The SATYANANDA YOGA® program is one of the most extensive, comprehensive Teacher Training courses in the world.  It gives students the tools to instruct a variety of populations in a range of settings, and to pursue teaching part-time or as a full-time career.

Please visit the new site yogaacademyna.org for updated information.

"If you dedicate yourself completely to the task of teaching yoga, it will be easy to express the positive side of your personality." 

–Swami Satyananda Saraswati

 

Teacher Training is often a natural evolution for those who have experienced the personal transformation of Yogic Studies and those who wish to share the benefits of yoga with others.  Two levels of Teacher Training provide participants the skills necessary to pass on the teachings of SATYANANDA YOGA® in a safe and creative way.

The topics included in these Teacher Training modules enable the student of yoga to embody the role of teacher.  These topics include class and course planning, communication skills, student support skills, business planning and how to teach in a variety of venues (a detailed list of subjects is given below).

Each Teacher Training module begins with two weeks of intense training.  Having received the underpinning yogic knowledge from the Yogic Studies courses, students spend this time in a mixture of lectures and practical sessions on developing teaching and business skills.  Additional practical sessions give students ample opportunity to teach asana, pranayama and meditation to their classmates and receive feedback. See our Calendar page for dates of upcoming courses.

Each module requires student teaching under the guidance of a mentor teacher.  Various other assignments develop the professional skills necessary to be a successful yoga teacher. 

 

Students are also required to obtain a CPR and First Aid certificate as a separate course prior to completion of the module.  

Student quote from an anonymous feedback form:   "The course was excellent.  The pieces seemed to fall into place so smoothly."

 

 

Teacher Training Modules

Teacher Training 1 

This program is registered with Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level

2 week intensive plus 6 months of home study

Pre-requisite:  Yogic Studies 1

This module introduces the skills necessary for instructing others in the practices of yoga at a beginners or foundation level.  Teacher Training 1 includes class and course planning, teaching students with special needs, applied anatomy and physiology, basic principles for developing a yoga-based business, and methods of effectively supporting students.  An emphasis on "learning by doing" grants students numerous opportunities to teach others and receive feedback from senior instructors.

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Teacher Training 2

This program is registered with Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour level

2 week intensive plus 6 months of home study

Pre-requisites:  Teacher Training 1 and Yogic Studies 2

This module focuses on teaching practices at the progressive beginners and intermediate levels, along with instructing the more subtle aspects of yoga.  Participants learn strategies for planning longer-term or more specialized presentations, such as weekend retreats.  Student support skills and special needs are presented in greater depth.

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Teacher Training Subjects

Teaching Asana

provides techniques for teaching asana practice safely and modifying according to student need.

Teaching Pranayama

provides techniques for teaching pranayama practice safely and modifying according to student need.

Teaching Meditation

elucidates strategies for teaching meditation safely.

Teaching Mudra and Bandha

explores methods for conveying the techniques of mudras and bandhas.

Teaching Shatkarmas

delineates methods for teaching the cleansing practices in an accessible manner.

Teaching Mantra & Kirtan

offers knowledge and practice of simple mantras and kirtans.

Class Planning

supplies principles for creating balanced and appropriate classes.

Course Planning

details strategies for sequencing and progressing classes.

Teaching Special Needs

gives options for adapting teaching methodologies to suit diverse populations and in different environments.

Anatomy and Physiology

shows how to apply these principles with the depth necessary for safe and effective teaching.

Professional Yoga Teacher

outlines knowledge to efficiently plan, organize, promote and manage yoga classes, along with principles for establishing and maintaining a yoga-based business.

Qualities of a Yoga Teacher

provides an understanding of the ethical and legal framework of teaching and consideration of the attributes that create a SATYANANDA YOGA ® teacher.

Student Support Skills

encompasses practicing effective communication skills while maintaining personal boundaries and learning how to make referrals to other health professionals.

Health and Safety

assists in comprehending the responsibility of care in preparing the teaching environment.

First Aid & CPR

is a separate unit undertaken by the student to obtain and maintain ongoing certification.

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Student quote from an anonymous feedback form:   "It (Teacher Training 1) has assisted me professionally and personally to a great level."

 

SATYANANDA YOGA® is a trademark of IYFM used with permission.