Before you begin
7 things to consider when choosing a teacher training course. By Yogacharini Kalavathi Devi
1. The Teacher
It is important to find the right person so do your research and look into the qualifications and teaching career of the teacher rather than relying on an accreditation logo as ‘accreditors’ don’t always regulate. Experience is really important. A minimum of 10 years teaching with regular CPD training would be a good place to start. When you have found someone you think is suitable, get in contact.
Ring them for a chat or ask to meet them and make sure you find them approachable and likable. You can ask them if they will put you in contact with their graduated students to ask their opinion. If you can, attend some of their classes. Signing up for a few sessions would give you a good experience of their teaching style and ability.
2. Duration
These days we want to do things as quickly as possible but that isn’t always the best way for yoga training. Yoga teacher training is best done over a longer period. We teach best by experience and understanding so we need to spend time with the concepts and practices so that we really get to know them. Short intensive courses pack a lot into a short time but don’t allow you to really feel, understand and develop the practices. This is especially so with pranayama which can take a considerable time to learn to breathe properly before you are able to learn different pranayamas effectively. Since the content will be limited on a short course you will probably find yourself looking at more training afterwards. Check the training dates work for you. An occasional unforeseen absence could be acceptable but you should expect to have good attendance.
3. Content
These days we want to do things as quickly as possible but that isn’t always the best way for yoga training. Yoga teacher training is best done over a longer period. We teach best by experience and understanding so we need to spend time with the concepts and practices so that we really get to know them. Short intensive courses pack a lot into a short time but don’t allow you to really feel, understand and develop the practices. This is especially so with pranayama which can take a considerable time to learn to breathe properly before you are able to learn different pranayamas effectively. Since the content will be limited on a short course you will probably find yourself looking at more training afterwards. Check the training dates work for you. An occasional unforeseen absence could be acceptable but you should expect to have good attendance.
4. Location
Location is important as you need to consider how you will get there. Is it close enough to commute and are there good public transport links or roads? Will you need to get accommodation if the venue is a little further away? Often the teacher will be able to recommend accommodation and you can often find reasonable places on airbnb or cheaper ones in hostels. There is also the possibility to stay with another student on the course when you make friends. When you do stay away to do your training you have the added benefit of not having any of life’s interruptions when you go home in the evenings.
5. Online v In-Person
Ideally you will do it in person since it is much better for you and the teacher that you are present. However, if the teacher is a good communicator and considerate to how the training will come across online and how the online students are integrated into the group energy then online is not out of the question. If you are considering online or a hybrid course, which offers both, then take an online class with the teacher to see if you think you could work this way. Before Covid-19, I never thought I would ever teach online or that it was possible to do a good job online but when we went into lockdown we had to quickly jump online at the beginning of a new training course.
We spent 70% of the course online and I thought I would have to add some extra sessions to cover anything the students hadn’t picked up. But my students proved me wrong and did an amazing job and graduated on time.
6. Cost
When it comes to the price, remember the saying: ‘You get what you pay for’. We all love a bargain but although cheap may be attractive, it won’t mean best! Quite often, if you pay peanuts, you will get peanuts! Look at what you will get for the money. Look at how many hours are spent with the teacher, look at the teacher’s qualifications, look at the duration and check the content. All of these things should reflect the price. A year’s training is usually around £2,500, so this should give you a rough idea of costs when looking at shorter or longer courses. Prices can differ depending on location so looking around could save money.
7. Support
This can make a huge difference to your experience. Find a friendly approachable teacher that is happy to support you whenever you need it. Finding a course that integrates new and old students is really worthwhile as you can draw on their experience and advice. Some courses also offer mentoring. Most teachers have their own teachers and having access to them is really beneficial and shows a path of progression where more courses and experiences open up. Make sure there is teaching practice and guidance whilst on your course so that you learn how to teach whilst training and aren’t expected to learn this afterwards ‘on the job’. Teaching yoga is more than teaching some physical practices, it is a transformational journey which you share with others. It can be hard work but so very worth it. Good luck!
Yogacharini Kalavathi Devi is senior teacher and trainer of the Gitananda Tradition and owner of Om Studio in Cardiff (omstudio.co.uk)
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
