Yoga Mentorship for Teachers: Is it Worth It?
Most who dream of becoming an inspiring yoga teacher usually go for 200-hour yoga teacher training programs but some go beyond that. Some start exploring the world of yoga mentorship. For those who don’t know it promises to help you refine your yoga TT skills and develop your own unique teaching style. But is it really worth the investment?
In this blog, Ekattva Yogshala - a yoga academy in Rishikesh - will break down everything you need to know about yoga teacher mentorship programs in 2024. By the end of this read, we bet you’ll have a clear idea of whether this path aligns with your yoga journey. Let’s start.
What is a Yoga Mentorship Program?
Imagine having a yoga master as your personal guide. Someone who can observe your teaching and offer constructive feedback. Someone who can help you tailor your classes to your unique voice and strengths. That’s the essence of a yoga mentorship program. You can think of it as an extra layer of support beyond your initial teacher training.
What are the Benefits of a Yoga Mentorship Program?
While a strong yoga school foundation is crucial, mentorship can be the missing piece that elevates your teaching to the next level. Think of it as having a tutor who teaches you the same subjects you learnt in school but didn’t really grab them correctly. Here are some benefits of a mentorship program:
1 Personalized growth
Imagine having a seasoned yoga teacher who speculates your class, pinpoints areas for improvement, and then crafts a personalized development plan just for you. This is the MAGIC of mentorship. A mentor literally tailors their approach to your strengths and weaknesses.
Just like a yoga school, a mentorship program can help you refine your sequencing skills and address challenges with specific poses. It can also help you develop a more engaging teaching voice.
2 Confidence boost
Stepping into the role of a yoga teacher can be nerve-wracking. A mentor during a mentorship program can act as your cheerleader and confidant. They can help you build confidence in your teaching abilities through constructive feedback and encouragement.
They’ll be there to celebrate your successes and offer support during moments of doubt, thus fostering a sense of security and growth. We know some of you might be thinking, “Wait, won’t the yoga teachers during the YTT course give a confidence boost too? If yes, why do I need a mentorship program?”
Don’t worry, we’ll discuss it in the upcoming section!
3 Deepen your yoga knowledge
Let’s be honest, yoga is a rapidly evolving practice. Just like a reputed school, a good mentor can expose you to new approaches, philosophies, and resources. They might introduce you to advanced anatomy and alignment techniques. They might help you take a plunge into the yoga philosophy river. Or even guide you in exploring different teaching styles.
This continuous learning from the mentorship program can deepen your understanding of yoga. It makes you a more well-rounded and informed teacher.
4 Cultivate your unique teaching style
Authenticity is key to becoming a magnetic yoga teacher. Your mentor and gurus at the YTT program - both can help you discover your voice and develop teaching methods that resonate with your personality and passion. They’ll encourage you to experiment; find your comfort zone. Ultimately, create a teaching style that feels true to you.
Everything you need to know about joining all-inclusive yoga programs!
5 Navigate yoga business
Most people join a yoga teacher training course to make teaching yoga a profession. A mentorship program can be an invaluable resource when it comes to navigating the business side of things. While you’ll receive guidance on marketing yourself as a yoga teacher, finding teaching opportunities, setting competitive rates, and handling challenging students during YTT, a mentorship program can double that support!
6 Build your network
Another benefit to consider when opting for a mentorship program. The yoga community thrives on connection. A good mentor often has established connections within the yoga world. Like a yoga school, they can introduce you to more teachers, studio owners, and potential clients. Helping you double your exposure and support your teaching journey.
Do You Really Need a Yoga Mentorship?
Remember we mentioned earlier that a strong foundation from a qualified yoga school can also provide excellent ongoing support for yoga teacher aspirants. So, the question arises: Is a separate mentorship program truly essential after you have already spent on yoga teacher training certification? The answer is NOT REALLY.
If you join the right yoga school and work hard to learn what they have to teach, you will probably not feel a strong need to join a mentorship program. Here’s how a yoga school with experienced teachers and a strong community can serve as a springboard for new teachers:
1 Experienced teachers as mentors
The best yoga schools have teachers who’ve been practicing and teaching for years. For you, it means getting valuable feedback, guidance, and support during your initial teaching experiences. They can observe your class and offer constructive criticism. In fact, they can answer questions that arise as you gain practical teaching experience during your YTT classes in the school.
2 Community support
A leading yoga school fosters a sense of community among its teachers and students. In simple words, you get to see a built-in support network where you can learn from your peers, share experiences, and collaborate on workshops or events. Teachers will also become your support system as you navigate the challenges of leading your own classes.
3 Ongoing learning opportunities
Many yoga schools offer workshops, continuing education programs, and guest teacher sessions. These opportunities will allow you to deepen your practice. It will even allow you to stay updated with the latest techniques and explore various yoga styles. You won’t find such a broad range of learning experiences in a typical mentorship program.
Yoga Mentorship Program: Final Words
There you go!
We told you everything important about opting in for a mentorship program. Although it offers good benefits, it is not necessarily the only path to success. A strong yoga school can provide a supportive environment with highly skilled and experienced teachers, ongoing learning opportunities, vibrant community - all within your initial teacher training program fees.
Looking for a Yoga Alliance-recognized yoga school in Rishikesh that prioritizes your growth as a teacher? Ekattva Yogshala’s 200-hour yoga teacher training program in Rishikesh, India goes beyond just postures and sequences. We help you find a unique voice while training you in the ancient yoga traditions of Hatha and Ashtanga. Our yoga teachers go all the way for students to make sure they pursue a successful career, and most mostly, we have a strong community that can help you learn and grow alongside fellow yogis.
Got any queries to ask? Send them to info@spiritualpunditz.com and have them answered by our yoga experts!
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