CMT-M Standards

Teacher Training Competency Area Examples Minimum Contact Hours
Required Contact (Classroom) Hours
Mindfulness Studies Overview of the mindfulness field History of mindfulness Science of Mindfulness Secularization of mindfulness Complementary practices (eg. cultivation of positive emotions, relational mindfulness, inquiry, working with trauma etc.) 100
Personal Practice Maturation and Development Ongoing mindfulness practice in group setting with instruction and community support Personal exploration work of relevant issues to mindfulness facilitators such as presence and embodiment, cultivation of confidence 50
Teaching Methodology, Training and Supervision Extensive Supervision, feedback and mentor interaction (including throrough review and assessment of in-class teaching experiences) Community building practices Feedback and peer support for facilitation practice Group facilitation skills Working with conflict in groups Working with individuals 100
Contemporary Mindfulness Applications Exploration of practical applications of mindfulness in any of the following areas or related others: Education and youth Academia Workplace/business settings Medicine Psychology/Clinical Applications 50
Cultural Competency Diversity issues in the mindfulness field Working with diverse populations, cross-cultural issues Professional Ethics for Teachers Accessibility of language, and presentation, removing barriers 80
Professional Development Bringing mindfulness into institutions Financial issues in mindfulness facilitation as a career path Marketing Creating livelihood Networking 60
Required Non-Contact (Non-Classroom) Hours
Practicum / Field Work This component requires students to actively facilitate mindfulness in their work or volunteer setting 60
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS 500
Recommended Additional Non-Contact (Non-Classroom) Hours
Personal Practice Maturation and Development Personal daily practice 5-day or longer mindfulness meditation retreat with a qualified instructor Attendance in related mindfulness classes 250
Study Related reading, writing and academic work connected to the program 100
Other Required Components
Requirement Criteria
Prerequisites for Program-entry Accepted students should have: A minimum 2 years of regular mindfulness meditation practice Attended at least 1 mindfulness meditation retreat of a minimum of 5 days with a qualified instructor. More than 1 retreat is highly recommended. Attended a mindfulness course like Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) or equivalent
Supervising Teachers Supervising teachers must have a minimum of 10 years of advanced mindfulness experience and personal practice, and 5 years of teaching experience as evidenced by verifiable personal statement on application.
Observation and Feedback Mechanisms Students teaching skills should be observed live or on video for at least 2×30 minutes and provided feedback in written and verbal form a minimum of two times. (Mid-program and final)
Personal Interaction between student and supervising teacher Opportunities for personal contact between students and supervising teachers must be available in the form of individual or group teaching or mentoring sessions as demonstrated by program curricula.