Curriculum

The 200-hour curriculum combines 180 hours of class time with our dedicated faculty, and 20 hours of self-guided reading and assignments. The material delivery combines practice and theory, discussion, self-directed study and one-on-one mentoring. If you have any questions about the curriculum, please contact Karen MacKenzie, Program Director.

Our objectives are to:

• Provide instruction and space for you to practice the diverse aspects of yoga, including asana, pranayama, meditation and ethics.
• Build a broad foundation of practical knowledge in the areas of yoga history, philosophy, techniques, anatomy and physiology, teaching methods, ethics, and business aspects.
• Promote leadership qualities through a teaching practicum, working first in small groups and building to a full-class.
• Mentor students who want to pursue yoga teaching, during and after the program’s conclusion.
• Encourage active discussion and open communication for collaborative learning.
• Challenge you to expand and realize your capabilities, and to support self-discovery.
• Be a memorable and life-changing experience for all participants.

Asana Practice

Building and maintaining a strong personal practice is essential to becoming a great teacher. Our program includes a daily asana class, lead by E-RYT 200 (minimum) instructors. Class styles will include: Hatha, Flow, Restorative, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Sivananda, Power, Anusara and Yin.

Sadhana (Pranayama & Meditation Practice)

Sadhana simply means “practice”. Teacher training may be your first experience of a personal meditation practice, or you may have an established seated practice. We welcome you either way! Each of the 8-limbs of yoga related directly or in-part to mindfulness, and therefore it is a focus of our curriculum, with daily a sadhana to promote your ongoing personal practice.

Classes will include:

• Exploration of the practice of pranayama and meditation, history, styles and benefits
• Proper posture and use of props
• Pranayama exercises
• Meditation practice and techniques

Asana Clinics

A major portion of the 2-week intensive will be dedicated to asana clinics, for you to study, practice and teach the core yoga postures in-depth. Clinics include a detailed analysis of the poses, proper anatomical and energetic alignment, modifications, variations and kramas (stages), adjustments, teaching cues, contraindications and benefits.

Teaching Methodology

Teaching Theory

Everyone has a potential teacher inside. Our job is to help you discover your truth, so you can embody the role of teacher. This may come naturally to some, and may be a learned skill to others. In either case it is important to understand the underlying foundations that make a skilled yoga teacher. These classes will cover in-depth teaching theory and practical techniques in a clinic setting to learn and practice the techniques in your teaching toolkit.

Class Design

Designing a great yoga class is an art. Like any art form, it is subjective, however there are underlying principles that ensure the majority of students have a fulfilling experience, and every student has a safe class. These practical theory classes will teach you:

• Factors that influence class design
• Arch Progression Model and the Art of Sequencing
• Developing a theme and teaching to it
• Music, lighting, temperature
• Incorporating pranayama, meditation and chanting

In Class

During class, the teacher becomes is a multi-tasker. It’s important to be receptive your students during class, even in a situation where verbal feedback is rare during class. The following topics will be covered:

• Setting up the room / organizing a class
• How to deal with injuries and disability
• Demonstrating and mirroring
• Manual Adjustments and verbal cues
• Use of props, and giving options (kramas)
• Teaching beginners

Anatomy & Physiology

In these classes you will study the fascinating physical and subtle-body systems, and their relationship with yoga.

• Physiological systems, functional anatomy, injuries and healing
• Subtle body system including nadis, chakras, bandhas, vayus

Philosophy and Ethics

The yoga system is vast, and diverse, with a long of complex history. But sitting at the core are timeless ethical and philosophical principles that apply directly to daily life, your practice, and your future as a teacher. This program will provide a foundation of knowledge to inspire mindful and holistic living; and to promote future study in specific areas that interest you. Topics will include:

• History of Yoga
• Yoga in daily life (ethics, philosophical principles, and practice)
• Introduction to scriptures including Yoga Sutras
• Bhagavad Gita study; reading and discussion
• Styles of Hatha Yoga
• Introduction to Sanskrit and pronunciation
• Introduction to Yoga Therapy
• Introduction to Ayurveda

Practicum

A minimum of 10 hours of practicum time is incorporated into the program schedule, with additional opportunities for Karma classes and assistant teaching (spotting, adjustments) in public classes in the studio.

The practicum will start in small groups during the asana workshops. You will also teach a class or portion of a class to the teacher training group. The practicum also includes your participation in constructive evaluations and discussions of other participants’ practicums.

Special Needs / Interests

You will learn modifications to make yoga accessible for groups including: injuries and common conditions, prenatal, seniors and children.

Business of Yoga

Learn how to find source and land teaching opportunities, how to market yourself as a yoga instructor, and other business aspects such as insurance and service pricing.

Homework

Homework assignments will include readings and written assignments, due within the program dates. You are expected to commit at least 20 hours to complete the assignments.

Program Completion

Your certificate will be awarded upon program completion providing the following:

• Attendance in all schedule program hours
• Completion of reading and written assignments
• Completion of practicum
• Full payment for program has been received