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The Spirit of Learning®
 INTRODUCTION
The Spirit of Learning® embraces and integrates the cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of the educational process. The program provides a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for effective teaching – while exploring the dynamic relationship between philosophy and methodology in an embodied learning environment.
This is one of the only comprehensive teacher training programs designed for the touch therapy profession. Through an innovative curriculum, Carey unites the passionate, life-giving nature of the spirit with the art and craft of teaching.
A UNIQUE TRAINING EXPERIENCE
This 100-hour program is presented in a series of five 3-day training sessions over a period of ten months. Each session includes: presentations on educational philosophy, teaching methods, somatic movement practices, observation and assessment exercises, group discussions, opportunities for quiet reflection in nature, and conversation among colleagues.
In The Spirit of Learning® you will: develop a confident and embodied teaching presence that will result in more successful learning outcomes; be able to lead your students to access their inner and outer resources to achieve their professional goals; and create ongoing experiences that sustain and enrich you as a teacher.
The program is grounded in universal archetypes and themes that facilitate greater self-awareness, compassion and understanding of the diversity of others. The specific teaching methods and professional strategies you will develop include:
- Presentation skills
- Managing classroom dynamics
- Curriculum and lesson plan design
- Communication skills and team building
- Techniques for observation and assessment
- Delivering feedback and evaluations
- Addressing the needs of a diverse student population
- Learning styles and multiple intelligences
- Handling ethical challenges
- Creating an inspiring learning environment
A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS
This program has a broad range of application in educational, clinical and business settings that deal with touch therapies. Those who have taken The Spirit of Learning® have included massage school teachers, administrators, program directors and owners, spa managers and trainers -- as well as therapists who are exploring the realm of teaching for the first time. The program is designed to accomodate participants with a broad range of professional experience.
REGISTRATION
Admission to this program is by application only. You may download a program catalog and application form through the Request Page on this website, or call the BTI Office to receive it by mail.
Tuition for The Spirit of Learning® is $2150. A $25 fee is paid along with the submission of your application, and a $200 tuition deposit is required once you are accepted into the program. A short-term payment plan is available through BTI, and participants may also apply for a Career Training Loan with SLM Financial Corporation.
CERTIFICATION
Certification will be awarded by the Body Therapy Institute to those who attend all class sessions and complete all required work, both in and outside the classroom.
Next program begins September 19, 2008
Get an introduction to this model of teacher training in Carey's
one-day workshop offered on May 30:
Click title to view the description
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 FACULTY
Carey Smith is a master teacher trainer, creator of The Spirit of Learning®, and a Certified Somatic Coach. She is Co-director of the Body Therapy Institute and also serves as the school's Director of Education. She began her work in the education field in 1978 with the Montessori Method of Childhood Education, and has provided teacher training, team-building and inspirational programs for both public and private schools. She has also been a keynote speaker at several national massage therapy education conferences. Carey specializes in body-oriented learning, curriculum design and the creation of optimal educational environments.
Through her work with both teachers and students, she holds a vision of the inherent worth, dignity and originality of each person as they manifest their life’s purpose. Carey has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in romance literature and languages, as well as a teaching certificate from the American Montessori Society. She is a BTI graduate, is certified in DansKinetics from Kripalu Institute, and is currently pursuing certification as a Master Somatic Coach with Strozzi Institute.
She is a contributing author to the forthcoming book, Teaching Massage: Fundamental Principles in Adult Education for Massage Program Instructors. This is a joint publication of Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and ABMP, to be released in Summer 2008.
GRADUATES' PERSPECTIVES
Here are quotes from people who have graduated from this program:
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The Spirit of Learning helped me remember why i teach, and what it is that I have to share. I have remembered how much fun it is to be challenged by students, and to have the freedom for us to learn together in the classroom. Thank you for helping me to rediscover my creativity and my passion for teaching.
Sheila Cook, Director of Education & Lead instructor
Red Mountain Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
The Spirit of Learning was a very rich experience for me -- both professional and personally. One of the most worthwhile things I've done for myself in a long time, and a lot of fun. A very well-crafted program that was transformational on many levels, taught by extraordinarily skilled and dedicated teachers.
Nina McIntosh, author of The Educated Heart and Ethics Workshop Presenter
Asheville, North Carolina
The program has broadened the teaching experience for me, and helped me to see things in my students that I was missing before. I took The Spirit of Learning because of problems I was having in the classroom. It helped me solve those, but more, it opened my eyes to the possibilities of teaching as a true calling. If you take the craft of teaching seriously, this is a course you should take.
Eric Munn, Director and Lead Instructor
Berdan Institute, Totowa, New Jersey
As a result of the program, I am a different person... a much better teacher, a better listener, and more open to differences in people and their styles of learning. The Spirit of Learning did more to shape who I am in my professional roles than any other class since I graduated from massage school.
Daisy C. Millett, Educator, Therapist, Past Chair - NC Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy
Ocala, Florida
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