Supporting the Inner Teacher with the MBI:TAC: Cultivating Reflection, Embodiment and Competence

The Bangor, Exeter and Oxford Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC) is a framework outlining key competencies in the teaching of mindfulness-based programs , The MBI:TAC has become an important support both to trainees as they reflect on their personal development, as well as supervisors and trainers, as they support the formative development of skilful teaching in others

Who is the training for?

This entry level training to develops familiarity with the domains of teaching competency and course is suited to those who are interested in using the MBI:TAC as a tool to support their own personal development as a mindfulness-based teacher. MBI:TAC Level 1 training is also the first step forestablished mindfulness-based teachers who are in roles which involve supporting others to grow their mindfulness-based teaching skills through training, supervision and assessment. The course is anchored in the curriculums of MBSR and MBCT but is relevant and open to those teaching other curriculums.

What is involved?

This workshop aims to develop participants’ familiarity with the domains and key features of teaching competency and the way these represent when watching the teaching of others. It will include presentations on the background and context for the development of the tool, on its structure and on how to:

1. bring objectivity and rigor into our personal development as mindfulness teachers,

2. form the foundation for the use of the tool in Mindfulness Supervision and training (explored further in level 2)

3. create basic understanding required for assessment of teaching competency (skills that are developed and refined in levels 2 and 3)

Participants will have an opportunity to watch audio visual clips of different elements of mindfulness-based teaching, followed by explorations of and training in the use of the MBI:TAC to reliably recognize the ‘key features’ in the 6 Domains of MBI-TAC There will be a focus on a personal and collective exploration of integrity in mindfulness-based teaching and the use of the MBI:TAC as a ‘lens’ through which to engage in this exploration.

The course will take place over 5 x 3 hour sessions on Tuesdays 5th, 12th and 19th November then 3rd and 10th December, from 1 – 4pm on each of the dates.

As far as possible give yourself over to the learning during this time with a minimum of distraction.

Key learning objectives:

The workshop aims to

1. examine the particular nature of integrity in mindfulness-based teaching

2. present the rationale for the development of the MBI:TAC

3. Develop familiarity with the domains and key features of teaching competency

4. develop knowledge of the design and structure of the MBI:TAC

5. acquire practice skills in reviewing mindfulness-based teaching using the MBI:TAC

6. discuss the potential and limitations of the MBI:TAC

Pre-requisites for attending:

Completion of foundation training in Mindfulness such as The Essentials or the Teacher Training Retreat Level 1 or equivalent
Commitment to an ongoing daily personal mindfulness-based practice, based on MBSR/MBCT practices.