Lead teacher: Joanne VandenHengel, ERYT
The Teacher training program evolved with students requesting training in the art of teaching yoga from Joanne. This first graduating class consisted mostly of long term students moving forward on their yoga journey with Joanne as she continues along the yoga path with them. Upon completion of the first year of the program, these keynotes of the program clarified and solidified.
The teacher training program is intimate, personal, skillful and supportive. It is a journey into self realization. It is an opportunity for each teacher to feel empowered by his/her own innate skills. The program encourages and creates confidence in listening to one’s intuition while working within the raja yoga tradition. Students are encouraged to find and speak their voices, study together, share, and create and practice teaching while investigating the principles of anatomy and physiology applied to yoga and meditation. Each prospective teacher is encouraged to create and cultivate their uniquely personal teaching style grounded in tradition yet respectful of change.
200-hour Course of Study includes:
Techniques:
Asana, Pranayama, mantra, meditation and introduction to other traditional yoga techniques; study includes analytical training in how to teach and practice the techniques along with guided practice of techniques methodology: principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/corrections, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, the student’s process of learning, and the business aspects of conducting yoga classes.
Anatomy and Physiology:
Includes both human physical anatomy and physiology (body systems, organs, etc) and energy anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, etc.) The course includes both the study of an application of its principles to yoga practice -benefits, contraindications, healthy movement patterns, etc.
Yoga Philosophy/Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers:
Includes the study of yoga sutras, yoga lifestyle and ethics for yoga teachers; making conscientious personal choices.
Practicum:
Includes practice teaching, receiving feedback, observing others teaching and hearing/giving feedback.
Download Yoga Teacher Candidate Questionnaire
Teacher Trainee Experiences:
“… I’ve been studying and reflecting on the yamas and niyamas and how to apply them in different aspects of my life. One of the areas where it’s very easy to forget my yoga mind is at work. I have a stressful job with a lot of responsibility, and numerous interactions throughout the day. However, it is a tremendous opportunity to bring my yoga to life by examining how I conduct my work day, and how I can do that better for myself and for the people who I interact with at work. It’s really allowed me to delve into my motivations, examine how and why I do things the way I do, and expose areas where I can do a lot better.”
“I also used them as a guide to frame a difficult conversation I needed to have with my boss, and the work ahead of time allowed me to have a very open, honest and unvarnished talk that was really needed.”
“I’m not quite sure how to record this in my journal, but I’m really enjoying the journey. It’s not always pleasant, but it’s necessary, and I’m so thankful for having the opportunity to do it. Without you and the teacher training program, I wouldn’t be doing this now, and may not have ever done it. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”