teacher training faq
200-hour program
What are the qualifications for applying to the program?
You must have had a regular and consistent Vinyasa practice for at least one year prior to applying. It is strongly suggested you attend at least one class with program director, Jill Sockman, before submitting your application. If this is not possible, we will conduct a brief phone interview to ensure this program is the right fit for you.
How do I apply?
Write to us! You may choose to write a letter or answer the information requests below in a bullet-point fashion. All applications should be typed and include the following information:
- Name, complete contact info, and emergency contact info
- A bit about yourself — family, occupation, interests
- Tell us why you are interested in this program and what you expect to get out of it
- A relevant physical, mental, and emotional health history
- Yoga experience past and present: styles, teachers, time studied, home practice details
- If you are not currently a student at blue lotus, or have taken fewer than 10 classes with any one instructor at blue lotus, please submit a letter of recommendation from your current yoga teacher.
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Mail to: blue lotus, 401-105 n. west street, raleigh, nc 27603
After I send the application, what can I expect?
Letters of acceptance into the program will be mailed within two weeks of application receipt. You have an additional two weeks to make the $250 deposit to secure your space. If there is a wait list, after that, that space will be offered to someone else. Once we have received your deposit, we will send you student information, including the book list, assignment details, directions, and local information if you are not from the area. Balance of tuition is due in full by July 1, 2012.
Who are the teachers on the course?
- Jill Sockman is the course director.
- Heather Tiddens will share a weekend of Yin & Yang Yoga.
- Warren Grossman, PhD, will guide a weekend of energy and anatomy exploration.
- Kristin Cooper Gulak will offer a weekend of Rhythmic Flow Yoga.
- Other guest instructors include Yvonne Cropp, Carrington Jackson, and Kathleen Yount.
Is this an inter-disciplinary approach to yoga training?
No. The interdisciplinary approach seeks to offer students exposure to a wide range of styles. In contrast, we invite you to dive deep into Ha-Tha, Sun and Moon, Yin and Yang; the Krishnamacharya lineage of alignment-based Vinyasa yoga and the complementary Yin practices. We feel this “narrow and deep” approach to study better prepares you both to teach and to deepen your own practice.
What if I have to miss a class?
While it is possible to make up some parts of the weekend modules, other portions are impossible to make up, such as those with guest instructors. If you have a scheduling conflict, please let us know as early as possible and we will work with you toward a solution. In general, missed classroom hours must be made up at the rate of $75/hour.
What hours are required for the course, outside of weekend modules?
There are nine weekend modules, once per month for nine months. In addition, trainees are required to complete:
- 18 classes of Level 2 or L1/gentle Vinyasa classes and workshops
- 15 documented hours of classes/workshops in Yin or Restorative yoga
- 12 documented hours of assisting/observing at blue lotus
- 9 hours of karma yoga or community teaching practice
In addition, there will be reading and writing assignments each month, to be completed before the next module. The program totals 287 hours.
What is a typical weekend module schedule?
Each weekend is slightly different, but in general:
- We begin on Friday at noon or 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday sessions run from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
- Most Sunday morning practice sessions begin at 7:00 a.m., and we finish at 3:30 p.m.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
The total course fee is $2850. This includes 30 free classes at blue lotus. Those who live outside the Triangle will receive a $170 discount on tuition in lieu of free classes. Books on the reading list are not included in the course fee, but may be purchased through the studio at 20% off the list price. During the nine-month program, trainees receive a 20% retail discount on all full-priced boutique purchases and a 20% discount on all workshops presented by blue lotus instructors.
Are there other fees involved?
There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. Upon acceptance into the program, a $250 deposit secures your place. The balance of $2600 is due by July 1, 2012. Payment plans are available.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, we have two work-study positions available for each program that offer you a discount on tuition in return for work on the weekends we meet. We also offer a $250 Early Bird discount on tuition. If you register and pay in full by May 1, 2012, the total cost is $2,600.
What is the assessment process?
In order to graduate from the program, the following items must be complete:
- Perfect attendance (or hours made up) and active participation in all weekend modules
- 18 classes of Vinyasa L1 or Vinyasa L2+
- 15 documented hours of classes/workshops in Yin or Restorative Yoga
- 12 documented hours of assisting/observing at blue lotus
- 9 hours of karma yoga or community teaching practice
- Satisfactory completion of written assignments due for each weekend module
- Completion of personal sadhana log, in which you are to journal your daily practice for nine months
- Passing grade on written exam
- Successful final practice teach, based on five criteria:
- 1. Teaching skills (effective use of voice, demo, connection to students)
- 2. Verbal and physical assists (appropriate and effective use)
- 3. Language (verbal cues, clarity of instruction)
- 4. Posture details (demonstrate understanding of proper alignment, key actions, benefits and contraindications of postures taught)
- 5. Safety (In all areas, from providing accurate information to offering appropriate modifications, to attending to immediate needs of students in the classroom)
What do I receive at the end?
Successful completion of the program entitles you to a graduation certificate, with which you may apply to Yoga Alliance for registration as RYT at the 200 hour level.
What is the refund policy?
The $50 application fee and $250 deposit are non-refundable under any circumstance. Withdrawal from the course prior to August 1, 2012, results in a refund of tuition paid, less non-refundable fees and a $250 administration charge. Without exception, there are no refunds after August 1, 2012. If you have uncertainty about the intensity of the course or time commitment involved, please talk to us before registering for the program.
Can I attend if I am not from the Triangle area?
Absolutely! If you have never attended a class with Jill Sockman, you will need to include with your application a letter of recommendation from your current yoga teacher, and we may suggest a telephone interview to determine if this program is a good fit for you. Raleigh/Durham (RDU) airport is just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, and the possibility of a home stay can significantly reduce your expenses. Likewise, you will be given alternatives for completing assignments in between modules.
How demanding is the training?
Even if there were no outside readings, assignments, class attendance or teaching to be completed, committing to a nine-month program of self-study is an intense experience. Dedicating yourself to a daily practice, regular study, and class attendance and an entire weekend every month is no small endeavor and should not be undertaken lightly. If you have undergone a personal tragedy in the past six months to a year, we strongly suggest postponing training until next year.
What will I learn on the course?
Like most endeavors, you will get as much out of the course as you invest into it. Our intention behind offering this program runs much deeper than teaching a series of physical poses; for at its core, yoga is a way to help you reach your fullest potential. Through the process of deep and honest self-study, discipline, and surrender, we expand our minds and hearts. Precepts of the program are creating community and self-awareness, and living authentically, not just learning how to teach Warrior 1. For this reason, it is wise for you to be clear about your intention for embarking on the journey.
Practically speaking, you will:
- Cultivate self-care and create a balanced home practice
- Study 50 asana, as well as pranayama, meditation techniques, and chanting/use of mantra
- Understand the art and science of sequencing poses for safety and optimal energetic flow
- Explore practical anatomy & physiology (including alignment, modifications, and posture assisting), and well as energetic anatomy
- Study the philosophy of yoga, according to Patanjali, particularly the Yama and Niyama as guidelines for living a full and joyful life
- Experience extended practice sessions with guest teachers
- Explore and learn the importance of good studentship and concentrated practice
- Work one-on-one with your own mentor who has already completed the program.
I don’t want to teach yoga, is this the right program for me?
Many yoga practitioners enter yoga trainings with no intention of teaching, for it is an opportunity to deepen and broaden your knowledge and experience yoga in a way you simply cannot do in regular classes.
This course was designed to offer you the theoretical and practical knowledge base for you to be able to teach yoga, as well as provide information and skills to make you a stronger, more flexible, and more compassionate human being. Whether you choose to teach or not, the positive effects of that growth will spill over into all aspects of your life. So, whether you aspire to teach yoga, already teach and want to refine your skills, or simply want to immerse yourself in the practice, you can find what you are looking for in this program.
What is the monthly schedule for the next training?
- September 7-9, 2012
- October 12-14, 2012
- November 2-4, 2012
- December 7-9, 2012
- January 11-13, 2013
- February 8-10, 2013
- March 1-3, 2013
- April 5-7, 2013
- May 3-5, 2013
Have more questions? Please contact us!
