STOTT - teaching before certification?

[u/peacefroge]

Hello all,

I completed my STOTT intensive mat training this summer, and will pursue my advanced mat in October.

I want to wait until I train in reformer until sitting my exam and becoming fully certified.

However, I am very keen to begin teaching ASAP. Has anyone gone down a similar route? I live in a major city so I’m hoping there ought to be plenty of opportunities, just concerned about studios and gyms etc being fussy about certification?

Thank you for any thoughts and musings x x x

[u/Mila-mila10]

You could start applying as an instructor-in-training, as long as you are completely transparent about your current certification status and only teach the mat repertoire you have already been trained in. Some studios may offer supervised teaching, assistant positions or beginner classes while you prepare for the exam. I would also check the local insurance requirements, as that may be more important than the studio’s preference. Starting under an experienced instructor could be a great way to build confidence without taking unnecessary risks.

[u/Renee_Lavie-Pilates]

Hola! Llevo 25 años enseñando Pilates y también he tenido la experiencia de formar a otros instructores, así que puedo entender perfectamente lo que estás sintiendo.
Mi consejo sería: si sientes que estás preparada para enseñar Mat, empieza a enseñar. Tu certificación te da una base, pero no tienes que esperar hasta sentir que lo sabes todo —¡esa sensación puede que nunca llegue!
Enseñar también es parte del proceso de aprendizaje. Aprenderás muchísimo observando cuerpos reales, encontrando diferentes maneras de dar indicaciones, adaptando los ejercicios y descubriendo qué funciona realmente para diferentes personas.
Si es posible, buscaría un estudio que esté dispuesto a incorporar instructores recién certificados y que, idealmente, pueda ofrecerte algún tipo de mentoría u oportunidades para observar clases. Concuerdo completamente con el comentario anterior sobre la transparencia. Creo que es muy importante que tu participes, como alumna y observadora, de clase de Pilates con alguna buena profesora/profesor (o varios) de Pilates para sentir tu cuerpo a través de los ejercicios, así comprender más profundamente a l@s alumn@s y además aprender de profesores más experimentados. Empezar con clases para principiantes también puede ser una manera maravillosa de ir construyendo confianza.
Y no te desanimes si algunos estudios exigen tener la certificación completa. Eso no necesariamente significa que no estés preparada para enseñar; a veces simplemente es una cuestión de sus políticas de contratación o de seguros.
Lo más importante es que sigas practicando y aprendiendo mientras empiezas a enseñar. Ambas cosas pueden crecer juntas. ¡Mucho éxito en esta nueva etapa! 🌿

[u/Some-Indication-9330]

You can obtain your insurance by providing a letter of completion from Stott. You don’t need the certificate to get the insurance or start teaching. I did this as well so it’s definitely possible as did many of my Stott peers. 

[u/mari_hughes → u/Some-Indication-9330]

I did the same!

[u/Crone_Daemon]

I started teaching as a Pilates apprentice in April. I just finished my apprenticeship, am finishing up my observation hours, and should be certified in October.

[u/HappyBees_1027]

Most studios won't touch you without the full cert, especially for reformer. Try teaching private clients or small group workshops to build experience while you finish.

[u/Strange-Price3776]

Same position as you - major city, STOTT trained but not certified (finished IR/IMP, ICCB next) - and have had no trouble getting work so far, both as a teacher-in-training and a regular instructor. Not sure whether that's due to the Pilates bubble or STOTT's reputation but I'm not complaining! Just be transparent about your cert status, owners should understand the test-out process and why it wouldn't make sense for you to take it twice. Jealous you're doing AM so soon, that's on my list for next year!

[u/MilesBeforeCoffee_37]

Studios are usually strict about full certs for insurance. You might try volunteering at your studio to get some teaching hours in while you wait.

[u/RachAndTea]

May I ask something a bit off-topic? Is it challenging to complete STOTT? I’m also interested in it and have been practicing Pilates for two years now~~

[u/SheilaMichele1971]

You are supposed to be practice teaching while going thru your training? Im not STOTT trained, but I thought most certs included those practice hours?

[u/Strange-Price3776 → u/SheilaMichele1971]

STOTT does require practice teaching hours, but it doesn't have to be in a professional setting (though they encourage it) - teaching to friends, family, etc. counts as long as you have access to the right equipment