Six Considerations When Choosing a Teacher Training

Focus Yoga is a little more than halfway into our current teacher training. Already I am beginning to field calls and questions about our next training. While my current group is working on twists, nadi shodhana, and the Bhagavad Gita, a new group is researching and considering. With some additions and updates, I'm revisiting an article I wrote last year, hoping it will be helpful.


A teacher training is a pretty fair investment of time and money. You'll want to take every step you can to make certain you've selected a training that will give you a good experience, and the knowledge and skills to become an amazing instructor. Some of the first things you'll probably ask when searching for programs concern schedule and location; are they convenient? If you've checked yes to those, don't stop there! Make certain to ask these questions as well:

Do I like the tone and the feel of the studio? Do I feel comfortable there? Attend class at the studio you are considering. If it feels unprofessional, such as unreliable schedules or a disorganized feel, be cautious about committing to more than general classes. Make certain you feel welcome and supported.

Do I like the teaching style of the training's main instructors? Find out who provides the bulk of the instruction of the teacher training and take a yoga class with them. Is the class engaging? Is the instructor's cueing clean? Do they display a strong knowledge of asana and philosophy? Is this someone you could spend much, much more time listening to?

What are the total program fees? The base cost, in many cases, cover only 2/3 to one-half of the total cost to become certified. Find out about additional required courses, such as anatomy, additional workshops, and required yoga classes outside the training, as well as books and materials.

What are the total time requirements of the program? A program that can be completed in a few months, weeks, or (shudder) days is not necessarily better than one that takes seven, eight, or even up to a year. Consider the depth of knowledge you hope to gain. Can you be exposed, digest, and practice skills and knowledge you learn in a shorter training? If many hours are compressed into a short time, do you feel you can absorb the information? Conversely, if you are considering a program that has very heavy requirements, such as many workshops in addition to class time, be realistic. Can you take time away from work or family? Be honest about the balance of what you can invest vs. what you hope to gain.

Can I see a detailed list or outline of material covered? Asana is only one of the subjects your training should cover. It may take a large percentage of the training time, but after completing the program, you should also have a working knowledge of pranayama, meditation, asana-related anatomy, basic philosophy, such as the Yoga Sutras, and yogic lifestyle topics. In addition, teaching skills should be a very large part of the program. Knowledge of the above topics is only valuable to an instructor if they can effectively communicate that knowledge.

Can I talk to a graduate? Most recent graduates are excited to talk about their experience. Did they enjoy the program? Did they feel the program was well-organized and directed? Was there a lot of "busy" work, or work that did not seem to support any goals? Did they feel well on their way to becoming a confident instructor upon graduation? (Not all graduates will feel comfortable teaching immediately, but they should be gaining confidence as they teach.) Are the instructors of the program still available to them as they begin to navigate the world of teaching?

Follow the above guidelines to find the right fit. Focus Yoga offers a teacher training program that we love to talk about. We'd love to see you in class, show you our outline, and put you in touch with recent graduates. For more information about our training, including an outline of covered topics, click here. If you have any questions you'd like to post below, please comment. We will address them, and perhaps your question will benefit others!