Top Ways Yoga Teachers Can Develop their Teaching Skills

To help yoga teachers enhance their teaching skills, we've gathered the top insightful tips. From focusing on passion to engaging in continuing-education programs, these experts share their best advice for ongoing professional development in the world of yoga.

Get Certified as a Yoga Teacher

Anyone can call themselves a yoga teacher. But enrolling in a yoga teacher training course teaches you about yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodologies, poses, and sequencing. This knowledge is essential to helping you structure a class and truly be able to help your student. a

Already certified at the RYT-200 level? Consider pursuing advanced yoga teacher training programs, such as 300-hour or 500-hour teacher training courses, which provide deeper insights into yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and advanced poses.

Focus on Passion 

Development should always be centered on what the yoga teacher is most passionate about. However, in my opinion, improving competence in anatomy, biomechanics, and therapy plays a significant role. 

Another equally interesting aspect is getting to know different schools of yoga. By attending various workshops and teacher-training courses, yoga teachers can expand their knowledge horizon, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their yoga practices.

Iana Varshavska, Digital Marketer and Yoga Therapist, Yanva

Learn More: Do Yoga Teachers Need to Know Anatomy?

Learn from Peers at Yoga Retreats

Go on yoga retreats with other yogis and teachers. As a yoga teacher, you can gain so much experience, skills, and teaching experience by attending yoga retreats with other professional yoga instructors. 

By seeing their teaching style, how they correct other people's forms, and what makes their lessons stand out, you can adopt certain skills and behaviors that improve your teaching style. Not only that, but you'll also get to fine-tune, practice, and improve movements that will help you pass on the knowledge and have more to offer.

John Gardner, Co-Founder/CEO, Kickoff

Mentorship

Seek out experienced yoga teachers to serve as mentors or guides. They can provide valuable feedback, share their wisdom, and help you grow as a teacher.

• Skill Development: Mentors can offer guidance on refining teaching techniques, cueing, alignment, and sequencing. They can share their wisdom and experience, helping mentees become more skilled and confident teachers.

• Feedback and Self-Reflection: Mentors provide constructive feedback, helping yoga teachers identify their strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback encourages self-reflection and a commitment to ongoing self-improvement.

• Guidance on Building a Career: Mentors can help yoga teachers navigate the complexities of building a career in the yoga industry, including marketing, networking, and finding teaching opportunities.

• Support and Encouragement: Mentors offer emotional and professional support, providing a safe space for yoga teachers to discuss challenges, successes, and aspirations. This support can be invaluable for maintaining enthusiasm and resilience in the field.

• Networking: A mentor may introduce their mentee to the broader yoga community, helping them connect with other teachers, studios, and opportunities. This can be essential for career growth.

• Accountability: A mentor can help hold a mentee accountable for their goals, encouraging them to stay committed to their personal practice and teaching development.

• Community Engagement: Mentors may invite their mentees to participate in community events, workshops, or retreats, providing them with opportunities to gain teaching experience and exposure.

Improve Skills through Cultural Immersion

One invaluable way yoga teachers can improve their teaching skills is through cultural immersion. As a life coach and an RYT-200 certified yoga teacher, I had the chance to travel through India for a year. There, I was able to deepen my understanding of the rigorous sequences of Ashtanga and also develop my skills in the precision-focused Iyengar. I was fortunate to study under local gurus, learning the nuances and subtleties of each style. 

This hands-on experience, right in yoga's birthplace, has allowed me to now teach it with such a richness that's hard to find elsewhere and offer my students a unique and authentic yoga journey.

Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture

Engage in Continuing-Education Programs

Yoga instructors can better serve their students by engaging in continuing-education programs. Advanced yoga postures, modifications, and classroom strategies are the focus of these trainings. 

They also offer chances to gain knowledge from seasoned teachers and network with like-minded individuals. Teachers' students benefit from their increased knowledge and expertise as a result of this method of ongoing professional development.

Derek Bruce, First Aid Training Director, Glasgow First Aid Courses

Read the Research

Regularly study and read books, articles, and research related to yoga, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methods. Listen to podcasts and watch videos. Expanding your knowledge will benefit your teaching.

Remember that the journey of a yoga teacher is ongoing, and continuous learning and self-improvement are key to becoming a skilled and effective instructor. Maintaining an open and humble attitude toward growth is essential for personal and professional development in the field of yoga instruction.

How to Become a Registered Yoga Teacher

Ready to get certified? The ISSA Yoga & Wellness Academy’s Yoga 200 teacher training course is approved by the Yoga Alliance. You can use the knowledge you’ll gain from this course to advance your own practice or begin your yoga career. Upon completion, you can become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200). Start your journey today!