With so many teacher trainings offering the same syllabus, how do you choose

which is the right training for you? By Michele Pernetta

A

teacher training is a big

investment of time and

money, so what should you

look for to differentiate the

courses?

It’s easy to say the right things as a

course director, to put the right ad-words,

and inspirational sayings on your website.

But a discerning person needs to read

between the lines and not be afraid to ask a

lot of questions.

What to look for:

Have a think about what kind of teacher

you would like to be or what you are

interested in and see if any course leans

towards those interests.

How to differentiate

teacher trainings

The experience of the tutors. For Yoga

Alliance certification the senior teachers

need to have over 10 years experience and

teach 70% of the course. Make sure that

is going to happen. Tales of courses where

the senior tutor popped in for a couple of

workshops are rife.

Some courses lean towards philosophy,

anatomy, meditation and/or spiritual

aspects of yoga. Others towards the

practicalities of teaching different body

types in busy classes. Ensure you know

beforehand.

Just because a teacher might teach

inspirational classes doesn’t mean they are

experienced in supporting others through

a teacher training. Those are very different

skills. Talk to people who have done the

course. Go to an open day, meet the tutors,

see if you connect.

Course format:

Intensives versus correspondence courses.

An intensive is just that – intense. It will

create a crucible that will spark growth, and

with growth often comes challenge. It is an

incredible time, and your mind and body

change dramatically. You gain a network of

friends and support. However, you want to

be sure you are in experienced hands, with

people who have the maturity to support

the process.

A correspondence type course over a year

or two can be convenient if you work or have