ATI Code of Ethics

For the ATI Code of Ethics translated into German, French, Japanese, and Korean, click here.

All ATI Teaching Members agree to ATI’s Code of Ethics. General Members also agree to a modified Code of Ethics. The Ethics Advisory Committee offers regular workshops at ATI events questioning and exploring how ethics affects our everyday and business lives. This makes for healthy and interesting discussion while building awareness about issues that can affect us.

THE ATI CODE OF ETHICS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

This Code of Ethics sets forth ethical principles for Alexander Technique Teachers. The public has the right to expect that all ATI Teaching Members are properly evaluated and qualified to teach the F.M. Alexander Technique. ATI Members act in a constructive, non-sectarian, non- discriminatory manner with colleagues, associates, students, and the public. Alexander Technique Teachers respect the fundamental rights and dignity of all people.

1. THE TEACHER–STUDENT RELATIONSHIP

1.1        It is the responsibility of the Alexander Technique Teacher to maintain a professional attitude throughout the period of time during which the Alexander Technique Teacher/student are working together.

1.2        An Alexander Technique Teacher does not use their authority for personal gain, whether that gain be cultural, emotional, political or religious in nature. An Alexander Technique Teacher does not enter into a sexual relationship with a student.

1.3        Students retain the right of confidentiality, and no information regarding the pupil is released to a third party without the consent of the pupil.

1.4        While the use of the principles of the F.M. Alexander Technique may produce effects that are beneficial or therapeutic, an Alexander Technique Teacher informs all students that the F.M. Alexander Technique is an educational process, which improves the general level of functioning of the individual. In cases where professional medical assistance is indicated, Alexander Technique Teachers encourage their students to seek such help. At no time does an Alexander Technique Teacher make medical diagnoses or prescribe medical remedies. An Alexander Technique Teacher does not proffer claims that the F.M. Alexander Technique is a cure for any malady.

1.5        Any policy regarding payment, cancellation, lateness or proper attire is fully explained to the student prior to the commencement of lessons and put in writing.

1.6        F.M. Alexander Technique lessons do not require the student to disrobe. Special projects requiring special dress are to be explained and agreed upon beforehand by all participants.

1.7        Students have the right to register a complaint with the ATI Ethics Committee. Their Alexander Technique Teacher informs them of the process for doing so.

 2. THE TEACHER–TEACHER RELATIONSHIP

2.1        ATI Teaching Members interact with each other and all Alexander Technique Teachers with professional and collegial respect. Differences of professional opinion are addressed without personally attacking or devaluing another’s work.

2.2        ATI Teaching Members assist, support and encourage each other and all Alexander Technique Teachers in acquiring and maintaining the integrity, competency and highest standards of the profession.

2.3        ATI Teaching Members do not use their authority for personal gain over any colleague, whether that gain be cultural, emotional, financial, political or religious in nature.

2.4        Respecting the confidentiality of other ATI Teaching Members, ATI Teaching Members do not communicate to a third party any information that may be damaging to another Alexander Technique Teacher’s reputation. If a third party’s safety is at risk, ATI Teaching Members act upon their best judgement, taking into account the urgency of the situation and the laws of the country where the parties reside.

2.5        ATI Teaching Members who perceive a breach of The Code of Professional Conduct by a colleague speak directly to the colleague or Teacher before taking further action. If the ATI Member experiences difficulty approaching a colleague or Teacher directly, the Member may request an Advocate be appointed by the Ethics Advisory Committee Chair (for further clarification see Procedures for filing a complaint). If at all possible the Advocate speaks the language of the Member with a complaint.

2.6        ATI Teaching Members may seek support from the ATI Ethics Advisory Committee to resolve any ethical concern.

2.7        ATI Members (both Teaching and Trainee), receiving a complaint about a third party from a colleague or a Teacher, respectfully encourage and support the colleague in addressing the complaint directly to the third party or to the Ethics Advisory Committee.

2.8        Members who serve on the ATI Ethics Advisory Committee or who are Sponsoring Members may discuss information about ATI Teaching Members only within the jurisdiction of their committees, and the Board Members informed of decisions made within these committees are also bound by the same rule of confidentiality. If a Member of the Board or Committee is involved directly or indirectly with the issue that Member shall withdraw.

2.9        ATI Committee and Board Members inform their Committees and Board Members of possible conflicts of interest which might affect their functioning within the Committee or Board. The Committee or Board decides the extent to which that Member should be involved in the discussion or decision making in that particular matter before the Committee or Board. Conflicts of interest might be personal, professional, legal or financial in nature.

2.10    ATI Teaching Members maintain clearly defined boundaries in all dealings with each other. ATI strongly recommends that when entering into business relationships, Members clarify expectations in a written contract agreed upon by all parties, defining roles and spelling out clearly any financial arrangements.

3. TEACHER–PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

3.1        ATI Teaching Members continue to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the F.M. Alexander Technique and to improve their teaching skills. ATI Teaching Members participate regularly in professional interactions, workshops, research and publications.
3.2        ATI Teaching Members recognize the labor necessary to run ATI and contribute their time and expertise to ATI on committees or other positions of leadership when possible.
3.3        ATI Teaching Members accurately represent their professional qualifications and experience and describe the F.M. Alexander Technique without false or exaggerated claims. ATI Teaching Members represent the Alexander Technique as an educational process. Therefore, any communication with the public makes clear that beneficial effects from Alexander lessons are the result of that educational process.
3.4        Public advertisement of the F.M. Alexander Technique does not include any false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive statements or claims by ATI Teaching Members.
3.5        ATI Teaching Members maintain the integrity of the F. M. Alexander Technique. When other modalities are introduced within the context of a lesson or workshop, they are clearly identified as being distinct from the Alexander Technique.
3.6        In their teaching ATI Teaching Members acknowledge appropriately the work or ideas of others. ATI Teaching Members do not claim ownership of an idea that is not their own.
3.7        ATI Teaching Members understand and respect personal boundaries, and accept the responsibility to hold inviolate the well-being of self, students and associates within the Alexander Technique community and the community at large.
3.8        ATI Teaching Members establish respectful and cooperative professional relationships with other practitioners and other professions.
3.9        ATI Teaching Members maintain a high level of personal integrity, bearing in mind that their behavior and how they represent themselves within the community is a reflection on ATI.

Revised: November 23, 2017

THE ATI CODE OF ETHICS for General Members

Revised November 1999

  1. I will model and support the highest professional standards in all dealings with the public and colleagues.
  2. I will describe the Alexander Technique as a method of learning and strive to present the Technique accurately.
  3. I will respect Alexander Technique International, Inc. and honor it with my professional conduct.

This code applies to General Membership, the non-teaching members.