The Yoga Academy Teacher Training Course:
Outline of Course Curriculum

 

Techniques

Teaching and Practice of Yoga Asana / Pranayama / Mudra / Bandha / Kriya / Yoga Nidra / Meditation and Chanting.

 

Teaching Methodology

Principles of Demonstration & Adjustment, Assisting/Correcting, Observation, Teaching Styles, Qualities of a teacher, and the student’s process of learning.

 

Yoga Philosophy

Ancient and Contemporary Texts.

 

Anatomy and Physiology

Includes both Physical and Subtle Anatomy.

 

Roles Ethics and Responsibilities of a Teacher of Yoga.

 

Also included within the course are Focus Workshops, for example: Yoga & Pregnancy / Yoga for Kids / Yoga for Seniors / Partner Work / Establishing a Career as a Yoga Teacher. While Philosophy, Anatomy & Physiology, & Lesson Planning will be emphasised throughout the course, there will be full-day workshops within the residential periods dedicated to these subjects, facilitated by the specialist teachers (as listed above).

 

The Teacher Training Programme is designed to be innovative, challenging, and enjoyable, while being structured as a course of intensive study. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, & students are expected to complete/undertake independent study, practice and reading. Each intensive course day will include practice, formal practical study/lecture time, unsupervised study/reading time, discussion time, & ‘silent time’. Homework and essays will be assigned. A minimum number of non-contact hours are stipulated in the course curriculum, while to successfully graduate, all students will be required to pass all areas of the course, write 2 essays (one A&P, one Philosophy), produce a Personal Research Project (elected subject), Mid-course examination, an A&P exam/questionnaire, produce required Class Plans, a Teacher’s Manual, & teach 3 planned classes & make small group presentations while being ‘assessed’.

 

The first assessed taught class is held within the final residential intensive. The second & third assessments to be arranged by each student, with a mutually agreed teacher assessor, in the final 6 months of the course period. Students are responsible for any ‘assessor’ fees that may be applicable for the second & third external assessments.

 

Throughout the duration of the course, as part of the ongoing assessment process each student will be required to assist/observe classes with Simon Low, Simona Hernandez, Sue Delf, Andrea Hanagarth & other Yoga Academy teachers &/or approved teachers. In addition, appointments as class assistants may be arranged with approved teachers and schools outside of the course residential periods. Teachers will be provided with assessment forms to sign. Hours spent assisting are added to your non-contact hours total.

 

Simon has scheduled this course to be as user-friendly as possible for students still in full time employment or parenting, while maximizing the effectiveness of ‘intensive’ study. The venue is of the highest quality & comfort available for yoga residential purposes. The teachers are of the highest calibre available in the UK.

 

You will be entering a study & practice ‘community’ that will exist long after the course has been completed. Come prepared to participate fully & become an informed, safe, & skilled teacher of yoga, with a network of support & on-going study.

 

On registration you will be given, the pre-course reading list & study requirements, essential course reference book list, & essential props list.

 

On commencement of the course, at the first residential period, you will be provided with a full curriculum & schedule of activities.

 

Where possible it is recommended that each student teacher attends workshops and courses before during and after The Yoga Academy Teacher Training Course. Simon will highlight courses and workshops that occur over the course period, which he considers to be particularly appropriate. All students are required to complete a basic first aid course, (at their own expense), before graduating from the Teacher Training Programme. While the ongoing and final assessment and guidance process will be rigorous and demanding it is designed to maximise your benefit from this Teacher Training Course and guide you toward a successful graduation.

 

The Yoga Academy course offers contact & non-contact hours well in excess of Yoga Alliance certification requirements, & fully meets the requirements of the British Wheel of Yoga.

 

Where possible course students & graduates of The Yoga Academy will be offered opportunities to assist & occasionally teach on Simon Low’s residential yoga weekend retreats & workshops in the UK or his yoga holidays abroad. Students assisting on residential weekends will be charged accommodation & meal expenses only. Expenses for foreign trips are variable and will be advised.