Teacher Education Programs

“Thinking knowledge of the head combined with the experienced understanding of the heart should be the dharma of a teacher.”
– B.K.S. Iyengar

The question “How do I become a yoga instructor?” begins with a spark of curiosity, an eagerness to learn, and years of dedicated practice. Our Teacher Education Programs help you establish and evolve the skillful means to communicate the art, science, and philosophy of yoga in the Iyengar tradition. The programs offer a deeply rewarding experience.

ART OF TEACHING PROGRAM

Recognized for its tradition of excellence, the program at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco has trained students and teachers from the United States and around the world since 1974. Our Art of Teaching program provides a thorough grounding in the art, science, and philosophy of teaching yoga in the lineage of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar and his family. It provides a foundation for becoming a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) at the Introductory level. Students in this program learn progressively within a supportive community, develop teaching skills, and refine their practice throughout the 5-module program.

Learn and Build

• Deepened self-awareness through practice and self-study
• Teaching proficiency in a time-honored, respected methodology
• Skillful means to communicate the art and science of yoga
• Observation, correction and adjustment skills
• Practical experience of body mechanics in asana
• Clarity of purpose and meaning of teaching in the Iyengar tradition
• Connection to the Iyengar Yoga community and lineage

Program Requirements

The program is open to students of Iyengar Yoga with maturity in practice, curiosity to learn, and passion to share the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Applicants must have:

• recommended 3 years continuous study in Iyengar Yoga classes with a CIYT
• a clear commitment to the Iyengar method and becoming a CIYT
• stability and maturity in Intermediate classes and a home personal practice
• a letter of recommendation from primary CIYT teacher
• IYANC membership

Curriculum

The program includes 5 three-day modules, each covering a range of topics in an inclusive community of engaged practitioners. Topics include:

• Teaching skills
• Sequencing, Pacing, and Linking
• Observation and Correction
• Modifications and adjustments
• Yoga Philosophy and its practical application
• Ethics and practical application in the classroom
• Mentorship

The program emphasizes practice, experiential learning, and intensive study as the means to evolve practical knowledge of the subject of yoga. During off-months, students will be assigned personal and collaborative projects to deepen and broaden their learning.

Mentoring is an essential aspect of the program. To ensure consistency and honor the essence of the mentoring relationship, students of the program are welcome to explore mentoring toward IYNAUS certification with program faculty. Mentoring relationships already established between program students and their CIYT mentor will be supported by the program. All students of the program will be guided to participate progressively as a student, observer, and assistant in a Beginner level class taught at IYISF or their home studio.

Schedule

Each module of the program will be scheduled Friday 4-7pm, Saturday 2-6pm & Sunday 1-5pm. 2020 dates are: January 24-26, March 6-8, April 17-19, May 8-10, July 24-26.

Friday sessions feature themed teaching practicums and are integral to the weekend module. They provide a unique opportunity for participants to learn in both teacher and student roles, gain an understanding of their strengths and challenges among supportive peers and senior teachers, and guide the remaining weekend sessions’ focus.

Faculty

Faculty rotate each year of the program. The 2020 program will be taught by Brian Hogencamp.

Application Process

• For Individual Modules, send an email to TeacherEducation@iyisf.org and complete the 2020 Art of Teaching Application.
• Upon acceptance into the program, payment is due. See Tuition information below.

Tuition

How to obtain teaching certification

The Art of Teaching program is an IYNAUS (Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States) approved teacher education program. Students completing the Art of Teaching program are not awarded a certificate or degree, nor are they able to identify themselves as Iyengar Yoga teachers. IYNAUS is the organization that carries out all aspects of Iyengar Yoga teacher certification in the U.S.; students interested in pursuing certification can find detailed information at www.IYNAUS.org/prerequisites.

EVOLUTION OF TEACHING PROGRAM

The 2020 Evolution of Teaching program provides continuing education for Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYTs) engaged in learning, refinement, and evolution of practice, theory, and teaching skills. The program will incorporate the emerging guidelines from RIMYI. Attending trainings specifically for CIYTs provides a very important need — giving and receiving the feedback of peers and senior teachers.

Our 2020 Evolution of Teaching program has been expanded with more time. Evolution of Teaching is geared towards personal, interactive development of each teacher, helping them to refine and evolve their teaching starting with a thorough consolidation of skills at their own certificate and skill level. Methods of explanation, direct experience, feedback, and discussion will be used to assess and evolve participants’ understanding. Though each module can be taken individually with its focus on a particular set of skills, the series as a whole will be progressive. Emphasis will be upon reflecting on each other’s feedback to refine our approach and cultivate transformation in our students and ourselves.

Program Requirements

• Participants must be a CIYT

Curriculum

• Teaching Skills Practicums (Fridays)
• Conducting a Class with Refinement
• Assessing and Responding to Situations
• Inspiring Your Students’ Practice
• Deepening Your Students’ Experience

Schedule

Each module of the program will be scheduled Friday 4-7pm and Saturday 2-5pm. Friday sessions feature themed teaching practicums that inform the Saturday session. They provide a unique opportunity for participants to learn in both teacher and student roles, gain an understanding of their strengths and challenges among supportive peers and senior teachers, and inform the Saturday session. 2020 dates with Victoria Austin:

June 19-20 • Inspiring Your Students’ Practice: Effort and Effect 

To create foundational teaching skills worldwide, Guruji and Geetaji trained CIYTs to give detailed, precise instruction, plus internal and external feedback to progressively develop students’ performance of asana. This workshop will focus on transforming our teaching from repeating instructional concepts to inspiring bodies, hearts and minds. How do we teach in a way that gives life, and encourages our students to grow as ardent practitioners of yoga? We will investigate cause and effect, communication as applied philosophy, integration, and linking.

This workshop is for CIYTs and candidates currently teaching who are preparing for assessment in 2021.

July 24-25 * • Conducting a Class with Refinement: Progressive Teaching Skills 

Our focus will be on teaching progressively and conducting a class with refinement. We will examine how to safely challenge students, assess their readiness, and inspire them to learn in the face of challenge. How does teaching (demonstration, instruction, observation and correction) differ for students new to yoga for the first few months, from those who have been regularly attending classes for a year, from those who have been regularly attending for longer?

* This workshop will include plenary sessions with the Art of Teaching students and teacher, Brian Hogencamp, as well as breakout sessions for CIYTs to expand and refine established teaching skills.

September 11-12 • Assessing and Responding to Situations: Practical Philosophy, Modifications and Adjustments

How do CIYTs build the ability to simultaneously engage, interact, practice, assess and correct students individually and as a group? We will study the art of inquiry and response while teaching: how to sequentially improvise and choreograph a developmental experience for our students while meeting the needs that appear on the spot. We will touch on introductory therapeutics, women’s issues, how to include students of differing abilities and needs, affirmative consent, and types of hands-on adjustment.

This workshop is for CIYTs and candidates currently teaching who are preparing for assessment in 2021.