What to expect in our 250 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Deepen Your Practice and Learn to Guide
Yoga Sanctuary began the Evolving Spirit 250hr Teacher Training Program in 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 offers assistance to trainees through regular communication and updates both in studio and online.
Fall Training
Overview
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
• Public yoga classes, any offered on our schedules at any of our locations
• 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
Ongoing Support for Our Graduates
Yoga Sanctuary offers different ongoing programs for graduates who are interested in continuing with various aspects of their studies free of charge.
Assisting Internship
Yoga Sanctuary Assisting Internship program is available at each of our locations. 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 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 (4 week session) for graduates to build their teaching experience within an established studio setting. These classes are offered at each location of Yoga Sanctuary and are Hatha or Ashtanga styles.
Volunteer Positions
As a committed member of the community, Yoga Sanctuary is requested to participate in various single community events, often many teachers are requested. We endeavour to call upon our new graduates to participate! This adds yet another opportunity for grads to build their resume!
Course Requirements
- Attend 16 weekends at 11 hours each weekend
- Participate in 25 Public classes 75- 90 min each
- Participate in 16 Open Practice/ Mysore Classes @ 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
Class size is limited. Please register early to secure your spot!
Fall Training Dates and Schedule
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)
Opening Ceremonies:
Friday Sept 18: 6:00pm-8:00pm
| 2020 | 2021 |
| Sept 18, 19, 20 | Jan 2, 3 |
| Oct 3, 4 | Jan 16, 17 |
| Oct 17, 18 | Jan 30, 31 |
| Oct 31, Nov 1 | Feb 13, 14 |
| Nov 14, 15 | Feb 27, 28 |
| Nov 21, 22 | Mar 13, 14 |
| Dec 12, 13 | Mar 27, 28 |
March 28th, 2021: Graduation ceremony and potluck begins @ 1pm.
Length: The training is 14 weekends.
Hours: 250 hours
Fall Training Fees and Payment Plans
Program tuition: $3,875 (not subject to HST)
Early Bird Discount – enroll by August 7th / 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.
Contact our Education Program Advisor, Joanne Bot (jo@yogasanctuary.ca), or call our Danforth Studio at 416-461-6161 to discuss the training and payment options.
Reading List
Required:
The Heart of Yoga, by TKV Desikachar
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
The Key Muscles of Yoga by Ray Long
Highly Recommended:
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, by Swami Muktibodhananda
The Yoga Sutras of Patabjali, by Sri Swami Satchidananda
The Bhagavad Gita, by Eknath Easwaran
Yoga Yajnavalkya, by A.G. Mohan
“The decision to take Yoga Sanctuary’s 250 Hour Yoga Teacher Training became a critical milestone in my personal journey that began a few years ago and continues to grow daily. I’d like to express my gratitude to Cynthia and the wonderful YTT teachers who are passionate and caring enough to pour hours, days, months into cultivating students’ understanding and appreciation of yoga – they are equally graceful in their yoga practice and their life’s training.
Fast Track
Overview
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
• Public yoga classes, any offered on our schedules at any of our locations
• 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
Ongoing Support for Our Graduates
Yoga Sanctuary offers different ongoing programs for graduates who are interested in continuing with various aspects of their studies free of charge.
Assisting Internship
Yoga Sanctuary Assisting Internship program is available at each of our locations. 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 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 offered at each location of Yoga Sanctuary and are Hatha or Ashtanga styles.
Volunteer Positions
As a committed member of the community, Yoga Sanctuary is requested to participate in various single community events, often many teachers are requested. We endeavour to call upon our new graduates to participate! This adds yet another opportunity for grads to build their resume!
Course Requirements
- 12 weekends 14 hours each weekend
- Participate in 16 Mysore/Open Practice classes
- Participate in 30 Public classes 75-90 minutes 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
Class size is limited. Please register early to secure your spot!
250 hr Fast Track Dates and Schedule
FREE Info Session for our Fast Track Yoga Teacher Training
Sunday March 1, 2020 @ 4:00-5:30pm
Yoga Sanctuary Danforth Ave, Studio 2 (4th Floor)
Meet the Faculty, ask questions and learn more about the 250hr Fast Track Yoga Teacher Training!
If you need some personal attention and aren’t able to attend this session, please email jo@yogasanctuary.ca.
Fast Track Yoga Teacher Training (FTYTT) Dates Spring 2020
Faculty Led Weekend Hours:
Friday, April 3 – Sunday, June 21:
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(7 hours of lecture time each day)
Opening Night Ceremony:
*Friday April 3: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Easter Weekend Time Changes:
*Friday April 10: 6:00pm-9:30pm
*Sunday April 12: 9:00am-12:00pm
| April 3*, 4 & 5 | May 23, 24 |
| April 10*, 11, 12* | May 30, 31 |
| April 18, 19 | June 6, 7 |
| April 25, 26 | June 13, 14 |
| May 2, 3 | June 20, 21 |
| May 9, 10 | |
| May 16, 17 |
June 21: Graduation ceremony begins @ 6pm.
Length: The training is 12 weekends.
Hours: 250 hours
Fast Track Fees and Payment Plans
$3,875 (not subject to HST)
Early Bird Discount – enroll by March 5th / 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.
Contact our Education Program Advisor, Joanne Bot (jo@yogasanctuary.ca), or call our Danforth Studio at 416-461-6161 to discuss the training and payment options.
Reading List
Required:
The Heart of Yoga, by TKV Desikachar
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
The Key Muscles of Yoga by Ray Long
Highly Recommended:
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, by Swami Muktibodhananda
The Yoga Sutras of Patabjali, by Sri Swami Satchidananda
The Bhagavad Gita, by Eknath Easwaran
Yoga Yajnavalkya, by A.G. Mohan
Certified Financial Educational Institute
Established Teacher Training since 2001.
Yoga Sanctuary was the first studio in Ontario to be 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 continues to be a Toronto community leader in the realm of teacher training, pushing the envelop of training to new excellence.
Yoga Sanctuary became a “Certified Private Educational Institute” with the Federal Government of Canada in 2008. We are the first yoga studio in Ontario to achieve this status.
While Yoga Sanctuary 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 is the Premier Destination for Advanced Studies, offering 300-hour and 500-hour Yoga Alliance® registered Teacher Trainings and Continuing Education with Senior Faculty designed to help you develop into 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 Teacher Training programs offer you the tools you will need to take the next steps on your journey.
Financial Benefits for Our Students:
- Successful graduates will receive an official Tuition Fee Receipt (T2202A) for Income Tax purposes for any of our Yoga Teacher Training Programs.
- Students will also receive an official Education and Textbook credit for courses more than 3 consecutive weeks in length, with at least 12 hours of instruction each month. Not all courses qualify for this credit.
If you want further information, please visit the CRA website and see the Information for Students from Canada Revenue Agency about Tuition, Education, and Textbook amounts.
FAQs
Do you offer teacher training information sessions?
Who is yoga teacher training for?
How proficient in yoga do you have to be to participate in the training program?
Each weekend will include a large amount of time devoted to both the study and practice of asanas (postures) as well as practice teaching your fellow students. We recommend that you start to attend classes as soon as you can, if you don’t already have a consistent practice. You will be required to fulfill a certain amount of practical hours for each course.
Do I need to be interested in teaching?
Should anyone taking the program for the purpose of deepening his or her practice decide to teach, our 250-hour program will qualify you to be an inspiring, safe and effective teacher.
How long is each program? What are the schedules like?
You will learn about asana poses involved in the Ashtanga Primary Series, Hatha and Vinyasa styles of yoga, meditation, pranayama, anatomy, history, philosophy and yoga therapy. The main factors to consider are: where you would like to undertake the training, whether you learn better in an intensive format, or prefer a more gradual approach to accumulating knowledge and skills; and, of course, which format works best for your lifestyle and free time.
The 250 Hour Part-Time 8 Month Training offered at our Danforth location, is designed to work with your busy schedules in mind. Dive deeply into the study and practice of yoga while still being able to maintain your commitments to your work, family, schooling and other activities. We meet for 16 weekends, over an 8 month period every other weekend, offering 10 hours of faculty instruction per weekend
For the schedule of our next training Part Time Training at 95 Danforth Ave in Toronto click here.
The 250 Hour Full Time Fast Track Teacher Training gives you the chance to immerse yourself in an excellent intensive (full time) training. The course runs for 12 consecutive weekends, offering 14 hours per weekend of faculty instruction and is perfect for students who learn best while studying intensively between scheduled course sessions. The course requires a class practice approximately 4-5 days a week depending on your scheduling of required classes. For the schedule of our next Full TIme training at 95 Danforth Ave in Toronto click here.
What are the requirements of your 300 Hour Advanced Teacher Training?
You have the option to take modules when you are able~ Create your own schedule and pick the courses that most interest you, to suit your lifestyle and budget.
To qualify for this program, you must have completed a minimum of 200 (or 250 hour) YTT program certification before enrolling in the 300 hour AYTT training. Enhance your teaching skills by choosing from a wide variety of modules offered in our Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Course: Yin, Prenatal, Kids to Teens, Restorative, Yoga as Therapy, The Art of Assisting, Experiential Anatomy, Seniors Yoga, Yoga for Bigger Bodies and Arm and Hand Balancing, modules with Master Guest teachers, to reach your 500 hour teaching qualification.
For more information about our Advanced Yoga Teacher Training 300-hour modules click here
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What is included in the Training?
The 250 Hour Part Time Teacher Training includes:
- Unlimited classes at both locations of Yoga Sanctuary for the full length of the course.
- A comprehensive manual and binder of supplementary materials.
- 15% discount off products, clothes and accessories of either of Yoga Sanctuary locations.
The 250 Hour Full Time Fast Track Teacher Training includes:
- Unlimited classes at both locations of Yoga Sanctuary for the duration of the course and 5 extra months of unlimited practice after the last faculty led weekend.
- A comprehensive manual and binder of supplementary materials.
The Advanced Yoga Teacher Training courses include:
- Handouts or a manual will be given for each of the individual modules of teacher training courses taken.
- A certificate will be granted upon successful completion of the requirements of each module.
A 300 hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training certificate will be awarded to each participant, after the completion of all requirements are received in a satisfactory manner. This 300-hour training is registered with HRSDC and Yoga Alliance.
Do I have to purchase books?
What style of Yoga or lineage does the 250 Hour Program follow?
At Yoga Sanctuary we recognize that the main styles of yoga practiced at the studio are from the lineage of T. Krishnamacharya, but we don’t follow this single lineage, style or approach, as we do offer ongoing public classes in Zen Stretch, Pilates and Qigong. We pride ourselves on having a diverse teaching staff with different backgrounds so that you can gain a well-rounded view of all styles.
Through the training and your teaching practice, we want you to find your own voice and a teaching method that is authentic to you.
Who is on the faculty teaching staff?
How much time should I expect to spend on homework?
250 Hour Full Time Fast Track Training – Expect a minimum 10 hours or more of home study plus an additional 3-4 classes per week during the scheduled training times, in addition to the faculty led weekend hours at our Danforth location.
300 Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training – Home study times vary from one to ten hours of home study per module, depending on the particular AYTT course taken.
Is there a limit to the number of students accepted to Yoga Sanctuary teacher training programs?
Yoga Sanctuary is committed to your process in becoming the best teacher possible and faculty feedback is an important part of this learning process. Larger group sizes allow for practice teaching opportunities that better mimic true teaching situations because of the diversity of students in our groups. The number of faculty and assistants is adjusted to allow optimal individual attention whether you are in a small or larger group. Due to the limited class size, we encourage you to sign up well in advance in order to secure your place in the training.
How do I register for a Program?
You may fill out an application form for the program you’re interested in online, scroll to the bottom of the training page you select and click on the ‘register now’ option. For teenage applicants, please expect an interview to be conducted with your parent(s) and a Faculty member to ensure you are fully aware of the scheduled times and commitment.
You can reserve your place by paying the non-refundable registration fee of $500. To pay your registration fee, please stop by any of our locations, contact us by phone or pay online.
To pay online go to Mind Body Online and scroll down to find the training you are interested in taking. If you do not have a user id and password with us, please set one up. If you already have a user id and password with us, you can pay immediately online by logging into your account.
When will I find out if I have been accepted into the program?
What if I miss a class?
When I graduate from Yoga Sanctuary 250 Hour Teacher Training program will I be ready to teach?
Upon successful completion of our 250-hour program, you will have the necessary cornerstone foundation to teach and begin your teaching career! You will receive your diploma and if and when you need to, you may also register with the Yoga Alliance at the RYT-200 level (Registered Yoga Teacher 200). Graduates of the 200-hour program usually begin teaching in small studios, gyms and with friends and family.
Your ability to teach will also be influenced by how long you have been practicing yoga, your dedication to your practice in combination with the program, and your comfort level with teaching.
At Yoga Sanctuary, we continue to support our graduates offer them the opportunity to teach our New Grad classes, offered at each location, as well as assist classes with a teacher on our current roster of classes. There are also volunteer assisting and or teaching opportunities at various events Yoga Sanctuary is involved in.
While in the midst of starting to teach, many new teachers decide to continue their Teacher Training with Yoga Sanctuary, adding on to the 250-hour foundation course with our Advanced Yoga Teacher Training 300 hour course and eventually working up to the 500-hour certification. These Advanced Yoga Teacher Training modules contribute to your skills set as a teacher in your continuing education credits.
Who is Yoga Sanctuary registered with?
What is the HRSDC?
It is the regulatory agency for private training institutions across Canada. The ESDC helps to ensure your educational experience is a good one by requiring quality standards in schools – from contracts and refunds to course records as well as official income tax receipts. For more information please visit ESDC comprehensive website www.esdc.gc.ca/
What is Continuing Education?
Are payment plans available?
Contact our Education Program Advisor at our Wood Studio at 416-928-3236 to discuss the training and payment options.
What happens if I have to cancel my place on the Training?
Do you offer accommodation?
Here are a few recommendations from us for places to check out that are in the area: * airbnb.com
Previous students have also found lodging at Kijiji or at Craigslist.
