Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule for the Full Program?
The Program is a weekends-only program with most of the modules generally taking place on every other Saturday and Sunday between October 20, 2012 and February 24, 2013. The program is formatted in such as way that it allows trainees to maintain a weekday job, get full immersion on specific weekends, and have the flexibility to maintain a "regular" life. The weekends without classroom modules can also be used for required reading, writing assignments, or to fulfill necessary hours practicing teaching with peers.
What are the prerequisites for Advanced Studies/Teacher Training?
We ask that students applying to the training have at least two years of consistent practice with the same teacher(s). While the training provides the basic foundation of the yoga practice, it is still helpful if students have become acquainted with the yoga studio setting, the concept of the student-teacher relationship, the use of Sanskrit in classes, and the general purpose of the yoga practice. The 200-hour program is considered foundational and as such, will cover the basics of the yoga practice and includes modules on teaching beginning-level asana. While 200 hours is not a lot in the broad perspective of such a deep practice, it is a commitment nonetheless. Students considering the program should be ready for immersing themselves for the full program.
What if I have to miss one or more classes?
There is some flexibility with making up certain modules if you are unable to attend. You can only miss one of the Full Day modules as they are core to the program and since the program only runs every other year, it will be difficult to make this up in another way. You can miss up to two of the half day modules and still have enough hours for certification. If you miss more modules are wish to make them up, this can be done through attending another workshop with similar content or with approved instructors within the same calendar year. Absence from more than the allowed number of modules will be dealt with on an individual basis. This program is an immersion and while we do understand extenuating circumstances and the unpredictability of life, a certain level of commitment to the program is expected.
Will I be ready to teach after finishing this program?
That is a one of the most commonly asked but also one of the most subjective questions regarding Teacher Training. The program prepares students with the information, precautions and practice to teach beginning-level students. There is, however, a lot of information to digest and embody and some students may feel comfortable teaching small classes right away. Others may take more time and continue learning and integrating all that occurred over the 6-month period. For students interested in teaching right away, The Loft SF provides opportunities for subbing classes and also for creating community classes, classes that are geared toward a specific part of the population and/or that provide yoga at a lower cost to the community at large.
What are the class sizes?
This is the eighth year of the Teacher Training Program at The Loft SF. The average class size for our Teacher Training is 15 students and we cap the total number of students to 25 to ensure plenty of individual attention. Because our Teacher Training program is also simultaneously considered Advanced Studies, there are drop-ins to many of the classes but the class sizes are also limited. Those who drop-in are continuing students drawn to the topic or to the specific teacher and add to the atmosphere with their dedication.
What are the typical students like?
Most Teacher Training students are relative beginners, studying an average of 5 years, although some students come to the training after practicing asana for more than a dozen or so years and still others after perhaps only two years of practice. Each cohort has a broad representation of ages and body types. In past teacher trainings, the ages of participants have ranged from 25-58. Our program tends to attract a diverse population-students of all backgrounds and career paths-teachers, therapists, businesspeople, full-time grad students, full-time mothers, etc.-all interested in deepening their understanding and practice of yoga. Some students will have other spiritual practices and some will have no previous experience with meditation or other internal work. Part of the advantage of this diversity is that you get to learn from each other and garner the benefits of a mixed background of experience in a field that none of us can truly master in our lifetime.
What is the atmosphere like?
The Program is a microcosm of The Loft SF's community. Although many students come from other studios, there is a similar feel to the depth of study they are seeking and how they are willing to engage with and relate to the practice. This is not an add water and stir kind of program. Students and teachers alike are asked to show up and participate in the class in a way that meets all situations and offers the potential for growth of each as individuals. It is not just about giving out information to students so much as helping students to broaden their perspective and learn in a particular way. This program asks you to be open to different perspectives, letting go of preconceived ideas and maintaining a sense of curiosity towards yoga and teaching during and after the program.
Is there homework?
Built into the YA 200 hour program is the requirement of 30 hours of independent study. Different teachers ask for assignments and reading throughout the course of the intensive to meet this requirement. There will also be some required components of the program outside of classroom hours including small group meetings to practice teaching and reading requirements that require response papers.
As with the entire program, the student is urged to participate and engage as fully as possible but we are realistic about work and family obligations. Yoga is a lifelong practice, and teaching yoga requires a commitment of learning the skills, experiencing the practice, and serving our community. The 6 month schedule is a time of breaking down and building up; it is a time for taking in a vast amount of information. It may take months or years to integrate the information and to fully embody it.
What kind of accreditation
The Loft SF Teacher Training is a recognized, registered school with the Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org). Our program requirements meet or exceed Yoga Alliance's national standards for yoga teacher education.
What is the Yoga Alliance?
In the United States, teacher-training programs that meet certain standards are certified by the Yoga Alliance, a nationally recognized certification. There are two levels of Yoga Alliance certification -- 200 Hour and 500 Hour, referring to the length of the program. Trainees first complete the 200-Hour certification, which many yoga studios require as the minimum training for their teachers. Upon completion of a Yoga Alliance certified teacher-training program, teachers may use the acronym RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) after their name. Some teachers then choose to continue their studies by undertaking a 500-Hour training.
What happens after 200 hours?
Yoga Alliance also offers accreditation for 500 hours of study.
How do I apply to the Yoga Loft's Program?
Download the application and take your time writing out the answers. All the financial and processing information is included right on the application.
If I already have gone through a 200-hour training, or am just interested in checking things out, can I still attend some of the modules in the Yoga Loft's Program?
Yes, the modules in The Loft SF's Program are designed to be both continuous and self-contained, covering specific subject matter that builds from any knowledge base. Certain modules will have specific times that are open to the public and the last hour will be dedicated to trainees only. Students wishing to drop in to any of the modules are asked to register in advance by calling the studio at 415-626-LOFT or signing up online at theloftsf.com.
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