Brief STEPS:
Registration Phase
- Review Certification Process Video | PowerPoint (You can fast-forward and rewind as needed based on your knowledge about the program).
- Schedule a one-to-one informational session to ask questions about requirements and expectations anytime in the process (optional).
- Complete the Tai Chi Instructor Certification Application.
- Review and complete the Tai Chi Instructor Agreement for the NYS Falls Prevention Grant.
- Review Dr. Lam’s First Free Lesson. Get comfortable with all the Warmup movements.
- Email a recording of yourself leading the warmups (head to toe) to FallsFree@StonyBrookMedicine.edu This can be done in Zoom or any other method you chose to make a recording.
After Stage 1 and before Stage 2, you will also need to submit a recording of you demonstrating the full form to the Master Trainer. This pre-screening stage will ensure you are ready and able to submit your video to enter Stage 2.
Certification Stage
- Learn and Prepare for Certification:
Stage 1: Fundamentals of Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (TCAFP) Instructor Training is a self-paced virtual program containing essential material to train effective and safe instructors. All you have to do is to follow the sequence with Dr Lam’s video guides for every step. You will receive a link for the Self-paced Instructor Preparation Program (SIPP) online package that you can complete in your own time and at your own pace. The SIPP can take a person anywhere from 10-15 to 40-50 hours depending on your experience. After completing the SIPP, you will do a recording (on Zoom or an MP4) of your attempt at the TCAFP routine and forward it to the Master Trainer. This recording and the system-generated Certificate of Completion of SIPP are your “tickets” to the 1-day instructor training (Stage 2).
Stage 2: A 1-day live interactive instructor training workshop to be eligible to become a Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) Board Certified instructor on Zoom. The 1-day instructor workshop is personal. The Master Trainer will work with you to answer your questions about the program and tai chi routine, help you refine your tai chi movements, and help to ensure you can teach the program safely and effectively using the Stepwise Progressive Teaching Method. There will be discussions, practice sessions, sharing skill and knowledge, Question and Answer portions, and most importantly, personal attention. The Master Trainer will give you feedback on what you did well and how you can improve your tai chi and teaching skills, connect you to the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI), fellow instructors, Senior Trainers and offer continual support. Registrations will be limited to 10 people.
Stage 3: One-On-One Zoom with Master Trainer to demonstrate your teaching technique and skills - If you meet all the requirements, you will be invited to be certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute‘s Board. Pay Annual Board Fees to be recognized as Certified TCHI Instructor.
Program Implementation
- Schedule your first workshop and notify the ACL Grant Team. Our team is available to support you from planning to implementation.
- Enjoy offering programs that will improve participant’s health and reduce falls in your community.
- Report program attendance and surveys back to the ACL Grant Team
- Recertify every 2 years: Work with masters, senior trainers and other instructors to update your skill. Grant funds will cover recertification costs when available.
Recertifying as a Board-Certified Instructor
All Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructors must recertify every 2 years with a Master Trainer.
Brief STEPS:
- Review and sign the Tai Chi Instructor Agreement for Recertification
- Complete the Tai Chi Instructor Certification Application
- If not already done, please send previous workshop data to FallsFree@stonybrookmedicine.edu (workshops held within last 2 years)