Quarterly Intensives
Teacher Training Program
Grow as a Yoga Teacher with The Yoga Sanctuary
Yoga Teacher Training & Education
The Yoga Sanctuary offers many ways to learn, study, and develop the skills needed to become a fun and effective yoga teacher or to simply continue your yoga teacher education. Our year-round schedule of workshops explore a wide range of topics, such as structural and subtle anatomy, yoga philosophy and history, as well as the sister sciences of yoga – Ayurveda and Jyotish. Many of our teachers are registered with Yoga Alliance as E-RYTs (Experienced Yoga Teacher) and YACEPs (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider). This means that when you take a workshop with these teachers, your time with them counts towards any required continuing education hours. In addition to these ongoing workshops, we’ve also created a program specifically geared toward developing one’s skills as a yoga teacher. You can read more about our Art of Teaching Workshop Series and Mentorship Program below. And finally, every other year we offer a full 200-hour Yoga Alliance registered Yoga Teacher Training Program that will prepare you to step into the role of yoga teacher. Take the time to read through our offerings and then connect with us HERE. We’d love to hear from!
The Yoga Sanctuary’s 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program
Upcoming Session: December 2024 – April 2025
“If you want to learn something, read about it.
If you want to understand something, write about it.
If you want to master something, teach it.”
~ Yogi Bhajan
Do you want to take your yoga practice to the next level? Does the idea of sharing the yoga practice with others as a teacher intrigue you? Are you interested in learning more about the philosophy behind the practice? TYS Teacher Training offers a unique, integrated approach to studying, practicing, and teaching yoga. Through this training you will develop a deep foundation of yoga philosophy, anatomy, and asana. As you cultivate your own practice, you will gain the tools needed for teaching a safe and fun yoga class all while gaining a better understanding of yourself along the way. TYS Teacher Training is ideal for aspiring teachers, health practitioners, and students who want to simply deepen their practice and study of yoga.
You will have the unique opportunity to study with leading guest teachers, such as Kristin Leal (MetaAnatomy), Dr. Carrie Demers (Ayurveda), and Liz Owen (Anatomy, Teaching Methodology, Asana) who are specialists in their fields. In addition, you will receive practical teaching experience, business coaching, and one-on-one mentoring from program faculty.
Upon completion of this program, you will have a deeper understanding and mastery of your home practice, and be fully confident and capable to teach yoga, if that is your goal. You will also qualify to register as an instructor with the internationally-recognized Yoga Alliance.
Curriculum
Yoga Philosophy, Ethics & Lifestyle:
- History of Yoga: Explore the origins and evolution of yoga from ancient times to the modern day.
- Key Philosophical Texts: With a focus on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, we will also explore the Bhagavad Gita and other foundational texts.
- Eight Limbs of Yoga: Delve into the principles of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
- Ethics and Lifestyle: Study and discuss the ethical guidelines of yoga and how to incorporate yogic principles into daily life for personal and professional integrity.
Anatomy & Physiology
- Physical Anatomy: Learn about the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems relevant to yoga practice.
- Subtle Anatomy: Study the chakras, nadis, prana, and other aspects of the subtle body.
- Biomechanics of Asana: Understand the alignment and movement of the body in various yoga poses.
- Injury Prevention: Gain knowledge on common injuries and how to avoid them through proper practice and modifications.
Theory & Practice of Asana, Pranayama & Meditation
- Asana: Practice and refine a wide range of yoga postures, focusing on alignment, benefits, and potential contraindications.
- Pranayama: Learn, practice, and develop various breathing techniques to enhance vitality and mental clarity.
- Meditation: Explore different meditation techniques to develop concentration, mindfulness, and inner peace.
- Sequencing: Understand how to sequence yoga classes effectively for different levels and needs of practitioners.
Ayurveda: The Sister Science of Yoga
- Introduction to Ayurveda: Study the basic principles of Ayurveda, including the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
- Ayurvedic Lifestyle: Learn daily routines and practices to balance the doshas and promote health.
Teaching Methodology
- Class Planning: Learn how to plan and structure a yoga class, including setting an intention and creating a balanced sequence.
- Communication Skills: Develop effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to engage and instruct students.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Understand how to make yoga accessible to all students, regardless of age, ability, or background.
Teaching Practicums
- Practice Teaching: Put what you learn into practice under supervision to gain practical experience.
- Feedback and Reflection: Receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors to improve teaching skills.
- Class Observation: Observe experienced teachers and analyze their teaching methods and styles.
Schedule
TYS Teacher Training is spread over five months to accommodate those who work a standard full-time schedule, seasonal residents, and students with other obligations. We meet every Wednesday and every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Your dedication and 100% participation is required for the program. In addition to the scheduled meeting times, you will meet regularly with your assigned mentor, complete individual and group homework projects, observe and participate in several weekly group classes, contribute Karma Yoga hours, and develop a home practice.
Times: Wednesdays: 6 – 9pm; Fridays: 6 – 9pm; Saturdays: 11am – 6pm; Sundays: 1pm – 6pm
Dates: December 4, 2024 – April 27, 2025 (Graduation dinner scheduled for May 2, 2025)
Dates and times may be subject to change.
Prerequisites
Please have at least one year of consistent yoga practice. Advanced asana practice is not required; a full commitment to the program is. To apply, submit a completed Teacher Training application(.pdf). You will be contacted to schedule an interview with the program director. All students of yoga are encouraged to apply, regardless of physical ability or limitations.
Extremely intensive and comprehensive training program that I would whole-heartedly recommend. Jennifer French, other faculty teachers at The Yoga Sanctuary, and our guest teachers were totally awesome! I was given a strong foundation to proceed with the teaching of yoga. I am thankful for this experience!!
“The Yoga Sanctuary’s Teacher Training Program was an unbelievable, life-changing experience! Of course, I learned about Yoga’s deeper impact on the body and the mind, the rich tradition from which Yoga emerged, and how to both safely teach and pronounce the postures in Sanskrit. However, there were other unexpected gifts. After completing the 200-hour program, I felt so much more confidence. I experienced strength while learning about gentleness. And, I met some amazing people…teachers and classmates.”
Faculty & Guest Teachers
The Yoga Sanctuary Teacher Training Program is directed by Jennifer French, owner of The Yoga Sanctuary and Yoga Alliance Registered Instructor (E-RYT) with over ten years of teaching experience. The faculty also includes local RYT Yoga Instructors and world-renowned guest instructors to offer students one of the best Training Programs in Southwest Florida.
Kristin Leal — MetaAnatomy
Kristin’s teachings are infused with the miracle of the human body and the liberating potential of movement. She is the creator of the Kaya Yoga 200 and 300-hour teacher training – graduating over 1,000 students since 2005 – and leads workshops around the world. In love with how esoteric anatomy links so effortlessly to Western anatomy, her MetaAnatomy™ trainings blend serious scientific knowledge with a sense of humor and a deep connection to the divine within us all. Since 2006 she has been working with Yogiraj Alan Finger of ISHTA yoga and has helped this yogi master translate his teachings to create his 300- hour and ISHTA marma point teacher training. A licensed massage therapist since 1995 (Swedish Institute of Massage,) she also holds certifications in Reiki, Thai massage, neuromuscular and myofascial release, and is a co-author of the book “The Yoga Fan” (2003) and the author of MetaAnatomy™ (2014). Learn more about Kristin here.
Dr. Carrie Demers – Ayurveda
As the Director of the Himalayan Institute Total Health Center, Dr. Carrie Demers M.D., lectures nationally on Ayurveda and holistic health. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Demers is a holistic physician who blends modern medicine with traditional approaches to health. After receiving her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and completing her residency at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Dr. Demers went on to study massage, homeopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, Yoga and Ayurveda. Widely recognized for her expertise in holistic health, Dr. Demers has been quoted in Time magazine, and is a frequent contributor to Yoga International magazine.
Liz Owen, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT — Asana, Anatomy
Liz is an inspiring and passionate yoga teacher and author. She has taught since 1990 and is known for her light-hearted presentation style as well as the depth of her knowledge. She is coauthor and lead yoga teacher for two NIH-funded studies conducted at Boston University School of Medicine, which have shown that yoga improves mood and decreases anxiety in people with both Major Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has led workshops intended for people living with depression, as well as teacher training immersions for professionals, since 2011. Liz is also coauthor of The Yoga Effect: A Proven Program for Depression & Anxiety and Yoga for a Healthy Lower Back: A Practical Guide to Developing Strength and Relieving Pain. The second title aptly describes her other passion, helping students to heal their backs. She has taught Healthy Lower Back workshops for 15 years and has joyfully watched many people improve their back health, and their mental health, through the practices of yoga.
TYS Faculty Mentorship
Our program also includes a strong one-on-one mentorship component. Each participant will be assigned a faculty mentor. Our mentors consist of E-RYT (experienced registered yoga teachers), RYT 200, RYT 500, and past graduates of the TYS Yoga Teacher Training Program. Participants will meet with their mentors a minimum of five times throughout the program. Your faculty mentor will support you in your growth and preparation for your first live community taught yoga class.
*Faculty and guests subject to change.
Investment
Early Bird Registration: $3250. Must be paid in full by October 26, 2024.
Standard Registration: $3550. Final payment due by November 27, 2024.
Payment Plan: $3700. Three payments of $1033 will be automatically charged to your credit card. One payment each month, starting on the first day of the Program.
Application fee: $100 non-refundable. This will be deducted from your tuition if accepted into the program.
Deposit: A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your spot in the training once accepted.
Benefits
One of the greatest benefits of participating in The Yoga Sanctuary Teacher Training Program is FREE unlimited yoga classes!
Your tuition also includes 20% off:
- All workshops led by TYS instructors
- Services offered at The Yoga Sanctuary such as massage and energy work
- Any retail items in the TYS Boutique, including required books.
Savings begin when tuition is paid in full. Unlimited class access begins December 1st. Both extend through the duration of the program.
“Wholeheartedly I feel that TYS TT program instilled in me the best of what Yoga is. The program is exemplary, I recommend it to anyone who is in search of delving deeper into the practice of Yoga. Jennifer French is without a doubt a magnificent and honest Yogi. It was an honor to learn from her….. I am so blessed and forever grateful that my training was at TYS. I feel confident teaching students all that I have learned from my own years of practice and what I learned in TT.”
“My yoga practice started in 2008 and I began taking classes and workshops at The Yoga Sanctuary in 2010. As time went on I realized I wanted to learn as much as I could from the teachers in a studio I called home. The best way for me to accomplish this was to attend teacher training at TYS, which I did in 2012/2013. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I’m grateful for all I have learned and continue to learn. Although I don’t teach, I did this for my own knowledge and growth. At some point I may decide to teach. Anyone that is considering the teacher training at TYS, I could not recommend a better studio and teachers.”
Whether you want to become a yoga teacher or just deepen your yoga knowledge and practice, The Yoga Sanctuary’s Yoga Teacher Training Program is the best place to commit your time and energy. I knew immediately after the information meeting that this was a professional, in-depth, compassionate training that incorporated custom notebooks, expert guest speakers and a group of like-minded students that transform into lifelong friendships. I highly recommend the TYS YTT. It truly changed my life both on and off the yoga mat.
The Art of Teaching Quarterly Intensives
Are you ready to take your teaching skills to the next level and make a positive impact on your students’ lives? The Yoga Sanctuary’s Art of Teaching Quarterly Series is here to do just that. These full-day intensives dive deeper into the foundational and practical skills necessary to teach in a creative, mindful, and rewarding way for both the teacher and the student. Topics include the dynamics of the teacher-student relationship, how to incorporate yoga philosophy into class, and the principles of a well-balanced and mindful approach to teaching, as well as full intensive focuses on sequencing, adjusting, and modifying class for a range of physical abilities.
Whether you are an experienced teacher looking to enhance your skills or a new teacher just starting out, these intensives are for you. Led by senior yoga teacher, Jennifer French, with over 17 years of teaching experience, you will be guided through hands-on activities and receive personalized feedback to help you grow as a teacher.
Each workshop is part of The Yoga Sanctuary’s Mentorship Program and is eligible for continuing education hours with Yoga Alliance.
While the focus is on teaching yoga, these workshops are also open to all yoga practitioners interested in deepening their understanding of their yoga practice or considering the possibility of taking a Yoga Teacher Training Program.
Quarterly Workshop Focuses
- Strengthening Your Foundation: September 2023
- Honing Your Sequence: January 2024
- Seeing Your Students: June 2024
- Making it Accessibility: October 2024
Please check our workshop schedule regularly for upcoming dates and topic details.
The Art of Teaching Mentorship Program
The Art of Teaching Mentorship Program is open to anyone that has completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. The program is designed to help YTT graduates continue their growth and education, and to develop their skills as a teacher. It is a wonderful bridge for those that have completed a YTT, but have yet to teach a live class.
Program Components
- (6) Private sessions: One-on-one sessions will include structuring your individualized program, practice teaching and discussion, review of observations/assists, and giving and receiving feedback.
- (6) Observations: Sit in on and potentially assist live classes led by the program mentor.
- (2) Teach full classes: With the help of the program mentor, you will design and teach two live classes.
- Weekly studio class attendance with program mentor.
- (1) 6-hour Art of Teaching quarterly workshop.
Program Perks
- Unlimited complimentary class attendance during the 12-week session
- Unlimited email access to program mentor
- 15% discount on TYS in-house led workshops and retail
- Potential enrollment in TYS substitute teaching list upon completion of program
Program Requirements
- Dedicated yoga practice
- Openness and willingness to learn and grow
- Short meeting/interview with program mentor
- Completion of 200-hour teacher training program, does not have to be the TYS Teacher Training Program
Your Investment
$1080
This includes all Program Components & Perks
Program Director and Mentor
Jennifer French, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Jennifer has more than seventeen years and ten thousand hours of yoga teaching experience working with all levels of students. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 500 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) and a YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continued Education Provider). As much as Jennifer loves being in the role of teacher, she finds it equally—if not more—important to be in the role of student. Having completed two 200-hour, a 500-hour and countless “undocumented” hours of yoga training, she continues her own studies through the support, mentorship, and guidance of her primary teachers, Tias & Surya Little of Prajna Yoga.