Teaching A Class?

[bradley]

I am kicking around the idea of teaching a class at the local libary.  What I want to talk about is Stress and Stress Reduction.  But I am wondering if as just a massage therapist can I do that?I thought I would talk about what stress is. Have the students identify stress areas in their lives.How stress effects diffrent age groups.The second part of the class would beiffrent stress reduction techniquesMassageMeditation/VizualizationDeep BreathingThat portion of the class would be the longest because not only would I be talking about thier bennifits I would teach them a little self massage, a couple of vizualization tech, and some deep breathing "exercise".So what do you all think? Can I do all of this just being a massage therapist? Thanks!

 

[tigris]

Teaching A Class?

I've taught a couple of classes like that in the community setting without any problems. I agree with Ross just to make sure you stay away from the medical "stuff."

 

[Rosie<3]

Awesome! Thank you for the feed back then I am going to go ahead and work on putting it together and seeing if I can get out there and educate the community!  Yeah I will be staying away from anything that sounds like medical solutions and or diagnosis type things.  Im gonna stick with the general facts.  Im excited now! Morgan

 

[Unonimus Greg]

Teaching A Class?

I just finished my MTI (massage therapist instructor) course to be certified to teach. The key to teaching the general public and steering clear of infringing on the certified teachers is to make sure on your marketing material and any other type of advertisement that you put on there somewhere (even in small print toward the bottom) that you are not offering certification in massage. You can teach massage to anyone you want, and you can even charge for the classes. As long as everyone understands that if your state is regulated, they cannot legally work without going through a certified school, then you're clear to go.

 

[Zip Zipper]

Teaching A Class?

Sounds like a great idea! I'd go with it. One more piece of marketing you can add to your stock.***(diverting the subject)***Seforum.xxxg, congrats on the course. Where'd you learn it? CEU? Fill us in on it. I think it'd be a great thing to have.***...we now return the board to its normal subject...

 

[djcrisp22]

HandsonHealth,
Did you end up doing anything with your classes?

I have been thinking about offering three classes at the local college. I called a few years back and they were interested, just didn't pursue it further (lack of time).

Now I have started thinking about it again and wanted to know if anyone has experience teaching small classes to the general public.

I would like to teach:

Basic (feel good) class on back, neck and shoulder massage (done in a chair). I was also going to pass the idea by my reflexologist and see if she would want to teach a mini foot massage that class too.

Prenatal for couples - something for in-between professional massages.

Infant massage - basic class for parents and parents to be.

I plan to charge for the classes and would like to hand out small amounts of massage cream for them to take and use at home.

Any additional thoughts, experiences, pros, cons?

 

[Billy W]

I have been thinking about offering three classes at the local college. I called a few years back and they were interested, just didn't pursue it further (lack of time).

Any additional thoughts, experiences, pros, cons?

Hi Michelle...I have taught at a massage school, a technical school, and for myself. I really enjoyed it a lot...and feel it was one of the best (and most rewarding) experiences of my career and life. At the massage school, I was paid as an instructor and taught the classes they needed me to.

At the technical school, I was paid as an hourly part-time instructor, and taught both non-credit human and canine massage. They did the advertising, class registration and collection of fee, all mass copying of materials for the students (these were mine, not copyrighted material), and provided the classroom. I brought in my chair, table, music, and teaching material. Each night we met, we covered different areas. I had a materials list for them...they needed to bring in a lotion to work with, pillows, notepad, and wear clothing where we could get at some skin if so desired, etc. I also brought in a lot of samples for them to try. One person from this group, after taking the course, went on to attend and graduate from one of the finest massage schools in Florida. What a great feeling that was, to see and be a part of her journey from that little massage course to a professional massage career. The canine classes were held as day workshops, and we worked on the floor.

Holding my own classes for canine massage has turned out very similarly with respect to how it is run. With the exception that all the parts the tech school takes care of is my responsibilty. This includes any liability issues, as well.

From my perspective, I see many pros and no cons.

 

[Elsa84]

Thanks Robin! Your post is very helpful.

I used to teach for the school that I attended a few years back. I loved it and miss teaching a lot. Thought this would be a good way for me to get my fix!

More comments are welcome.

 

[Jennie]

Thanks Robin! Your post is very helpful.

You're welcome, Michelle! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask (although, you'll probably get many more helpful responses too because that is how it works here at massageplanet ). And, If you need or want any help let me know via im, pm, or email...since I've currently got lots of extra time t069 .