What To Ask Before You Sign Up For Yoga Teacher Training

So you are thinking about enrolling in Yoga Teacher Training…. You probably know to ask about schedule and pricing, but there are a lot of other components you may want to consider before you sign up for your Yoga Teacher Training. As a seasoned program facilitator with experience in facilitating eight 200 hour programs, two 300 hr programs, several 40 hr continued education programs, and multiple yoga retreats, I can tell you that not all teacher training programs are the same. Here are some questions you should ask a studio before signing up for their 200 Hr Yoga Teacher Training Program so that you get the most out of your investment.

Who are your trainers?

Your favorite teacher may be leading the 200 hr program at your studio, but that doesn't necessarily make them the most qualified person to lead your training. Be sure to ask about their specific qualifications such as: 

What is their Yoga Alliance Designation? Look for lead trainers that are E-RYT 500. These teachers have completed a minimum of 500 hours of training and have taught at least 2000 hours of yoga over the course of four years. 

How many hours of training have they completed? 500 hrs of training should be the minimum. The best teachers are also students - look for someone who is continuously investing in continued education for themselves. Seek out teachers that are committed to learning - they will have a much deeper level of knowledge than someone with less training hours. Yoga is such an expansive discipline and there is ALWAYS more to learn.

How many 200 hr programs have they facilitated? The difference between a new facilitator and an experienced one can be very big. The first time we do anything, it can be a bit clunky. With an experienced facilitator, the delivery of your content will be elevated and polished. Managing group dynamics is no easy task and an experienced facilitator will be able to help your group get the most out of your training.

Is your lead facilitator also involved in studio hiring?

If you want to teach yoga, it is usually important to know that you are being trained by someone who has an insight into studio hiring so that you are trained in a way that aligns with where you would like to work. Ideally, your lead trainer is part of the hiring team so that you can receive coaching and feedback that is geared towards the goals you want to achieve. 

What is the program hire rate? Ask your studio about their hire rate. How many people on average get teaching spots after completing a training program at the studio? Some studios will have a set number of spots available after each round of YTT that they open up to new teachers. Others will hire on a need-basis and you may need to wait months before getting an invitation to audition. Look for studios that are committed to their trainees after the program ends. YTT programs generate a lot of income for studios and not all studios host them for the right reasons.

Is there an internship program? Look for a studio that has an internship program that provides mentorship to new teachers. All too often, new teachers are left to their own devices after getting hired which slows growth and development. Seek out a studio that is committed to helping you grow in your teaching and provides you with a framework to be successful.

Do graduates get jobs at other studios around town? If so, which studios? Usually there aren’t unlimited spots available for new teachers after YTT graduation. Ask if any recent graduates have been hired to teach at other studios around town. You want to be trained by a studio that gives you the skills to teach yoga no matter where you want to work. 

What is the starting pay? No one likes to talk about money, but it is necessary when going through a program that prepares you for a career change. Pay can vary quite a bit at studios. Understand what your studio pays its teachers before you sign up for their training. Ask specifically what a brand new teacher makes and how that teacher can earn a raise over time. Many studios will tout their highest teaching rates which sets an unrealistic expectation for what a new teacher might be able to make. In addition to pay, inquire about the benefits a teacher receives. Do teachers receive a free membership? Is continued education provided? Are there retail discounts? Is it possible to get health insurance?

Is the training held in-person, virtual, or as a blended format? The pandemic pushed many studios to deliver training in an online format. While this might be super convenient for students, it oftentimes lacks accountability and real world experience that is incredibly valuable. Not all online facilitators are the same. I have taken trainings with famous teachers online that I was highly disappointed in AND found some amazing facilitators who are not as well known. Ideally your training is in-person. If you want to teach yoga after your graduation, most studios will require that your training was completed in person. If you can’t complete a fully in-person training, look for a training with a blended format where you have some hours in person and some that are completed virtually.

Is mentorship provided? It can be extremely overwhelming to start your journey as a yoga teacher.  It is important to have 1:1 time in addition to your group study. Look for a program that has a mentorship component built in to help you stay on track and feel successful as you take on challenges throughout your training.

What content is covered? Ask about the content before you sign up. Understand whether you are signing up for a fitness yoga training, philosophy-focused training, or more well-rounded. Ideally, you can find a yoga teacher training that will both honor the roots of yoga and give you a strong understanding of yoga history and philosophy AND help to develop you as a capable yoga teacher.

How is DEI addressed in your training? Look for a training that includes DEI training and puts emphasis on creating an inclusive yoga community.

Interested in learning more about Yoga Teacher Training with Cat? Click below to get in touch and learn more!