Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the cost of the Teacher Training?
The cost of the training includes tuition and your Teacher Training Manual. Does not include books, accomodation, or GST.
How much yoga experience is needed to be accepted into the program?
We ask that all students have a minimum of one year's regular study with a Certified or Registered yoga teacher. As this is a Yoga Teacher Training program you will get the most out of it if you are not learning the basics of practice at the same time that you are learning to teach. Your application form will include a Teacher Recommendation form that your yoga teacher can fill out so that we may assess your eligibility. It is important that all students have a working knowledge of the foundational yoga poses befoe commencing the program.
What are the pre-requisites needed for the course?
- One year regular yoga study with a Certified or Registered teacher.
- Completion and acceptance of the application form and Teacher Recommendation form.
- Payment of all fees in full.
What if I miss a class?
To receive your diploma of completion and be eligible to apply for RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) status with the Yoga Alliance you must be in attendance for all the required contact hours of the course. If you miss more than a class or two you will have to make up your hours in private sessions with the Director of Training or in the next Teacher Training session. Make up classes will be an additional cost.
What is the Yoga Alliance?
The Yoga Alliance is a registry board that was started as a way to create recognized standards for yoga teachers and yoga teacher trainings. Most yoga studios are now requiring their teachers to register with the Yoga Alliance, either at the 200 or 500 hour level. Yoga Alliance registration is not a legal requirement for teaching yoga but it does give prospective employers (and students) an idea of your level of training and commitment. At this point there are no legal certification requirements to be a yoga teacher in Canada.
What style of yoga is presented in this training?
Our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course focuses on the fundamentals of Hatha Yoga which are key to all styles of yoga, allowing you to bring what you learn to bear on the style you prefer to present. The Director of Teacher Training (Natalie Rousseau) has trained in Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow and Anusara Yoga so all these different influences will be brought together into the training program.
Will I be eligible to teach yoga when the course is done?
Absolutely. To recieve your certificate of completion you must be in attendance for all the required contact hours of the course, complete all homework assignments and projects, recieve a 75% or higher grade on the final exam, and teach a full spectrum yoga class to the Director of Training and your peers in the training group. Once you have received your certificate of completion from Pacific Elements Yoga you may also apply to the Yoga Alliance for RYT 200 status which will allow you to be eligible for hire in many yoga studios, gyms, and health clubs. It is recommended that you begin teaching as soon as you complete the course to small groups of friends and neighbours so that you are developing what you have learned in the intensive training.
Will there be time for surfing?
Sundays and evenings after 5:30 pm are yours to enjoy all that Tofino has to offer. There will be 8-10 hours of required homework for the course, but if you budget your time and energy well there should be plenty of time for recreation. At the same time do realize the intensive nature of the course does require a full time commitment and the more you give to it the more you will get out of it.