As yoga instructors, perhaps we’ve all been there -- teacher training completed, maybe even an advanced training done; now what do we do?
I was fortunate in that during my tenure as a student, I purchased a small yoga studio in a moderate-sized community. It was then that I began a teacher training (after practicing for 4 years). I then taught classes for the 7 years I owned and managed the studio. Fortunately, I sold the studio before moving to another state.
I say fortunate since many yoga studios ‘close’ rather than ‘sell’.
Now that I have been practicing yoga for 16 years, and teaching for 13 of those years, I feel able to share some thoughts for the growing population of new teachers entering our ranks. Here goes:
1. Study with as many teachers as you are able.
As a student and emerging teacher, I studied with varied instructors. Part of what I hoped to learn is how to develop my own ‘voice’. Huh? What I mean by that is that each of us speaks and teaches in a unique way. I never wanted to sound like my long-time instructor; so I made sure I studied with many people. I still went back to the long-time teacher each week, but I was getting a dose of other peoples’ voices - their verbal styles and approaches to teaching.
2. Graduated or not, find a mentor.
Though I studied with many people, as I progressed I could see places I needed improvement. One of those was my lack of assertiveness in the classes I taught; my ability to truly ‘take the seat’. I tended to be the teacher who said “stretch your leg, if you will”, or “move to down dog, or child’s pose if that’s more pleasing”. Instructions that were ‘nice’ and didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings, but also didn’t instill much confidence in me as a teacher, or in my students about their own abilities. It was as if I might be discounting their abilities.
Solution? I found a teacher (one I had studied with several times) who I knew to be strong and motivating. She is a no-nonsense type of instructor, but one who is able to offer modifications to students WITHOUT making them feel ‘less than’.
I spent 12 months studying with said mentor on-line. Each month, I received a lecture and practice guidelines which I dutifully noted and studied. Result? A more confident, more assertive, and more confidence-instilling attitude as I taught my classes.
3. Find your niche (and, realize what you are NOT good at).
Each of us is gifted with a set of skills students need. Mine happens to be a skill in working with students who struggle with an injury or chronic illness, are older, or who haven’t moved for a while. My classes are not necessarily soft and cuddly, tho labeled ‘gentle’. My goal is always to help students become stronger and more flexible. I teach so that students will be able to move into other classes or, should they remain with me, will not get bored.
By the same token, over the early years I also came to know the types of classes that I am NOT best at teaching. I can ‘kill’ a prenatal or restorative classes faster than you might imagine. That’s hard to believe, I think, because I am a great gentle yoga teacher; but, put me in a room of young, pregnant women and I find myself at a loss for words. In restorative classes, I’d like people to move a bit before settling in; I quickly found out that’s not their goal. Today, I only teach those classes as a sub, and then only in a pinch.
4. Appreciate silence (yours).
As I began teaching, I was naturally nervous - filling all available spaces with my instructions or thoughts. There was little silence in the room. Then, one day an amazing thing happened. I asked students to move into Ardha Chandrasana (half moon). As I watched a student, I felt the verbal motor churning - ready to offer compliments, modifications and/or corrections; the need to fill empty space. For some reason, I stopped and watched. Her pose opened, much like a flower opening in the sunlight. Had I interrupted her, who knows where or how the pose would have happened. Fortunately for her (and me), I was silent and watching. As she came out of the pose, all I could or would say was ‘beautiful’. Lesson learned. To this day, I have students tell me they appreciate that I offer instruction but not 'banter'.
5. Be patient.
Over the years, I’ve started a number of classes. I teach a bit differently that others, which means students are not readily attracted. Word of mouth brings people in, slowly. An example: this year, my gentle yoga class (2pm on a Tuesday), which had limped along for 2 years serving 3-4 people, literally jumped to an average of 10-12. It happens. Give people time to get to know you, to hear about you, to learn your skills. It will happen.
And, one more thought -- keep studying. One thing I notice about this practice is that it is always evolving. Great teachers coming up with new ways to teach a pose, a new refinement. Reading is a great tool -- either thru books or on-line (blogs, social media, etc.). I've also invested in some on-line courses; and, over time, I've learned which instructors can 'hook' me; keep me interested and tuning in each week or month for the next installment. Workshops with local instructors and/or visiting teachers offer variety and a chance to meet people. Keep your eyes and ears open for these opportunities.
Any questions? Contact me.
Enjoy your Wednesday and the Summer!
