Where you Choose to Train Matters

Unfortunately, not all Yoga Teacher Training programs possess the same level of quality and standards.The proliferation of certified yoga teacher programs has resulted in an influx of non-prepared teachers entering the field. Since teacher training programs are a significant financial investment on the part of enrolled trainees, this has further increased unqualified programs to flood the market. The consequences caused by unqualified programs and instructors misinterpreting and misrepresenting yoga are far-reaching and may persist for years to come.

Lead instructors must carry a 500 E-RYT to instruct within a Yoga Alliance teacher training program. Make sure to verify all instructors and the program through the directory at yoga alliance to make sure.

See here for directory

Check out our Key Factors checklist to the right to help guide you through the essentials on picking a quality teacher training program.

Maya Yoga Credentials on Yoga Alliance

Key Factors for a Quality Teacher Training Program Checklist

You’re ready to commit to dedicating a significant amount of time, money, energy, and heart to yoga teacher training. As you start to look for a program it can be overwhelming the amount of studios offer some kind of teacher training. We have provided a few key factors to consider that can help you navigate what to look for in a quality program.

  • Undoubtedly, the primary factor to contemplate when selecting a yoga teacher training program is the expertise of your instructor. Is your teacher or teaching team well-versed in yoga? Have they accrued extensive experience in teaching? In what environments have they imparted knowledge? These are pivotal inquiries that must be posed. Opting for an instructor (or instructors) who possess both expertise and familiarity with contemporary and traditional teaching methods is imperative.

  • Before embarking on a training program, it is crucial to establish your intention and the reasons behind your decision. Ask yourself questions such as: Is this training to teach a particular style of yoga? Does this training provide education that aligns with being prepared to teach what you desire? Is this training for personal knowledge or a professional career decision? Your answers will provide clarity and it will not only help you narrow down your options, but it also serves as a guide in achieving your desired goals.

  • An effective yoga teacher training will delve deeply into the study and exploration of anatomy and biomechanics, variations and modifications of asanas, teaching methods and communication techniques, sequencing principles, the history and philosophy of yoga, as well as the business aspect of teaching this ancient practice. Moreover, a quality YTT program will allocate ample time for students to actively engage in hands-on teaching experiences.

  • Reasonable class sizes allow deeper mentorship and hands-on training that larger class sizes do not. Try to find a training that limits its class size to no more than 15-1/ student to teacher ratio.

  • Yoga Alliance serves as a global regulatory body overseeing yoga teacher training programs on an international scale. There has been debate over the quality of past standards of yoga alliance certification for teaching programs, which they have addressed through an extensive enhanced standards certification. Many studios have not yet aligned their curriculum to these enhanced standards but yet still have the certification for their schools. Make sure the studio you choose has a curriculum that adheres to the enhanced standards for 200 RYT from yoga alliance. You will also want to verify all lead instructor’s 500 E-RYT status on the yoga alliance website directory. It is important to note that numerous yoga studios, retreat centers, and similar establishments worldwide often require instructors to possess such accreditation before considering them for employment.

    See here link for elevated standards

    https://www.yogaalliance.org/Our_Standards/Elevated_RYS_200_Standards

  • Let's get real. Yoga teacher training programs are a significant financial investment. We recommend looking for hidden costs and to weigh quality versus your budget. Quality instruction is irreplaceable but so is the reality of your wallet. Look for quality with comprehensive information about the program to access the depth and breadth of the program before making a decision.

  • A review is an impactful way to narrate an experience. Considering that everyone possesses distinct preferences, it is natural for not every yoga school to receive flawless feedback. However, if a particular school consistently receives numerous negative reviews, it would be reasonable to anticipate having a negative experience with them as well. On the contrary, if a yoga teacher training program garners abundant exceptional reviews from diverse students, it indicates that the course adheres to a well-structured curriculum and produces competent yoga teachers. Hence, such positive testimonials serve as reliable indicators of the quality of education one can expect from that particular training program.