By Kimayah Singh, Sangeetha Saran, and Marie Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Welcome to the world of yoga teacher resources. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a newbie, this ancient practice has something for everyone. If you’re a yoga teacher, you know that teaching yoga is rewarding and challenging. From creating lesson plans to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, there’s always something new to learn.
Journey of Educational Exploration
Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available today that can help make your job easier and more fulfilling. We’ll explore some of the best yoga teacher resources out there so that you can continue growing as a practitioner and inspiring your students along the way. Let’s get started!
Where Do Yoga Teachers Get Answers?
The internet is a vast resource for yoga teachers. There are many online communities and forums where teachers can ask questions and get advice from other experienced teachers. Additionally, numerous websites are dedicated to providing information and resources for yoga teachers. Finally, social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can also be useful in connecting with other yoga teachers and finding helpful information.
I Don’t Know it All
We understand! There’s a lot to know about being a yoga teacher. From the physical postures to the breathwork, from the philosophy to the business side of things, it can feel like there’s always something new to learn. And that’s ok! No one knows it all, and part of the journey is continuing to grow and expand your knowledge.
One of the best ways to continue learning is to seek out resources. There are so many great books, articles, podcasts, and online courses available today. As a busy yoga teacher, it can be tough to find the time to sift through everything that’s out there. Luckily, we’ve done some of the work for you.
Here are just a few of our favorite yoga teacher resources:
Books
1. Light on Yoga
by B.K.S Iyengar
2. The Heart of Yoga
by T.K.V Desikachar
3. Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health
by B.K.S. Iyengar
Articles
Ultimate Guide to Teaching Vinyasa Yoga Classes
Podcasts
“Yoga Talk” by Leslie Kaminoff
“Inner Fire” by Jivamukti Yoga Radio
Online Courses
The Original Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Camp-in-a-Box – Level 1 [ONLINE]
Certified Meditation Teacher Course [ONLINE]
Understand That Yoga Teachers Evolve
Yes, you will change as your knowledge grows and you continue teaching classes. As a yoga teacher, it is essential to understand that your students will also evolve. As their practice evolves, so will their needs and wants from a yoga teacher. It is essential to be open-minded and adaptable to meet all your students’ needs.
As Time Goes By
When first starting, many yoga teachers have a set routine they teach during each class. However, as time passes and they gain more experience, they often mix things up and add new elements to their classes. Progressive steps keep classes fresh for both the teacher and the students. Expect students to ask questions that make you think on your feet. As a result, your students spark your research and encourage your creativity.
Understanding Your Students
It is also essential to understand that not all students are at the same level. Some students may be newer to yoga and only want basic instruction, while others may be more advanced and look for a more challenging class. As a yoga teacher, it is vital to be able to cater to both types of students to keep everyone happy and coming back for more.
The bottom line is that as a yoga teacher, you need to be prepared to evolve. Be open-minded, adaptable, and willing to try new things to keep your classes exciting and your students engaged.
Understand That Yoga Instructors Grow
As a yoga instructor, it’s important to understand that your students will grow and change over time. Just as you have grown and changed since you first started practicing yoga, your students will too. As their yoga instructor, you need to be able to adapt your teaching style to accommodate their changing needs.
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re always able to teach your students effectively:
1. Keep up with your yoga practice. As your students grow and change, so will their needs in a yoga class. If you want to be able to teach them effectively, you must keep up with your practice so that you understand what they’re going through.
2. Be open to changing yourself. As your students need to be open to change, so do you. Be willing to try new things and experiment with different teaching methods.
3. Communicate with your students. As your students’ needs change, communicate with them about what they want in a class. This way, you can tailor each class to their specific needs and help them get the most out of their practice.
My Health Club Doesn’t Allow Physical Assists
If you’re a yoga teacher, you know that one of the aspects of your job is providing your students with physical assistance when needed. However, many health clubs don’t allow employees to do this, making it difficult for you to teach effectively.
You can do a few things if you find yourself in this situation. First, try verbal assisting only, which is what other fitness classes do. Secondly, you want to understand why these hands-off policies started to prevent liability suits and then COVID came along.
Thirdly, don’t make this a bad situation with management. Sometimes, teachers have an opportunity to rise to a challenge. Of course, we don’t embrace every change, but is it worth losing our jobs? In this case, we can develop our verbal assisting skills and learn new teaching methods.
Finally, remember that physical adjustments are just one part of yoga teaching – they’re not essential. If you can’t provide them, focus on providing quality instruction and helping your students find their way in their practice. You will develop your verbal assisting skills over time.
Why Should I Get Liability Insurance?
If you are a yoga teacher, it is vital to have liability insurance. This insurance will protect you from any legal claims arising from your teaching. It is also a good idea to get this type of insurance if you plan on teaching classes in public places or if you will be working with students one-on-one.
Insurance regulations change from country to country, so be aware of coverage across international borders. If you are a US yoga instructor, your US-based insurance might not cover you in other countries. Therefore, do your research if you’ve found an opportunity to teach yoga vacationers in Tahiti.
Should I Join Yoga Alliance?
There are many Yoga Alliances around the world. If you’re a yoga teacher or training to be one, you’ve probably heard of US Yoga Alliance (YA). What is it, and should you join?
US Yoga Alliance is a professional membership organization for yoga teachers and studios. It’s the largest yoga alliance globally and sets standards for training and continuing education for yoga teachers.
So, should you join Yoga Alliance? There are some pros and cons to consider.
On the plus side, being a member of the Yoga Alliance can give you more credibility as a teacher. It can also help you connect with other teachers and find teaching opportunities. The networking aspects make membership lucrative.
If you ever want to teach yoga internationally, most countries recognize US Yoga Alliance registration. Another critical plus is they take action on behalf of Yoga teachers and make us aware of trends in teaching. Issues like accessibility, student safety, and equal opportunity are important to most of us.
On the downside, membership isn’t cheap. There are annual fees. Additionally, being a member is not guaranteed to help you get more jobs, students, or money. Some of us are natural-born mavericks and don’t readily join groups, clubs, teams, or alliances.
Ultimately, whether or not to join US Yoga Alliance is a personal decision. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to see if it’s right for you. Lastly, many yoga alliances exist, such as the Canadian Yoga Alliance, Yoga Alliance UK, and more. A local organization is worth considering.
Resources for Yoga Teachers
Whether you’re an experienced yoga instructor or just starting, finding the right resources is essential to your success. Many different yoga teacher resources are available today, so knowing where and what to look for is essential.
One of the best places to start is with your local yoga studio. Many studios offer teacher training programs that can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful yoga teacher. In addition, most studios have a staff of experienced teachers who can offer guidance and support.
Many online education options are available if you cannot find a local studio that offers continuing education or teacher training. Many online courses can provide the same quality education as a traditional program. In addition, there are many online communities and forums where you can connect with other yoga teachers and get support and advice.
When finding resources for your yoga teaching business, being creative is essential. There are many free resources available online, so take advantage of them! Social media is excellent for promoting your business and connecting with potential students. In addition, consider creating a website or blog to share information about your classes, events, and specials.
How Important is Yoga Anatomy?
One of the most important aspects of being a yoga teacher is having a solid understanding of anatomy. This doesn’t mean that you need to be a medical doctor, but you should have a basic understanding of the body’s workings. This will allow you to understand better your teaching positions and how they can benefit your students. Additionally, when students come to you with injuries or pain, you will be able to give them specific advice on what poses may help alleviate their symptoms.
Should I Teach Sanskrit?
There are many different opinions on whether or not Sanskrit should be used in yoga teacher training programs. Some people feel it is an essential part of the yoga tradition and should be included in all teacher training programs. Others feel that Sanskrit is unnecessary for yoga teachers and that teaching yoga without Sanskrit is perfectly acceptable.
So, what is the correct answer? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your personal beliefs and preferences. If you feel strongly that Sanskrit is an essential part of yoga, you should look for a teacher training program that includes it. If you don’t feel as strongly about Sanskrit, you can choose a program that doesn’t have it.
Pilates Method
If you are looking for an exercise that’s somewhat related to yoga, but has no Sanskrit, philosophy, or teachings related to yoga ethics, Pilates is the answer. Although, Pilates has martial arts and yoga roots, there is no historical trace of the exact styles Joseph Pilates used to create his health maintenance system.
Why Should I Learn Philosophy?
If you’re a yoga teacher or considering becoming one, you might be wondering what else you can do to improve your teaching. One subject that can help you think more deeply about your practice and your student’s experience is philosophy.
Philosophy can help you reflect on the fundamental questions of yoga, such as what is the nature of reality? What is the best way to live? What is the self? These big questions don’t have easy answers, but exploring them can help you better understand yoga and yourself.
In addition, learning philosophy can make you a better communicator and thinker. It will teach you how to analyze arguments and construct your persuasive arguments. This skill set will be useful when leading classes and dealing with challenging situations with students.
So if you’re looking for ways to improve your teaching, learning philosophy is a great place to start.
Who Cares About Yoga Teacher Ethics?
Yoga teachers need to be ethical in their behavior and interactions with students. Unfortunately, many examples of unethical behavior by yoga teachers have been publicized in recent years. This has led some people to question whether yoga teachers can be trusted.
There are a few key points that all yoga teachers should remember when it comes to ethics. First and foremost, yoga teachers should always act in the best interest of their students. This means honesty about your qualifications and experience, setting clear boundaries, and respecting your students’ privacy.
Second, yoga teachers should avoid any behavior that could exploit or take advantage of their students. This includes relationships with students and using your position of authority to promote products or services you don’t believe in.
Finally, yoga teachers should remember that they are role models for their students. As such, they should conduct themselves in a way that reflects the values of yoga: compassion, integrity, honesty, and respect for others. By following these guidelines, yoga teachers can help create a safe and supportive environment for their students to practice in.
I Want a One-and-Done Yoga Teacher Education
When it comes to yoga teacher education, there are many options out there. Yet, which one is right for you? If you’re looking for a one-and-done solution, then you should consider another field. Continuing education programs will give you the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful yoga teacher. With new discoveries and student safety standards continuing education is more important than ever.
Why Should I Care About Continuing Education?
If you’re a yoga teacher, continuing education is important for several reasons. First, it helps you keep your skills and knowledge up to date. Second, it can help you advance your career and earn more money. Finally, continuing education can make you a better yoga teacher overall.
So why should you care about continuing education? For all of the above reasons! If you’re a yoga teacher, it’s in your best interest to keep up with the latest trends and developments. Continuing education can also lead to improved job security and increased earnings potential. So if you’re serious about being the best yoga teacher you can be, invest in some quality continuing education courses.
Advantages of Online Learning
There are many advantages of online learning for yoga teachers. Perhaps the most significant advantage is the ability to take courses anywhere worldwide. With the internet, geography is no longer a barrier to getting the education you need.
Another significant advantage of online learning is the flexibility it affords. You can study at your own pace and on your schedule. This is especially beneficial for busy people who cannot commit to the traditional classroom settings.
Finally, online learning is often more affordable than taking courses in person. With yoga teacher resources today, many free or low-cost options are available. This makes getting started with your yoga teaching career easier than ever before.
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Related Resources
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by Rina Jakubowicz.
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by: Gail Boorstein Grossman.
YOGA: THE PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALTH
by B.K.S. Iyengar
TEACHING YOGA: Essential Foundations and Techniques
By Mark Stephens
The Kundalini Yoga Teacher Oath
By Kimayah Singh
What is the most important duty of a yoga teacher? What should we be teaching our students about the purpose of yoga? At its purest level, yoga is a way to connect with the self. The asanas, breathing exercises and meditation found in most classes are simply a tool for understanding and loving your own unique soul. In some ways, modern yoga practices have moved away from this ancient wisdom. Many studios and gym classes focus on physicality and ignore the spiritual side of yoga. For Kundalini yoga teachers who honor their oath, forgetting the true purpose of yoga is impossible.
I Am A Teacher
Every Kundalini teacher takes the following oath and lives by its words:
“I am not a woman, I am not a man, I am not a person, I am not myself, and I am a teacher.” ~ Yogi Bhajan
These words mean that teachers ignore their individual beings to dedicate themselves to a loving practice that honors students. Yoga teachers should not care about their own egos; the only goal is to uplift students. If a session is going poorly or if a student is struggling to master your favorite move, you must let go of any negative feelings and do what the student needs to succeed. Otherwise, you will never master the true meaning of teaching yoga.
Spiritual Awakening
Stretching the body, mastering a complicated asana or working up a sweat are not the goals of Kundalini yoga. Instead, students and teachers work together to unlock spiritual growth and summon positive energy. You must use meditation, chanting and pranayama (breathing exercises) to aid your students in reaching their inner soul and developing beautiful strength.
Serve As A Vessel
As a Kundalini teacher, you are a vessel, not a creator. You will learn yoga asanas that have been developed over thousands of years and passed down from Yogi Bhajan to you. Sharing these teachings with your students is a solemn duty. You cannot cut out meditation because it takes too long or eliminate pranayama because you don’t like it. You must share the original, sacred teachings. In Kundalini yoga, your individual preferences are not important; only your students matter.
Understanding Before Speaking
The yoga teacher’s oath is not taken lightly. You must fully understand the loving meaning behind the words before speaking the oath. You are a teacher who will share the life-changing truths that you have learned from those who came before you, and your students will prosper from your dedication.
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about teaching students and our selection of yoga instructor certification courses.
Kundalini teachers do not care about their own egos; the only goal is to uplift students. Thanks for posting this valuable article.
The Kundalini teacher’s oath is not taken lightly. A teacher must fully understand the loving meaning behind the words before speaking the oath. Thanks for this nice posting!