The SATYANANDA YOGA® program is one of the most extensive, comprehensive Teacher Training courses in the world. It gives students the tools to explore the theory of yoga, teach part-time, or develop a full-time career. The Atma Center is honored to be the only North American location authorized to provide this exceptionally systematic series of courses.
"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.
Already a yoga teacher in a different tradition? You may be able to receive credit for your training and/or "test out" of some parts of our 500 hour-level program - contact us about Recogntion of Prior Learning (RPL). You can also receive Continuing Education certification for many of our special events.
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.
Each module requires 12 weeks of 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
5 months
Pre-requisite: Yogic Studies 1c
Yogic Studies 1b if training done in Australia
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.
Teacher Training 2
5 months
Pre-requisites: Teacher Training 1 and Yogic Studies 2b
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.
Teacher Training Equivalencies
This program recognizes the courses offered by other SATYANANDA YOGA campuses.
The Teacher Training courses are equivalent but not identical throughout the world. For example, SYA Australasia's programs are presented in a 21-day format. The courses are presented differently to meet the needs of different cultures with different amounts of vacation time and other benefits.
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.
Student quote from an anonymous feedback form: "It (Teacher Training 1) has assisted me professionally and personally to a great level."
Booklists for Teacher Training
The required and recommended items for each Teacher Training course are listed here. Please note that older editions of the books may be missing some updated information, or the pagination may be different than the current volumes.
SATYANANDA YOGA® is a trademark of IYFM used with permission.