Yoga Teacher Training “Open House” with Lucas Rockwood
Agenda for Today… • Decide if teaching yoga is right for you • Explore various course options • Figure how which style of yoga is right for you • Explore post-teaching options: working, traveling, etc • Answer your questions
About Me… • Yoga teacher and teacher trainer • Studio owner and founder of Absolute Yoga Academy • I’ve taught in 4 countries at over a dozen studios (including my own) • I’ve taught over 10,000 students • Over 1,000 students have graduated from my teacher training programs • So… I understand teaching, training and working as a teacher at the deepest level
Lucas Rockwood
About Our School • Started out of necessity—we needed more teachers • Huge success right from day 1, our first course was completely sold out • Originally, most students came from Asia, now students come from all over the world • All courses are international with English as the primary teaching language, but many trainees practice teaching and eventually teach in over 12 different languages • Thailand is our “home base” but we now are introducing courses all over the world
Are You Ready to Become a Teacher? • Do you find your yoga practice is the most important thing you do each day? • Do you find yourself looking at yoga photos, yoga websites, and yoga studio schedules when you should be working? • Are you more committed to learning yoga right now than learning other things? • If so, there is a very good chance it’s time for you to become a teacher • Many (if not most) long-time students take a teacher training course at some point—it’s the logical next step in learning
“But Am I Ready to Teach?” • Most-common question, the answer is that you’ll never feel completely ready— it’s always a process • The best time to become a teacher is when you’re most passionate about it • Perfect postures are not needed to become a great teacher • Many of the best teachers in the world do not have advanced practices, but they have a passion and energy that is very exciting for students
How Do I Choose the Right Course? • Make sure to differentiate between a practice vacation course vs. teacher training course • Think about your favorite class: what style of yoga is it? • Think about where you’d like to teach: what style of yoga do they offer? • Ask your local studio owner or teachers what they think • Read, watch videos, ask questions, and trust your instincts • If you feel a course is just not right for you—you’re probably right • If you feel really drawn to a certain teacher or course, trust it!
Styles of Yoga • Hot Yoga - this is one of the most commercially-successful styles of yoga all over the world and is now being offered in gyms and fitness centers as well • Power/Vinyasa/Flow Yoga - this is probably the most popular style of yoga in the world. Based on the Ashtanga Vinyasa system, poses flow into dynamic sequences linked with the breath. • Other Styles (less common): classic hatha yoga, yin yoga, restorative yoga, prenatal yoga, and various school-specific styles.
“But I Love Them All…” • Modern yoga teachers often teach 2-5 different styles of yoga, it’s becoming the norm • With a firm foundation in a specific style, you can quickly and easily learn other styles in the future • On a fundamental level, yoga styles are much more similar than different, so the important thing is that you find the course that is right for you—right now
About Yoga Alliance • Largest registry of yoga courses worldwide • Regulated controls on course curriculum and contents • Shows that the course is professional, organized, and current with industry norms • Expected and accepted worldwide, most standardized certification • It is your own certification, meaning it’s 3rd-party certified
After You Graduate • Most teachers earn $25-50/class • $50-80 would be on the high side, and $80-150/class is a senior teacher level • < 7 classes per week is “part time” • 8-12 classes per week is “full time” • 13+ classes per week is “very hard” • Some teachers work fulltime, many work part time incorporating other jobs or hobbies into their lifestyle • These days, it’s possible in many countries to live a comfortable life as a fulltime yoga teacher
Where You Can Teach • • • • • •
Yoga studios Fitness centers and gyms Schools and universities Privately Sports clubs and teams Resorts and hotels
IMPORTANT: yoga studios are just one place to teach. There are many times more opportunities outside of studios than in them, so think creatively.
Questions Answered… Q: “Before the course, how much do I need to practice to be ready?” A: Practice as much as you can, but don’t overdue it. Learning to teach and learning to practice are two different things. Q: “Do I need to be able to do advanced posses to attend the course or to graduate?” A: No, advanced poses are not part of teaching. Keep in mind, 90% of your students will be beginners.
Q: “Is there per-course homework or reading I should do?” A: Yes, most courses have a recommended reading list, precourse assignments, and also a practice log where you’ll take classes before the course to prepare. Check with your course director. Q: “What about non-Absolute Yoga Academy Courses?” A: Obviously, I think our courses are amazing—but I’m biased. There are certainly other options available, and many different approaches. The key thing I always say is just make sure you’re getting the training experience that is going to serve you—not just a holiday or practice vacation.
Take the Next Step • At Absolute Yoga Academy, we have courses in Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Bryce Yoga, and advanced courses as well • Our home base is Koh Samui, Thailand, but we’re now offering satellite courses at different studios around the world • Get in touch with any questions at any time—we’re here to help • If Absolute Yoga Academy is not the right fit for you, that is perfectly fine too, and we’re happy to help refer you to another course if it better suits your needs
Teach Yoga, Inspire Students, Change Lives
www.AbsoluteYogaAcademy.com