By Faye Martins
It is important to consider a couple of key ideas when looking at online yoga certification programs. Many of these ideas are described below and act as a guide to people thinking of becoming a yoga instructor.
Time Management
Some people find an online class is something that is easier to fit into a schedule over a class at a local school. This could be due to other commitments including children, another job with a strict schedule or even a lack of transportation. Others find there aren't any teacher training classes available in their area and don't have the resources to travel to a class farther away.
Personal Drive
However, other people may need the structure of a class they have to physically attend. It could be that a person has difficulty keeping commitments with themselves and needs a peer group or a teacher to count on them. Of course, it is important to be able to keep a schedule and commitments as an instructor - yoga or otherwise. Instructors serve as role models and mentors to many of their students and this is important in the next point as well.
Instructor Influence
A local instructor could be a mentor, but that is not a guarantee. An additional consideration should be about the instructors. For one, what kind of relationship can students have with their instructors? Is there any bonding at all? Some students rely on support from and a connection with their instructors and others don't need as much guidance. As was stated above, instructors everywhere are - at the most basic level - role models and guides. It is important to investigate the instructors in online and local certification programs to ensure they match what prospective students are searching for.
Enrichment Value
Another important point to consider is the amount of information the online yoga certification programs offer compared to a local class. Some online training facilities have libraries of information in their blogs and forums. Some local facilities cut ties with you on the day you graduate. Many students find out their journey has only begun after they complete their teacher certification. There is still so much learning and growing to do in teaching yoga without any consideration of the logistics of teaching coming into play. For example, many people find it difficult to market themselves - yoga isn't about money and many new instructors only intended to deepen their understanding of yoga with their certification. Because of this, it's important to investigate the additional learning that can be gained from both local and online programs.
Networking
Networking in any field is an important factor. It can include getting to know others in the field and the guidance they offer on business practices. This can help new yoga instructors make rent with their new jobs when many would otherwise find it quite difficult. It can also aid in dispelling fears about starting to teach yoga that many new instructors have. For example, some instructors are worried about how their students will receive their teaching style. Another worry is a lack of student interest at all. It is important to investigate the networking and guidance the online yoga certification programs offer as compared to local programs.
When considering a future as a yoga instructor, the first step is gaining an education. Whether it's through an online program or a local program, it's important to find a program that fits each student individually so he or she can find the personal growth and development teaching yoga offers many individuals.
Time Management
Some people find an online class is something that is easier to fit into a schedule over a class at a local school. This could be due to other commitments including children, another job with a strict schedule or even a lack of transportation. Others find there aren't any teacher training classes available in their area and don't have the resources to travel to a class farther away.
Personal Drive
However, other people may need the structure of a class they have to physically attend. It could be that a person has difficulty keeping commitments with themselves and needs a peer group or a teacher to count on them. Of course, it is important to be able to keep a schedule and commitments as an instructor - yoga or otherwise. Instructors serve as role models and mentors to many of their students and this is important in the next point as well.
Instructor Influence
A local instructor could be a mentor, but that is not a guarantee. An additional consideration should be about the instructors. For one, what kind of relationship can students have with their instructors? Is there any bonding at all? Some students rely on support from and a connection with their instructors and others don't need as much guidance. As was stated above, instructors everywhere are - at the most basic level - role models and guides. It is important to investigate the instructors in online and local certification programs to ensure they match what prospective students are searching for.
Enrichment Value
Another important point to consider is the amount of information the online yoga certification programs offer compared to a local class. Some online training facilities have libraries of information in their blogs and forums. Some local facilities cut ties with you on the day you graduate. Many students find out their journey has only begun after they complete their teacher certification. There is still so much learning and growing to do in teaching yoga without any consideration of the logistics of teaching coming into play. For example, many people find it difficult to market themselves - yoga isn't about money and many new instructors only intended to deepen their understanding of yoga with their certification. Because of this, it's important to investigate the additional learning that can be gained from both local and online programs.
Networking
Networking in any field is an important factor. It can include getting to know others in the field and the guidance they offer on business practices. This can help new yoga instructors make rent with their new jobs when many would otherwise find it quite difficult. It can also aid in dispelling fears about starting to teach yoga that many new instructors have. For example, some instructors are worried about how their students will receive their teaching style. Another worry is a lack of student interest at all. It is important to investigate the networking and guidance the online yoga certification programs offer as compared to local programs.
When considering a future as a yoga instructor, the first step is gaining an education. Whether it's through an online program or a local program, it's important to find a program that fits each student individually so he or she can find the personal growth and development teaching yoga offers many individuals.
Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA.
