Yoga Teacher Training and Yoga Careers Guide
| | Yoga is a Hindu philosophy that includes a series of postures and breathing exercises that help the body and mind achieve tranquility and harmony. Many people use yoga for toning, strengthening, flexibility or relaxation. |
General Yoga Teacher Information
Careers in Teaching Yoga
Yoga Teacher Laws and Licensure
Yoga Teacher Prerequisites
Yoga Teacher Tuition and Financial Aid
Yoga Teacher Accreditation
Choosing a Yoga Teacher School
Answers provided by the author of Educational and Career Opportunities in Alternative Medicine, Rosemary Jones.
What is yoga?
As practiced and taught in the West, yoga is most typically seen as a gentle way to strengthen and tone the body as well as calm the mind and spirit. However, yoga as traditionally practiced in India and other parts of Asia is a complicated system of exercise, diet and meditation tied to specific philosophy or religion. Schools in the United States range from those that emphasize yoga as a form of exercise to those who seek to connect students with yoga's more medical or spiritual aspects.
What is the history of yoga?
Yoga comes out of the same folk medicine, religious and philosophical roots as Ayurvedic medicine, a 5,000 year-old tradition that many claim is the basis for most of the Asian systems of natural medicine. There are literally hundreds of styles of yoga, and each emphasizes a slightly different approach. Hatha Yoga is one of the most common styles taught in the US, but there are many variations on this traditional approach.
What does a yoga teacher do?
A teacher trains students in a specific method of yoga. Some teachers emphasize generally well-being in their classes while others gear training to overcoming the physical effects of specific health problems.
What is a typical day like teaching yoga?
Most teachers divide their day between group classes and individual instruction. Some specialize in working with special needs groups, such as pregnant women, cancer patients or handicapped students.
What is the average yoga teacher salary?
Income varies greatly depending on the hours worked and the type of classes taught. For a class taught in community center, the teacher may receive $5 to $10 per student while private instruction may be $50 or higher per hour.
What laws apply to the teaching of yoga?
Generally, yoga teachers are seen as physical trainers and any regulation would fall under that classification. Some yoga teachers may also be bodyworkers, performing massage on their clients. In this case, they may be required to follow the licensing laws applied to massage therapists in their state.
What are the yoga teacher prerequisites for attending school?
Before attending teacher training, most schools require that students have practiced their style of yoga for one or more years. Some schools require that a student be recommended to the school by a practicing teacher.
What kind of yoga teacher tuition can I expect?
Tuition varies greatly depending on the type of training selected. One year programs generally cost between $2,000 to $5,000.
Is yoga teacher financial aid available?
The schools may offer a payment plan.
What organizations accredit yoga schools?
There are approximately 15 professional organizations for yoga teachers in the United States. Each association maintains a list of recommended schools and teacher training programs.
How long does it take to graduate from a yoga teacher program?
Most teacher training programs take one year and are usually a mix of night classes and weekend seminars.
Where can I get training?
- Arizona
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts - Tempe
- California
- YogaWell's Institute of Progressive Therapies - San Diego
- Canada - British Columbia
- Langara College - Vancouver
- Kentucky
- Lexington Healing Arts Academy - Lexington
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