250 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Foundation Program “Evolving Spirit ~ Deepen your Practice and Learn to Guide”

Join Director Cynthia Funk, Senior Faculty members Karen Cove and Shehla Khan along with guest faculty Kai Reicken.

 Evolving Spirit 250hr Teacher Training Program since 2001

Our graduates enjoy the benefits of this training for a lifetime. Some are teaching around the world, many here in our local community. We have created a comprehensive, well-rounded, balanced program that will become the foundation of your yoga career and take your personal practice into new insightful places.

This unique program focuses on providing the highest caliber training from our experienced, passionate and compassionate faculty. Successful graduates will feel confident to teach classes in Ashtanga, Hatha and Vinyasa lineage. We admit a limited number of trainees into the program, all teaching faculty members are therefore able to provide effective personalized feedback.Yoga Sanctuary Academy offers assistance to trainees through regular communication and updates both in studio and online.

Course Requirements

• Attend 16 weekends at 11 hours each weekend
• Participate in 25 Faculty led classes 75- 90 min each
• Complete 8 Observation Classes 75-90 min each
• Submit all assignments in a timely manner for review by Yoga Sanctuary teachers
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Secondary School Diploma or Equivalent

Class size is limited. Please apply and register early to secure your spot!

Course Overview

Asana, Assisting and Teaching Methodologies

• Learn the poses of the Primary Series of Ashtanga yoga as taught by Shri K Patthabi Jois
• Understand how to sequence a Vinyasa yoga class, a vigorous flowing style of asana practice
• Learn and sequence poses classically taught in a Hatha yoga class
• Develop class planning techniques using well thought out sequential development of poses for various levels of classes and different lengths of classes
• Understanding the methodologies for teaching yoga for different sized public classes as well as private and semi-private classes
• Developing strong and clear communication skills appropriate for different teaching rooms and size of class
• Learn various Pranayama (breathing) techniques and how to apply them for different classes
• Develop a personal meditation practice
• Learn meditation techniques, including different methods of guided meditation
• Introduction to chanting in the ancient language of Sanskrit

Yoga History, Philosophy, Ethics and Lifestyle
• General overview of Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras an ancient teaching considered by many to be the “Heart of Yoga” including group discussions of the most important concepts presented in the Sutras
• Origins of Yoga and the application of these ancient teachings for modern living
• Introduction to the classical teachings and texts of yoga, including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Yoga Anatomy, Physiology and Subtle Energy Systems
• Fundamentals of the muscular and skeletal systems
• Experiential and functional Anatomy as it relates to the practice and teaching of yoga
• Introduction to Subtle Yogic Anatomy, Physiology and Energy Systems (the Chakra system)
• Understanding the proper role and ethics in Teacher-Student relationship

Homework and Integrated Yoga Practice

• Faculty led yoga classes
• Observation classes which may include Karma classes and New Grad classes (exceptions are pre-registered courses, workshops and open practice classes)
• Supervised practice teaching sessions with constructive feedback
• Self Study/Homework includes reading texts, written assignments and oral presentations

Reading List

Ongoing Support for Our Graduates

Yoga Sanctuary Academy offers different ongoing programs for graduates who are interested in continuing with various aspects of their studies free of charge.

Assisting Internship
Yoga Sanctuary Academy Assisting Internship program is available. This internship offers new grads the opportunity to assist in public drop in classes. Our Assisting program offers our new graduates a platform in which to refine and enhance their new skill set while being mentored by a senior teacher. A three (3) month minimum commitment is required.

New Graduate Classes

Yoga Sanctuary Academy provides new graduates an opportunity to teach on our public schedule! New graduate classes are taught in a Vinyasa style. This program offers a two-month opportunity (8 week session) for graduates to build their teaching experience within an established studio setting. These classes are Hatha or Ashtanga styles.

Volunteer Positions

As a committed member of the community,Yoga Sanctuary Academy is requested to participate in various single community events, often many teachers are requested. We encourage our new graduates to participate! This adds yet another opportunity for grads to build their resume!

Fall Dates & Schedule 2020

2020

Sept 18, 19, 20
Oct 3, 4
Oct 31, Nov 1
Nov 14, 15
Nov 21, 22
Dec 12, 13

Faculty Led Weekend Hours:

Saturdays: 9:00am – 12:00pm/12:30pm – 3:00pm
Sundays: 9:00am – 12:00pm/12:30pm – 4:00pm
Except for the last 3 weekends:
Sundays: 9:00am – 12:00pm/12:30pm – 3:00pm
(12 or 11 hours of lecture time each weekend)

Winter Dates & Schedule 2021

2021

Jan 2, 3
Jan 16, 17
Jan 30, 31
Feb 27, 28
Mar 13, 14
March 28: Graduation ceremony and potluck begins @ 1pm.

Faculty Led Weekend Hours:

Saturdays: 9:00am – 12:00pm/12:30pm – 3:00pm
Sundays: 9:00am – 12:00pm/12:30pm – 4:00pm
Except for the last 3 weekends:
Sundays: 9:00am – 12:00pm/12:30pm – 3:00pm
(12 or 11 hours of lecture time each weekend)

Tuition Fees and Payment Plans

Program tuition: $3,875 (not subject to HST)

Early Bird Discount – enroll by August 7, 2020 & save $250

A non-refundable $500 deposit is due upon acceptance to the program. All payments may be made by credit card, debit, bank draft, money order, certified cheque or cash. There will be a $25 administration fee on each payment in our various payment plans.

Finances should never be the limiting factor when embarking on a journey that you are passionate about. Please choose the payment plan that best fits your current lifestyle needs.

Contact our Education Program Advisor, Joanne Bot (jo@yogasanctuaryacademy.ca), or call our Danforth Studio at 416-461-6161 to discuss the training and payment options.

Established Teacher Training since 2001.

Yoga Sanctuary Academy is recognized by the Federal Government as an accredited professional educational program providing students with the skills to enable them to work in a recognized occupation. Yoga Sanctuary Academy continues to be a Toronto community leader in the realm of teacher training, pushing the envelope of training to new excellence. Yoga Sanctuary Academy became a “Certified Private Educational Institute” with the Federal Government of Canada in 2008.

Successful graduates will receive an official Tuition Fee Receipt (T2202A) for Income Tax purposes for any of our Yoga Teacher Training Programs.

While Yoga Sanctuary Academy is a fully accredited Yoga Teacher Training Institute we also have all of our Teacher Training Programs registered and recognized by Canadian Yoga Alliance CYT (Certified Yoga Teacher), Yoga Alliance of the United States RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher).

Yoga Sanctuary Academy advanced studies, offer 300-hour and 500-hour Yoga Alliance® registered Teacher Training and Continuing Education with Senior Faculty. These courses are designed to develop your skills as a unique and successful instructor. Our comprehensive training programs offer the flexibility to develop your unique style and passion.

Whether you are a student wanting to deepen your practice or you dream of helping others heal and grow through the practice of yoga or you are already teaching yoga and wish to continue your education with exceptional faculty, Yoga Sanctuary Academy Teacher Training programs offer you the tools you will need to take the next steps on your career.

Questions? Visit our FAQ page.