Moksha Teacher Training
& In-Depth Studies

A 200-hour certification program approved by Yoga Alliance for teacher trainees and students wishing to deepen their practice and understanding of yoga.

Coursework

Transforming Experience into Understanding and Insight
Wisdom and understanding from within requires the student to not only expand inner awareness and trust of intuition, but also to gain practical experience in the art and science of yoga in a variety of situations and venues:

Techniques - Part 1

Training Classes: These classes are the foundation of the training program, mandatory and required for certification. Integral to the learning process, these classes are multi-dimensional and include practice and theory of asana, pranayama, meditation, bandhas, mudras, kriyas, history, philosophy, and chakras. The format of the class is structured to include practice, lecture, discussion, Q&A, and quizzes.

Practice Classes: Trainees are required to participate in 2 group classes per week, at Moksha Yoga Center. A minimum of 50 practice classes is required for certification.

Daily Practice: Please take 15-20 minutes daily to practice the poses and pranayamas that you learn in class.

Teaching Methodology - Part 2

Intro to Yoga Teaching: One of the unique aspects of the Moksha training program is the Intro to Yoga series. Each trainee teaches an Intro to Yoga class open to the public. This series is offered to real live students as an introduction to the basics of yoga. Each class includes asana, pranayama, meditation, and some yoga theory. These classes are videotaped, then watched and reviewed immediately following the class. Past trainees have found this experience the most essential aspect in developing confidence in one's teaching and improving all aspects of one's class presentation.

Practicum

Community Class: Once the Intro to Yoga teaching is completed, each trainee is required to teach 6 community classes, which are foundation/basic (level 1-2). These classes are quite popular at Moksha. This class is a bridge between the supervised teaching experience of the Intro to Yoga course and teaching on your own.

Private Class: Teach 1 private lesson session. This experience helps you to learn how to individualize a class for a specific person.

Goodwill Class: Teach 1 yoga class to an underserved or disadvantaged group, such as cancer patients, senior citizens, disadvantaged youth, etc. You may not receive compensation for this class. Each trainee is required to research, contact, and arrange to teach this class.

Philosophy, Ethics, Lifestyle

Sutra Study: This class will cover select sutras from the ancient treatise by Patanjali, outlining classical yoga philosophy. Many sutras will be covered in the training classes during the week.

Master Teacher Roundtable (MTR): One of Moksha Yoga Center's greatest assets is our relationship with a variety of the country's most respected master teachers in various methods and styles. Our master teachers will be asked to speak in special 1-hour sessions that will be held on select weekends. The topics include the presenter's teaching background, key teaching qualities to possess, and issues related to the teacher/student relationship. A short Q&A will follow. Come prepared to ask any questions you may have related to teaching.

Yoga Business Seminar: This course is designed to inform and educate the teacher how to plan, market and promote one's services to yoga centers, health clubs, and corporations. Payrates for group and private classes and will be discussed, marketing materials and ideas are presented, and business plans and structures are reviewed. This class is offered twice per year in Chicago.

Non-Contact Hours

Homework: Svadhyaya or self-study of the ancient texts and knowledge of yoga is mentioned throughout the classical texts on yoga.

Thesis Project: A unique requirement of Moksha Yoga Center's program, the thesis project is one of the most interesting and fun aspects of the training. As yoga is a living and changing practice, students are asked to contribute to this evolution. Each student chooses a topic of his/her choice, completes research and study, and presents a thesis project in the form of a class, workshop, report, or video. Many projects from past years have become a career for some trainees.

Book Review: Choose a book of your choice. Must be about yoga!

Seva: Assisting in various duties at the yoga studio helps one to see that the organization exists only with each individual's participation and care. Small duties such as assisting with office duties, washing mats, or keeping the space clean is valued and appreciated by everyone who is a part of the community. You will be asked to sign-up for a seva project at the beginning of the program. Your cooperation and zen-like mind is greatly appreciated.

Closing

Closing Ceremony: The last class get-together is a sacred sharing of one's experience and lessons learned in the teacher training course. Please come prepared to talk about what you learned and where you are headed and wear an article of white clothing to represent the purity of your intention.