Yoga Teacher Education Program Handbook

The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services Department of Exercise Science Yoga Teacher Education Program Handbook

Table of Contents Program Overview...3 The Yoga Alliance...3 Course descriptions and terms offered...4 Ethical Guidelines...6 Student Portfolio...7 Yoga Teacher Education Program Plan of Study...8 Required Textbooks...9 Recommended Books...9 Yoga Teacher Education Program Faculty...11 Assisting Form......12 Observation Form....13 Missed Class, Make Up Form.. 14 Practicum Preparation (Guideline of Teaching)...15-17 1/19/2011 2

Program Overview The George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Exercise Science is proud to announce a new program for perspective yoga teachers. By completing the classes listed below, you will be certified through the Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level, which will allow you to teach yoga. You can learn more about what it means to be certified through the Yoga Alliance by going to www.yogaalliance.org. Even if you don t complete all the classes, what you take at GWU will count toward your certification, should you choose to continue to pursue a part-time or full-time career in teaching yoga. Students will complete 9 credit hours of coursework consisting of: HLWL 1105 Yoga and the Meaning of Life LSPA 1071 Anatomy for Teachers of Yoga LSPA 1072 Methodology for Teachers of Yoga LSPA 1073 Yoga Technique I LSPA 1074 Yoga Technique II LSPA 1075 Yoga Technique III LSPA 1076 Yoga Teacher Practicum Students should understand that courses taught in the Yoga Teacher Education Program require more workload than other LSPA courses to best prepare students to meet requirements for certification as a yoga teacher. Therefore, classes in the Yoga Teacher Education Program should not be chosen if you are simply looking for a way to enhance your overall GPA. Students may opt to take all courses on a pass/no pass basis. For this option, the completion of a registration transaction form is required for each course with instructor approval. All courses in the Yoga Teacher Education Program have been designed to meet the requirements set forth by the Yoga Alliance, the leading regulatory body recognizing yoga certification. Yoga Alliance has set forth minimum training standards for yoga teachers, including life experience, communications skills, and knowledge of how the body and mind interact, a basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, the circulatory system, nervous system, lymphatic system as well as an understanding of the importance of breathing and mindfulness. The Yoga Alliance The Yoga Alliance supports yoga teachers and the diversity and integrity of yoga. Their mission is to lead the yoga community, set standards, foster integrity, provide resources, and uphold the teachings of yoga. 1/19/2011 3

The Yoga Alliance maintains a Yoga Teachers' Registry to recognize and promote teachers with training. Teachers who are registered through Yoga Alliance are authorized to use the initials "RYT " (Registered Yoga Teacher) after their name, or the initials E-RYT SM " (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) if they have significant teaching experience in addition to training. Yoga Alliance also maintains a Registry of Yoga Schools to recognize yoga teacher training programs of at least 200 or 500 hours. Registered schools are authorized to use the initials "RYS " (Registered Yoga School) after their names, and receive certificates of registration as well as registry marks. Once a school is registered, all graduates of an RYS are automatically eligible to register with us as RYT s. The George Washington University is a Registered Yoga School. Course descriptions and terms offered Yoga and the Meaning of Life is offered both Fall and Spring. This course provides students with an understanding of the historical teachings that have contributed to the physical, psychological and spiritual practices of yoga. The class is designed to help students adopt these teachings to benefit their own lives. Anatomy for Teachers of Yoga is offered in the Fall semester. Yoga Anatomy is meant for yoga teachers, or anyone interested in functional anatomy as it applies to yoga. This course will include the study of muscles and how they move in yoga poses; bones and how they function; the physiology of stretching; the dynamics of breathing; the stress reaction; and a study of anatomy and physiology as they apply to the yogic energy body. We will explore the way yogis of thousands of years ago looked at the body, and include a brief study of the seven chakras. Methodology for Teachers of Yoga is offered in the Spring semester. Yoga is a combination of physical, intellectual and spiritual activities that are used, in a holistic manner, for self-improvement (enlightenment). Yoga is a method by which we can become balanced and united with our own self and those around us. It is a journey of self-discovery. The journey of self-discovery through yoga allows the practitioner to discover and improve their physical abilities, mental capacities, and spirituality. The Yoga methodology course includes the principles of demonstration, observation, instruction, of asanas. The course will discuss different teaching styles, student learning styles, as well as appropriate assisting/correcting students and the qualities of a yoga teacher. Yoga Technique I (Standing and Sitting) is offered in the Fall semester. This course is an introduction to teaching basic standing and seated Hatha yoga postures/asanas. 1/19/2011 4

Yoga Technique II (Forward and Backward Bending) is offered in the Spring. This course is an introduction to teaching basic forward and backward bending Hatha yoga postures/asanas. Yoga Technique III (Inversions and Twists) is offered in the Spring. An introduction to teaching basic inversion and twist Hatha yoga postures/asanas. Yoga Teacher Practicum is offered when required, Fall, Spring, and Summer. Upon completion of the core/required yoga education courses, students will develop the skills in teaching through assisting with instruction of classes taught by a RYA instructor. Completion of this practicum will require the student to prepare and instruct a 60-minute (minimum) yoga session to include the following components: Centering warm-up: Asanas and breathing Main practice workout: Asanas and breathing Cool-down: Asanas and breathing Meditation Class closure 1/19/2011 5

Ethical Guidelines The George Washington University Yoga Teacher Education Program Ethical Guidelines It is the goal of all The George Washington University Yoga Certified Teachers to offer yoga classes in a safe environment, physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychically. All prospective teachers will commit to the following code of ethics: I agree to maintain clear personal and professional boundaries with each student. I agree to honor and respect the diverse uniqueness of every student. I am aware of my potential influence on students and will refrain from inappropriately using my position to unduly pressure a student in a way that may conflict with the student s best interest or natural inclination. I will not seek to fulfill my personal needs or engage in activities for my personal gain or satisfaction at the expense of a student. As a teacher, my goal is to educate or draw out from within each student that which is already known and to invite opportunities for further personal and spiritual exploration. I agree to honor the confidentiality of my students. I agree to provide only services that I am qualified to teach. I will refrain from recommending treatment, diagnosing a condition, or suggesting a student disregard the advise of a physician or therapist. I agree to live in close accordance to the yogic principles of yama and niyama, the George Washington University codes of conduct, including the shiilas. I agree to honor this code of ethics. Signature Date 1/19/2011 6

Student Portfolio Students wishing to become yoga teachers by completing the Yoga Teacher Education Program, offered by The George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Exercise Science must maintain a portfolio of their work and experiences from each course within the program, internships, and other activities associated with the students learning and progress in the program. The portfolio will include: Documentation of the courses the student has completed using the Yoga Teacher Education Program Plan of Study Specific work completed for each course, submitted by student-teacher to course instructor and Blackboard Performance, skill and knowledge assessments for each course completed Documentation of practicum experiences Documentation of Yoga Teacher Practicum and evaluations by yoga education program faculty Recommendations and comments by yoga education faculty The student s self-reflections of their learning process in each course and throughout the yoga education program curriculum 1/19/2011 7

Yoga Teacher Education Program Plan of Study Name: Student GWID#: Date of Entry: Expected Date of Completion: Program Plan Course Credit Hours Yoga Alliance Hours Required Term Offered Yoga and the 3 20 hours Fall and Spring Meaning of Life Anatomy for Yoga 1 10 hours Fall Teachers Yoga Techniques I 1 25 hours Fall Yoga Techniques II 1 25 hours Spring Yoga Techniques 1 25 hours Spring III Methodology for 1 15 hours Spring Yoga Teachers Yoga Teacher Practicum 1 5 hours Fall, Spring Summer Term Completed Advisor: Date: Student: Date: 1/19/2011 8

Suggested Textbooks Course Methodology for Yoga Teachers Yoga and the Meaning of Life Anatomy for Teachers of Yoga Yoga Technique I, Standing and Sitting Yoga Technique II, Forward and Backward Bending Yoga Technique III, Inversions and Twists Textbooks Instructing Hatha Yoga, Kappmeier & Ambrosini (2006); Anatomy of Hatha Yoga, Coulter, (2001) Psychosynthesis: A Collection of Basic Writings, Assagioli, R. (1965) Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain, Begley, S. (2007) The Art of Loving, Fromm, E. (1956) Why Religion Matters: The Fate of the Human Spirit in an Age of Disbelief Smith, H. (2001). Yogabody; Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Asana, Judith Hanson Lasater Freedom from Stress: A Holistic Approach, Phil Nuernberger Yoga Mind, Body and Sprit A Return to Wholeness, Donna Farhi Yoga Anatomy, Leslie Kaminoff (2007) Yoga Mind, Body and Sprit A Return to Wholeness, Donna Farhi Dynamic Yoga, Godfrey Devereux Yoga Anatomy, Leslie Kaminoff, (2007) Yoga Mind, Body and Sprit A Return to Wholeness, Donna Farhi Anatomy of Hatha Yoga, H. David Coulter Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga, B. K. S. Iyengar, Yehudi Menuhin Yoga Anatomy, Leslie Kaminoff Recommended Books Course Book Yoga Teacher Methodology The Language of Yoga, Bachman, N. (2005) The Tree of Yoga, Iyengar, B.K.S. All Courses The Bhagavad Gita translation by Eknath Easwaran The Eight Human Talents: Restore the Balance and Serenity within You with 1/19/2011 9

Yoga Technique I, Standing and Sitting Yoga Technique II, Forward and Backward Bending Kundalini, Kaur Khalsa, G. (2000). Dynamic Yoga, Godfrey Devereux The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice, T. K. V. Desikachar Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga, B. K. S. Iyengar, Yehudi Menuhin Yoga: Path to Holistic Health, Iyengar The Eight Human Talents: Restore the Balance and Serenity within You with Kundalini Yoga, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa The Bhagavad Gita translation by Eknath Easwaran Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness, Erich Schiffmann -The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T. K. V. Desikachar -Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar, Yehudi Menuhin -Yoga: Path to Holistic Health (Hardcover), by Iyengar -Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit: A Return to Wholeness, by Donna Farhi --The Eight Human Talents: Restore the Balance and Serenity within You with Kundalini Yoga by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa -The Bhagavad Gita translation by Eknath Easwaran -Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann 1/19/2011 10

Yoga Teacher Education Program Faculty Instructors Email(s) Status (RYT) Peter Sage psage@gwu.edu E-RYT- 200 Douglas DouglasT@gwu.edu E-RYT- Thompson 200 Jacqueline fittme@gwu.edu E-RYT- Johnson jacqjohnson@mac.com 200 Sabina Grewal Jasmine Chehrazi Sabina_grewal@yahoo.co m jasmine@yogaactivist.org E-RYT- 200 E-RYT- 500 Courses Yoga and the Meaning of Life Anatomy/Physiology Yoga Teacher Methodology Techniques Techniques Yoga Teacher Practicum 1/19/2011 11

School of Public Health and Health Services Department of Exercise Science Assisting Form STUDENT NAME DATE Assisting Notes Number: Class type/style/level: Location: Time: General Observations (continue on back if necessary): Questions that arose: Asanas where questions arose, to explore deeper, practice more: Takeaway/Impact: 1/19/2011 12

School of Public Health and Health Services Department of Exercise Science Observation Form STUDENT NAME DATE Observation Notes Number: Class type/style/level: Location: Time: General Observations (continue on back if necessary): Questions that arose: Asanas where questions arose, to explore deeper, practice more: 1/19/2011 13

Takeaway/Impact School of Public Health and Health Services Department of Exercise Science Missing Class Make-Up Form Your Name: Date: Name of studio and teacher: Style of yoga being taught: Date of make up class: Description of Instructor (dress, tone of voice, attitude, personality, presentation, etc.) What did you like about the class? What did you dislike about the class? What did you learn? 1/19/2011 14

School of Public Health and Health Services Department of Exercise Science Practicum Preparation GUIDELINES FOR THE TEACHING ASANA CLASS PRACTICUM 1. Announce who is the intended audience before the class. 2. Give the class a theme 3. Only use poses that you have studied in the teacher training coursework. 4. Use the standard Hatha yoga class handout as a guideline for designing the class, using it as a model for sequencing. Give the class a distinct Hatha yoga flavor, bringing pranayama awareness and repetition to the poses, and spirituality and reflection to the class in general. 5. Each class will last 60-90 minutes, and should include an introduction to the theme, meditation (centering), warm ups, asanas, and shavasana. You can apportion the following time to each segment: Greeting & introduction of theme - 5 minutes Meditation (may be at the beginning or end of class) - 5 minutes Warm ups (including sun salutation if appropriate for the class) - 10-15 minutes. The warm-ups may be at the beginning of the class, or between poses, as appropriate. Asanas - 35-40 minutes Shavasana - 5 minutes 6. The class will be followed by a 20 minute feedback session. 7. If you are using props, make sure that students have them at the beginning of the class. 8. It is strongly encouraged that the student-teacher submit an outline of asanas they will teach (names of asanas, sequencing stick figures, with arrows indicating breath, etc.), and keep the outline nearby as a guide during the teaching practicum. 1/19/2011 15

ASSESSMENT Assessment will be based on the following class elements: sequencing/transitioning, verbal (verbal cues) and non-verbal (eye contact) communication with the class, asana technique, teaching methodology, quality of voice, one s overall presence (as a teacher). Asana technique Sequencing & transitioning Verbal cues and other verbal communication 1/19/2011 16

Non-verbal communication (eye contact) Teaching methodology Quality of voice Presence as teacher Other points 1/19/2011 17