Designing a Plan to Become a Yoga Teacher, Part 2
By Paul Jerard
Many
of the "quickly certified" Yoga teachers, come to a realization
and later join other Yoga teacher programs to be re-educated, and re-certified
again, because they, themselves, did not learn about contraindications,
modifications, working with special populations (senior citizens, children,
students with ailments, less flexible students, handicapped, etc.),
Yoga methodology, and a multitude of other previously mentioned Yoga
subjects.
Unfortunately, these Yoga teachers are often trained
to teach Yoga as an exercise program by learning a dozen or two dozen
asanas, and not much beyond this. The fact is, Yoga is much more than
an exercise program. Yoga is the most complete health maintenance
system known to mankind, with a lineage of thousands of years. Whole
health needs to be addressed by much more than an exercise program.
On-site training is not cheap and can vary from the
low $2000.00 range to very expensive. When you consider travel, lodging,
and all of the expenses involved a typical Yoga teacher training may
well cost you $6000.00 or more. Does anyone offer Yoga teacher interns
a guarantee? Not often, and as of today, I only know of only one guaranteed
Yoga teacher training course in existence.
On the other hand, Yoga teacher correspondence courses
are much more reasonable, but can vary in the number of study hours
and overall quality. For example: A forty hour Yoga course is just
not enough time for anyone to safely learn to teach Yoga students.
Once again, you should research the syllabus and get a complete Yoga
teacher training course.
If you are considering a Yoga teacher correspondence
course, you should have sufficient knowledge of Yoga. Also, make sure
that customer service is always a priority to the Yoga teacher training
center after the sale has been made to the Yoga teacher intern. If
you call during business hours and get a live person who answers your
questions diplomatically, that will give you some indication of the
technical service you should expect.
While you are at it, make sure that you are calling
a Yoga teacher training center and not a "diploma house."
If they certify everything from pet sitting to web design, what do
you think they really know about teaching Yoga?
Once you have received the study material, there will
undoubtedly be questions, concerns, or need for further assistance,
via email, or telephone, from the intern who has purchased the Yoga
teacher course. Make sure you get answers if you are "stuck"
during your Yoga teacher internship.
What are your goals in regard to your Yogic career?
Plan long term and short term goals, but add your continuing education
to both lists. At least, make it a point to read Yoga books and watch
Yoga DVD's. Audio books are handy too.
What is your estimated time frame to become a Yoga
teacher? All you have to do is pencil in a realistic deadline. It
does not have to be tomorrow and the idea should not create any stress.
You should have fun, and "enjoy the journey," when you are
working toward your goal of teaching Yoga.
Yoga
Teacher Salary
What kind of salary can you expect to earn as a Yoga
teacher? If you are looking at an hourly rate, anywhere from $35 to
$120 is about right in North America.
There are many factors involved in pricing, such as
demographics and demand. If a Fortune 500 company hires you to teach
Yoga, or stress management, to their executive staff, you know the
price should reflect your preparation and travel time.
Lastly, if you feel the calling to teach Yoga, please
do the following. Write your plans down, take action, and go after
your goal of becoming a Yoga teacher. The public needs more compassionate
Yoga instructors and the job is very rewarding.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications.
Learn How
to Become a Yoga Teacher
