Having experienced the power of yogic practice first hand, the second half of the year is devoted to the practice of teaching. This segment of instruction focuses on your mastery of the various techniques for sharing your knowledge and experience. It is here that you will learn how to meet your students skillfully and appropriately, honing your ability to select the right mix of practices and teachings for any given circumstance. Teaching as Transformation includes:

Deepening the Practice (6 hours) - In this course, we will look at ways to keep our practice fresh and interesting, all the while maintaining its effectiveness. Working from anatomical landmarks, innovative sequencing, and altering pace and intention will all be explored.

Gentle and Restorative Yoga (6 hours) - Gentle and restorative yoga carries enormous benefits for seniors, people with illness and injuries, as well as able-bodied practitioners. In this course, we will look at specific techniques and postures for teaching this meditative and rejuvenating style of yoga.

Pranayama (9 hours) - As one of Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga, pranayama is a key component of yoga practice. In this course, we will introduce and practice various preparatory and traditional pranayama techniques and will discuss breath as the primary vehicle of prana and the relationship of breath to mind and body.

Working with Beginners (12 hours) - Working with beginning students is arguably one of the most important and challenging aspects of teaching yoga. Common beginner issues, teaching strategies, and preparatory postures will all be covered in this course.

Teaching of Asana (18 hours) - This is a series of four classes that will explore the teaching of specific asanas. This class will delve into the specifics of alignment, energetics, common problems, modifications, and use of props in postures in the four major categories: Standing Postures, Forward-bending and Twisting Postures, Back-bending Postures, and Inverted Postures.

Seeing and Understanding Bodies (6 hours) - In this course we will learn various techniques to evaluate the anatomical and energetic quality of poses including common compensations. Practical application will include the in-class evaluation and manipulation of poses of students of varying levels of competency and body types.

Integrative Teaching (12 hours) - A coherent and inspiring class includes many elements, all of which must be successfully woven together into a seamless whole. In this class we will investigate teaching techniques that bridge the physical, mental, and spiritual realms to create classes in which all elements reinforce and support all others.

The Language of Teaching (4.5 hours) - The ability to effectively communicate is a key component in our capacity to teach. This course will explore the different ways in which people learn and outline techniques for tailoring our style to most effectively communicate our message.

The Ethics of Teaching Yoga (6 hours) - In this course, we will explore what it means to be a yoga teacher and look at the ways in which we can ensure that the teachings and our relationships with students and others remain wholesome and pure.

Yoga for Special Needs (4.5 hours) - In this course, we will explore how best to work with students having conditions requiring special attention or modifications.

Building a Class (6 hours) - Weaving all of the elements of a yoga class into a seamless, self-supporting whole is an art form. This class will explore the different elements of a yoga class, including creating an environment, developing a theme, and the art of asana sequencing.

STUDENT PRACTICUM

Assistant Teaching (36 hours) - While not a formal class, this condition of graduation requires that student teachers assist another approved qualified teacher in an ongoing public class for a period of at least six months.

Student Teaching Practice (24 hours) - This class will provide student teachers with the opportunity to create and present a class to a group of their peers. All participating students will have the opportunity to experience and evaluate classes given by their peers.

Group Teaching Rounds (12 hours) – These sessions are designed to further assist students in developing their teaching skills through teaching to their peers. Students will practice teaching to one another in small group settings under the supervision of staff.

OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Workshops (12 hours) - Various workshops will be held throughout the year. Upcoming topics may include: Yoga for Children, Contact Yoga, Meditation, Sanskrit, and others.

Home Study (44 hours) - There will be a minimum of 44 hours home study for completion of homework and home practice.

Yogic Meditation (26 hours) - Meditation is a foundational practice in the journey of the evolution of consciousness. The experiential class will investigate intersection between mind and consciousness and will reveal techniques to evoke the meditative state.

Supervised Teaching (100 hours) - Students will be required to complete 100 hours of teaching under the supervision of an approved teacher.

Weekly Asana Classes (156 hours) – Ongoing practice is the cornerstone of yoga. With this in mind, students will be required to attend twice-weekly asana classes with teacher training staff.

Home Practice Requirement (132 hours) – Students will be required to maintain a home yoga practice, practicing a minimum of three hours per week.