When the Student Surpasses the Teacher

We just recently hosted a fantastic online Seminar. For three intense days, we talk, we tangle, and we share as much as we possibly can with our students about the Zentangle Method. We go in depth about tangling techniques, philosophies and what it means to be a Certified Zentangle Teacher. Always at the end of our teacher training events, we are all filled with joy and gratitude and excitement as we welcome new teachers into our community of CZTs. It is wonderful to hear their stories and passion for the method. We also know that when we part ways at the end of CZT training, it is only the beginning of the new teacher’s journey. What will each of these inspiring artists bring to the method and where will it lead them?

It is hard to explain how proud we are of our CZT community. The way our worldwide group of CZTs shines is overwhelming. When Rick and Maria hosted the first CZT Seminar, I am not sure that they knew how it would grow. They certainly trusted the process and nurtured what it could be. As we look back over the years, we have so many memories of when we first met CZTs. We exchange stories, we talk about what we see them doing, how they are sharing the method. We watch, we admire, and we are consistently amazed by what our CZT community has done.

At CZT training we aim to give all the attendees the tools to launch and push themselves to learn from their experiences, to grow in their practice, and to inspire others. There is an old proverb that says, “The goal of the teacher is for the student to surpass the teacher.” We could not agree more. In so many instances, we learn from our CZT community. We watch in awe and see how they are leading the way. We see and hear beautiful passionate stories about how so many of them are inspiring minds and changing lives for the better. We cannot emphasize this enough, ZHQ has received so many emails of how practicing (and teaching) the method has had a positive impact, has truly made a difference in the quality of someone’s life, and it is because of these teachers, teaching all over the world, that it is possible.

To all our CZTs, we thank each one of you for all you do. To the CZTs who teach often and share openly and to those who share quietly and less often, we appreciate all of you. We know it takes all kinds and we are grateful for that. Thank you for being unique. We cherish all that you do as we grow and caretake the Zentangle Method.

Is there a particular CZT that has touched or inspired you that you want to give a shout out to? We will pick one commenter at random and send something special to you and your special CZT.

You can find a CZT in your area here.