Becoming a Teacher Trainee begins with yoga practice. Development from student to teacher is methodical and progressive, emphasising a systematic approach to teaching asana and pranayama. It is a requirement that students practice Iyengar Yoga regularly for a minimum of three years before commencing training.
If you decide you would like to undertake Teacher Training, the next step is to find an accredited Teacher Trainer. Acredited Teacher Trainers can be found using our Teacher search tool. (Select the "Teacher" and "Teacher Trainer" filters). IYA does not conduct Teacher Training directly and individual Teacher Trainers develop programs to meet IYA guidelines. Programs may be conducted either in an apprenticeship or course format or a combination of the two.
Teacher Training involves working closely with a Teacher Trainer in a mentoring relationship over a minimum of three years. A teacher training mentorship involves at least 300 hours of learning and practice, in addition to 100 hours of assisting in classes. At the completion of the training the Teacher Trainer signs a letter of referral to sit assessment by an independent panel. This referral ensures that the candidate has demonstrated maturity in practice and teaching carries the endorsement of their trainer and lineage in the Iyengar method is maintained.
If you are thinking of undertaking Teacher Training, have a chat with your current teacher or make contact with another certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, to find out about opportunities for Teacher Training near you.
Teaching Certification
Iyengar Yoga Australia upholds the highest standards in the teacher certification process. There are five levels of certification, with several sub-levels in between. A teacher can use the Iyengar Certification Mark at Introductory level as a testament to their accreditation and certification standard.
Discover schools and teachers closest to your location.
Assessment
Iyengar Yoga Australia co-ordinates regular assessments in May and October each year for those wishing to teach in the Iyengar method. We assess Teachers from Introductory to Senior levels. Our assessment requirements and ethical guidelines are of the highest standard and upheld by all of our members. As a Teacher Trainee and Teacher member you gain access to our member area and information on the assessment process. As a frist step find a Teacher Trainer in your area.
Ongoing Teacher Development
Through regular conferences and professional development opportunities, Iyengar Yoga Australia provides social, cultural and educational services for our teaching community. Ongoing teacher development keeps Iyengar Yoga teachers informed, energised and up-to-date on the latest information from Iyengar Yoga in Australia and overseas.
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI)
The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) welcomes students and teachers of Iyengar Yoga from all around the world. It was established on 19 January 1975 in Pune, Maharashtra, and was the home and practice hall of BKS Iyengar during his lifetime. The RIMYI is a popular place of pilgrimage for Iyengar Yoga students, offering classes, workshops and educational seminars run by the Iyengar family.