Researching Potential Teachers

[James123]

I've been put in contact with a teacher and I want to ensure they are, for want of a better word, pukka.

Is there some sort of accredited list of recommended teachers I can check them out on?

Thanks.

[Gareth]

Is there a website for them or anything?

[JonW]

I doubt that such a list exists.
If he/she has a website, there ought to be testimonials that will give you an idea how pukka they are.
Cheers,
Jon

[piedwagtail91]

i don't think theres a list.
theres no accreditation scheme.
the only thing you can possibly do is to see if they adhere to the " Good Practice Guidelines for Teaching Mindfulness (UK Network for Mindfulness Teachers)"

but that doesn't necessarily mean they're good teacher.
a good teacher has to have a good and consistent personal practice to be able to teach in an " embodied " sense/ way.
they should also be taking themselves off to silent retreats once or twice a year to deepen their practice.

[James123]

As always, thanks guys.

[piedwagtail91]

http://mindfulnessteachersuk.org.uk/pdf/teacher-guidelines.pdf

[piedwagtail91]

one possible way is , if you can contact the teacher, to ask how the practices are led.
if they're read from a script i would avoid the teacher as the practice will feel 'mechanical' it won't feel or be an embodied practice. drop out could possibly be quite high.
if the practice is from a cd or mp3 then i would personally avoid that as well because the teacher can't be 'in the moment' with the leading, they can't alter their tone to try to keep someone awake! or suggest open the eyes to gaze on the floor or ceiling. likewise if someone is in a lot of discomfort they can't add to the practice to guide them.
the only one i would recommend is if it's being led 'live'. a good teacher will always do it that way, it should then be embodied and as flexible and inclusive as it needs to be..
none of our teachers are allowed to lead from a script, even on the first day of teacher training!

[OliDoyle]

I'd say treat it like marriage, maybe talk on the phone, attend a class, meet them in person, but don't commit right away!

And as a general rule, if you walk away from a class feeling clearer on how to practice, it was helpful. If not, keep looking!