SRT classes, seminars, reading and writing assignments, supported teaching practice and individual feedback.

Schedule

ITCP participants must participate in the full-time programme, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday with a generous mid-day lunch break. Weekends will be free.

Workload

Study time outside of class is essential, especially in the second year of the programme when student teaching necessitates considerable preparation time. Prior to, and during, the first summer, there are assigned readings. In the months between the first year and the second, each ITCP participant does an in-depth analysis of the core Introductory classes and the progressions associated with them. This requires significant study time. Completed class plans will be due 16 January 2024, to be reviewed by faculty.

Faculty

Kirsty Alexander (UK), Gaby Agis (UK), Mary Clare McKenna (UK), Theresa Moriarty (US). Faculty may change slightly between the first and second years depending upon programming.

Project Manager – Misa Brzezicki

Dates

10 July–18 August 2023

8 July–16 August 2024

Location

Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall Street, Glasgow G41 1BA

Cost and Payment Schedule

The fee is £2500 each year.

On acceptance, the first year fee requires a £500 non-refundable deposit due by 16 January 2023 with the remaining £2000 to be paid by 10 April 2023.

A second £500 deposit is due by 15 January 2024, with the remaining fee due by 4 March 2024.

Prerequisites

Extensive experience in the Skinner Releasing Technique as well as clear development of one’s personal process is essential to enter the teacher-training programme. We are looking for the following in our candidates:

• Participation in the 15 Introductory classes at least twice.
• Completion of 12 ongoing-level Releasing classes at least once. (We are looking for experience well beyond the introductory level.)
• Prior teaching experience in any form.
• A background in music, or study in a music appreciation course that includes learning how to hear phrasing, dynamics, rhythm, character and mood in a wide range of music.
• A background in poetry, or an introductory course in poetry that includes learning about the function of imagery and the resonance of words.

The application process for the 2023–2024 ITCP is now open.

To apply for the SRI ITCP 2023–2024, please submit the following materials by Monday 5 December 2022 to srt.teachertraining2023@gmail.com

There is a £50 processing fee. Please contact us at the above address for bank details.

• A letter of recommendation from your primary SRT teacher.
• Your CV (resume).
• The answers in essay form to the following questions:
• Please describe your experience with the Skinner Releasing Technique, including your history as a student of SRT.
• Tell us how Releasing has enhanced, challenged or inspired you in your dancing and your life.
• Share your reasons for wishing to be a certified teacher of Skinner Releasing Technique. Please include personal as well as professional reasons.
• Describe your experience, if any, in the following areas: dance, improvisation, music, literature (specifically poetry), meditation and daily practice.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if there anything about your life situation, physical or emotional health, or history of injury that might affect your participation in the programme. Where appropriate the faculty can arrange a zoom call with you to discuss your concerns ahead of application.

Application Deadline:

5 December 2022

Application Notification Procedure:

All applicants who have submitted applications by the deadline will receive notification of the outcome of their application by 19 December 2022.

Applicants who are accepted on to the programme and wish to participate will need to provide a non-refundable £500 deposit upon acceptance by 16 January 2023. (This deposit is for the first year).

Please note: These qualifications are meant to be guidelines for acceptance into our programme. Should your qualifications fall outside of the aforementioned criteria, and you feel qualified as a candidate, please contact us. We may accept trainees with experience other than what is detailed here. All candidates will be reviewed and considered on an individual basis.

The faculty may request a zoom interview if they need further information.