TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
The YOGA NORTH TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM is coordinated by Val Paape, with the assistance of Lisa Towson, and follows the standards and guidelines set out by the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC). The IYAC is the governing body for Iyengar Yoga teaching in Canada. It assesses and certifies teachers according to international standards. At Yoga North, our training program is geared to enable trainees to apply for national certification, and we are a recognized teacher-training program by the IYAC.
For more information about the IYAC, you can access their official website, www.iyengaryogacanada.ca.
For more information about B.K.S. Iyengar and the Iyengar Method, you can access the official website at www.bksiyengar.com.
PRE-REQUISITES
Students should be currently attending the Level 4 class at Yoga North and have a dedicated home practice in the Iyengar method prior to starting teacher training.
COMPONENTS
The following components make up the Yoga North Teacher Training Program:
Yoga Study Series
Topics covered include:
- An in depth study of the Iyengar Method of yoga and its philosophical roots;
- A detailed examination and analysis of all postures or asanas taught;
- Developing, maintaining and deepening one's personal practice;
- A study of selected yoga philosophy texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita;
- Human anatomy and physiology as it relates to yoga and how to deal with common student problems;
- An introduction to teaching skills.
Teaching Skills Workshops
From September to June, a number of teaching skills workshops are held on weekends. Important teaching skills covered are:
- constructing effective verbal instructions;
- giving proper demonstrations of postures;
- observing and correcting students;
- general classroom management.
The skills are practiced and refined through small group work and peer teaching.
Observation of Classes
Trainees are required to observe qualified teachers teaching classes. Observers may take a beginners class series to re-experience this level of practice; they may take notes on various aspects of teaching and discuss this with the teacher; and, later on they may assist in the class and be given some postures to teach. Written assignments may be given.
Weekly Level III or IV Class
Anyone entering the teacher training program must be practicing at Level III or IV, and they must continue to take this class.
Weekend Workshops with Senior Iyengar Teachers
Two to three times per year, Yoga North hosts a workshop with a senior teacher from some other city in Canada or elsewhere in the world. These teachers are chosen for their expertise in asana and teaching. All trainees are expected to attend.
Supervised Teaching
In the second or third year of the program, the trainee will undertake teaching assignments somewhere in the community or by assisting and conducting supervised teaching in a Yoga North class. Their teaching will be supervised and observed by the teacher trainer.
2010/11 TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM & WEEKEND WORKSHOP SCHEDULE DATES
Entrance to the teacher training program follows discussion with Val Paape. Students must be enrolled in a Level 3 or 4 class.
Workshop schedule as follows:
- Friday, September 9, 6 pm - 7:30 pm, Teacher's meeting
- Saturday October 29, Sunday October 30, Intro I / II Assessment at Yoga North
- Friday to Sunday November 18 - 20 workshop with Marlene Mawhinney
- Saturday December 10 - Group practice, discussion around Marlene's workshop, celebration of BKS Iyengar's birthday. Time TBA.
- Saturday January 21 - Practice and discussion on teachings from India 2:15 pm to 5:15 pm
- Friday to Monday March 2 - 5, Lois Steinberg Workshop. Please note the teacher training will take place on Monday at Lois' request. Details TBA.
- Saturday April 14 - Group practice, discussion around Lois' workshop
- May - dates TBA, IYAC AGM in Toronto.
CERTIFICATION IN THE IYENGAR METHOD
To become a IYAC certified teacher in Canada, the applicant must provide proof of having completed a recognized teacher training program by completing an application form that is accompanied by a recommendation from the training teacher. Then the applicant must sit an assessment conducted by three IYAC teacher assessors. The applicant's personal practice is assessed, their teaching skills are assessed in a simulated classroom situation with real students, and they must have completed a written exam. All three aspects are marked and the marks determine whether the applicant has passed or failed the assessment.
Certification in the Iyengar Method indicates professional training and a high level of expertise in the safe and effective teaching of yoga. Very few, if any, other yoga methods have training programs of the Iyengar scope and depth and none can boast such a rigorous assessment process.
IYAC Certified teachers at Yoga North include Val Paape, Lisa Towson, Drew Perry, Karin Rensfelt, Andrea Erb and Carole O'Brien.
For more information, call Val Paape at 204.779.6895, or e-mail her at info@yoganorthwinnipeg.ca.