Congratulations are in order! Last weekend these 12 lovely ladies (and a baby!) graduated from our 200 Hour, therapeutics based, Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program.
Top Row: Me, Niki Jones, Vicky Jost, Cinzia Ubiles, Samantha Kaseberg, Kay Fairbanks, Teri Williams, Emily Bottom Row: Jan Michael, Mridula Anand, Jyothi Dodlatati, Hee Ja Henderson, Adria Ray, Karin Sladek
You may not know what goes into becoming a yoga teacher, but it really is a lot of work.
Yoga Alliance requires 180 instructional hours in the classroom, during which Teacher Trainees learn about anatomy, yoga philosophy, yoga poses (alignment, adjustments, and modifications), and teaching methodology.
On top of this, we use our Electives hours to focus on an introduction to therapeutic yoga, which is designing a customized practice to meet a specific goal.
Teacher Trainees are also required to observe and assist nine public yoga classes, then teach seven classes for their friends and family.
Our Teacher Training program meets one weekend per month for 11 months, which might seem like an easy-going schedule, but it actually is pretty demanding. Alongside all the technical learning and the challenges of learning to teach, Teacher Trainees experience a lot of personal growth.
One of the Trainees, Niki Jones, said, “Emily [the Director of Teacher Training] created an environment that felt safe for personal exploration. [After this training] I am much more patient with myself and others. I have tried to put my compassion forward and my judgement behind.”
Another Trainee, Kay Fairbanks, said that completing Teacher Training gave her a “sense of accomplishment and greater confidence.” And added that Emily “is is a very competent, experienced, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, encouraging, beautiful, and inspiring teacher. Learning from her and getting to know her was a joy!”
I think the feeling is mutual. Emily is so enthusiastic about teaching, and I know that she finds joy in guiding the Teacher Trainees on their journey to become confident, professional yoga teachers.
And of course I enjoy my time with the Teacher Trainees as well, both in the classroom and in my yoga classes where they observe and assist. They are a smart group of ladies, and I love to see the wheels turning and light bulbs turn on in their brains, especially when we cover deeper topics like Yoga Philosophy.
We can’t wait to see where our Graduates will go with their new certifications! Some plan to begin teaching in studios, gyms, or community centers, some will teach yoga for their colleagues at work, some plan to include yoga in the care plans of their patients. Wherever they go, we know they will be great.
If you’re interested in becoming a yoga teacher, or maybe just deepening your personal practice, please note that our 2016 Teacher Training begins January 9th. We’re currently accepting applications, and you can find more information on our 200 Hour Teacher Training page.
We second Niki’s words: “It is so much more than just a certification. I would recommend it even if you don't want to teach. It can help you be a better human.”
We agree completely. Yoga practice can help you be a better human. And Yoga Teacher Training amps it up to a whole new level.
XO,