The heart of the Sapientia Initiative, is our training course— the Riverside Initiative for the Alexander Technique (RIAT), founded and directed by Nanette Walsh. RIAT is dedicated to intensive personal study of the Technique in a group setting. It offers a high teacher student ratio (at least 1 to 5) and a path to teacher certification through the American Society for the Alexander Technique. Read More
Why Become A Teacher?
The quality of support you give others is directly related to the quality of support you give yourself. Becoming an Alexander teacher depends on this fundamental truism. Read More
Philosophy of Training
Riverside Initiative’s Teacher Certification Program is solidly grounded in the pedagogy of first generation teachers — Walter Carrington and Peggy Williams. We provide a clearly structured learning environment that includes room for creativity and experimentation. Read More
How To Apply
Applications for the Teacher Certification Program open every year on May 20th and are accepted on a rolling basis. RIAT operates on a trimester schedule from September through June, with a summer break. We typically accept students to train in the Fall and Winter Terms, but exceptions are occasionally made for the Spring Term. Read More
Curriculum
Training at the Riverside Initiative is a complete preparation for becoming a professional teacher. The cultivation of one’s personal use is paramount in training. In the first year, trainees are guided through simple step-by-step processes that developmentally builds confidence and ability in using their hands to teach others. More complex hands-on skills are introduced as the training progresses in the second year; by the third year trainees give lessons under faculty supervision. Supervised lessons and community outreach hours offer an opportunity to benefit from the wisdom of experienced faculty members, while encountering some of the practical challenges and problems in teaching. Read More