---

I’m thinking about becoming a yoga teacher, where do I start?

The individual Yogic path is as diverse and varied as the practitioners themselves. For this reason, it’s impossible to give you a one-size fits all answer on “how to become a certified yoga teacher”. That said, I hope to answer some common questions about how to choose a yoga teacher training school to become certified with, and how to dive in and begin teaching.  All of the following information has grown out of my individual path.  I attended Trinity Yoga Teacher Training, not with the hopes of becoming a yoga teacher, but simply because I wanted to learn more than my local studio offered at the time.  After several years of teaching full time in Calgary, facilitating teacher training programs across Western Canada with Trinity, and now as a facilitator for Gaiatri Yoga, I can share my informed perspective of evaluating the path and choosing a program that suits your desire to deepen and grow your practice.

How do I know when my practice is developed enough to take a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program?

This is not an easy question to answer, as it varies from student to student and practice to practice. While there is little importance in how many advanced postures you can do or how long you can meditate - it is important that you define your personal yoga or meditation practice and that it is cultivated with dedication and authenticity. Once you decide to share your love for yoga or meditation with others, committing yourself to regular, consistent and ongoing practice is key.  Daily practice may be on your mat practicing asana, in seated meditation or contemplation, reading text or yogic scripture, on a mindful walk, or reading to deepen your knowledge of yoga, meditation, and the practice of self-realization. Personally, when I teach, when I see people come to teacher training, or when I am in a fellow teacher’s class - the passion, dedication, commitment and humility to the vastness of the practice becomes tangible and apparent. If you feel that your personal practice has lead you to a place where you are thirsty for more knowledge, you have the desire to share the benefits you have received with others, and want to be in a place of service, then a teacher training program is a great next step.

Should I only take a YTT program if I want to teach?

Definitely not!  I started my journey free from the desire to teach, and see students at yoga teacher training programs for a variety of reasons. Primarily, a YTT student’s desire to deepen their understanding (outside of weekly studio classes) is what motivates them to attend a teacher training course.  Often I feel that the practice of yoga chooses how it wants to be expressed and for some this isn’t a desired direction of their personal practice. YTT programs dive into meditation, pranayama (breath work), mantra and sound work, anatomy, alignment, yogic philosophy while providing a space for people to ask questions, deepen their individual practice and connect with a community of like-minded people.

How do I choose a YTT program that is right for me and the development of my practice?

Word-of-mouth reference from teachers that are familiar with you and your practice, studios you attend and trust, and friends that you know are great ways to find a program.  Here are some key things you will want to look for when choosing a training that is best suited for you:

1. Does the timing and schedule of the program with your personal and work life.  Some trainings are spread out over a number of weekends, 6 day intensives, month long immersions, destination retreats, etc. Determine what fits with your time schedule and budget by examining factors such as vacation time from work, child care, travel costs and so on.

2. Location is key a factor for many people with family and work obligations.  Choosing a school that is close to home will reduce the amount of time away from work as well as the amount you are spending on travel and lodging. However, if that isn’t as much of a factor, some students find it beneficial to break free of their conventional routine and to immerse fully in a program, consider attending a program outside of your hometown (maybe in another country!).  Even travelling to a nearby town can create a new head and heart space to dive into your training.  Whether you want to teach or not, doing your YTT research will ensure that your time and monetary investment it well worth it.

3.Check that the style of yoga being taught is one that you are familiar with or interested in learning more about.  Since there are many forms of ‘hatha yoga’, contact the YTT program to clarify. You can ask where and how their facilitators have been trained and see if it resonates with where your practice is now and how you hope for it to evolve into.

What is the certification process for Canada to become a Registered Yoga Teacher?

Currently there is not an official governing body, however there are a number of various registration organizations that you can apply to once your minimum 200 hour certification process is complete. These governing bodies list teachers names on their websites, as an accredited resource. Usually to become a RYT 200, one must submit an application form as well as a copy of their certificate and pay a yearly fee.

Do I want to do a 200 or a 500 hour program?

You will have to complete a 200 hour certified program (as certified by the Yoga Alliance) before you move on to a 500 hour program. This will register you as an RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher with 200 training hours).  It used to be that you could piecemeal your training to add-up hours into a 500 hour program but new requirements state that “the initial 200 hours of training may be from an Registered Yoga School 200 or through an unregistered, qualified 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program. The final 300 hours must be advanced training only. You may request that the school accept you as a transfer student into the advanced portion of its training if you already have 200 hours of training from another source.” These requirements can be found on the Yoga Alliance website: http://www.yogaalliance.org/FAQs.htm.  If you are certifying through a different organization be clear beforehand about their requirements, support offered, international status and recognition to ensure it is a complete and registered program.

When/how do I know if I’m ready to teach?

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is an individual process.  As an example, in Gaiatri’s first level of teacher training we often recommend that students teach their family and friends to get over the initial awkwardness or apprehension of being a new teacher.  After you complete your 200 hour certification consider teaching publicly by offering registered classes at your local gym or community centre. This is a great way to practice what you’ve learned, and also to begin cultivating your authentic and emerging teaching style.  Be patient with yourself - this takes time. Developing your teaching style is an ever evolving process. Tap into your natural strengths: are you funny, spiritual, challenging, meditative, restorative, therapeutic, or… ? Discovering how you like to express yourself in this manner will be incredibly beneficial when you teach, and you will naturally attract students that connect with your method and message.

Once I’m certified, are there other steps I have to take before I start teaching like insurance, registration etc…?

Technically, no. However, for the safety of your students, and yourself, registering with a governing body such as Yoga Alliance, or other yoga associations, and acquiring liability insurance is a great idea.  Insurance for yoga teachers and yoga therapists is offered through a number of different brokers - contact your local broker.

What are the job prospects?  What does it take to become a teacher at a yoga studio?

This is very location specific - some cities have a lot of work available, and others are saturated with yoga teachers. No matter where you live, there are great opportunities for organizing and arranging pre-registered classes for family and friends, at gyms, community centres and your own personal space.  Once you have some experience teaching and have a group of students that are used to your style and presence, increasing your classes and student base will happen naturally.  I strongly recommend finding your niche; think of a group that you are connected to, and tailor your classes to them (ex. yoga for seniors, teens, women, men, athletes, runners, pre and post natal, restorative, etc.). Be creative and authentic and your students will naturally find you.

Once I am a certified yoga teacher, do I need to do ongoing training and certification?

Ongoing training is a great idea. Staying informed and inspired will feed your teaching, and your personal practice. If you are teaching a lot - you may find that the last thing you want to do is to get on your mat. This is a good time to remember what drew you to yoga in the first place. Find a teacher who inspires you, attend workshops and classes to broaden your perspective and knowledge. Ongoing training will keep your teaching fresh and will help your practice to naturally grow and evolve over time.

---