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Updated
June 10, 2010
How to Begin
How does one find and decide upon a Yoga Teacher Training?
This is a huge question! And a confusing one at best! It really
boils down to what you want to do when you’ve done your
training. Do you want to make a career change, and teach yoga
full time? (Yoga Teachers are not rich! By any means! It is
very very difficult to support oneself by teaching yoga.)
Or do you see yourself teaching as more of a hobby –
evenings/weekends, etc. Where do you see yourself teaching?
In a studio, in a gym, in your home, not teaching at all.
Have you been doing yoga for some time, and simply want to
know more to deepen your understanding?
So, I think you must begin with the end in mind. Having said
that, how is it possible to know ‘the end’ when
talking about yoga?! It certainly seems that the more I learn,
the more I know that I don’t know! There IS no end!
There are many trainings. And many teachers now. Some good,
some not so good. Just like everything else in life! There
are many styles of yoga. Investigate the different styles/traditions
to find one that resonates with you, and also to find a teacher
with whom you feel you can develop a relationship of respect
and trust, and one who has an honest desire to share and pass
along knowledge. Find a teacher who lives the yoga philosophy
– non-harming, truthful, continues to learn....and importantly,
one who has very little ego. So, that is a beginning.
Once having found the style – and the teacher –
then investigate what types of training he or she offers.
What can you afford financially? Be realistic! Find out about
payment options. It may be possible to spread payments out
over several months. These are questions upon which to reflect
before undertaking training.
Our Programs
We offer three separate programs at our studio.
1. The 2-day Fast Track Fitness Yoga Teacher Training Certificate
Program (Module 1) (not to be confused with Yoga Certification!)
- 14 Hours - which is a brief overview of all things yogic
given that we have only 2 days in which to cover a 5,000 year
old system of self-improvement! Although this course is short,
it is of great value in allowing students to delve further
into yoga teacher training and to establish whether or not
to go further. The focus of the training is some of the history
of yoga, a quick look at the philosophical basis of yoga.
Main focus is on the technical aspects of the fundamental
poses, safety, modifications, how to put together a level
one class that is both safe and effective, verbal cueing,
class control, etc. etc. This program is sufficient for insurance
purposes. A certificate is supplied along with this course,
as is a complete manual. And 4 CanFitPro CEC’s. We offer
this course many times per year both in Toronto (where the
fee is $250) and in cities across Canada (where the fee is
$325 to cover our travel costs, etc. in bring this course
to you.)
We also offer an second level of the 2-day Fast Track Fitness
Yoga Program (Module 2) which does involve a ‘certification’.
This is also a 2-day course - which includes written assignments,
readings, and a practical evaluation. This is a Certification
that is recognized by our studio. It also offers 4 CanFitPro
CEC’s. Pre-requisites are Module 1, CPR, and 25 hours
of teaching yoga. Also offered in Toronto $275), and other
Canadian cities ($350)
2. The 100 Hour 6 month Intensive, and as the name implies,
the study is quite thorough. Essentially, the course consists
of attending group intensives for 10 Sunday afternoons between
1 – 5 pm between September and March of every year. The
course is offered only once yearly. In addition, a requirement
for this course is to attend 10 additional classes –
6 in our studio, and 4 in outside studios, and to create a
written report on each class. Home study, assignments, readings
and in class presentations are also part of this course. More
information – dates
and application form - is available on the website
or we can be contacted directly by email, or by phone 416-716-7589.
We would be happy to discuss your options. The fee for this
course is $1200 plus gst. You are required to purchase on
text for this course which is not included in the cost of
the course. 4 CanFit CEC’s.
3. The third course that we offer is called the RYT 250 Hour
Program. This course meets and exceeds the stiff requirements
by the Yoga Alliance. Upon completion of this course, which
is offered only once per year beginning in the fall, the student
may apply to Yoga Alliance for Registration. This course is
intense, and should not be entered into lightly. For more
information, please check out the application
form. and/or contact us directly. 416-716-7589.
The fee for this course is $3600.
Yoga Certification (also called Registration)
There is a great deal of confusion in the industry about
Yoga "Certification". Many small studios or teachers
offer "certification.” While these courses definitely
have value, it may mean that the “certification”
is valid with only that particular yoga studio or teacher.
Elite recognition in Yoga (such as Registration with the
Federation of Ontario Yoga Teachers or Registration with the
International Yoga Alliance) is a very long, intensive, and
very expensive process - (minimum 200 - 500 hours in-class
time, mandatory attendance at many classes, numerous essay-type
assignments, man y include practical exam, oral exam, written
exam, etc. and the cost may vary between $3,000 - 5,000, with
most trainings being at the upper end.)
The 14 Hour Course (Module 1 of the Fast Track Fitness Yoga
Teacher Certification), and the 100 Hour Course, are NOT certification
courses. They are accreditation courses - meaning that at
the end of the workshop you will receive a certificate indicating
that you have taken the course, the # of hours, and topics
covered. They are recognized CanFitPro (the largest fitness
association in Canada), by provincial fitness associations
(such as the Manitoba Fitness Council, Saskatchewan Parks
& Recreation, etc), gyms, community recreation centers,
etc and at this time these trainings are sufficient for insurance
purposes. This is likely to change in the future.
Continuing Educational Credits from CanFitPro and the provincial
associations are given for all of our courses.
REMEMBER TO REMEMBER
It is important to remember that You do not have to be "certified"
or "registered" to teach yoga. THERE ARE NO YOGA
POLICE OUT THERE WHO WILL COME AND ARREST YOU FOR TEACHING
YOGA. YOGA IS GOD’S GIFT TO THE WORLD. It's all about
teaching with integrity, valuing the process, superior knowledge,
knowing when and how to adapt, and most of all, a sincere
desire to go about teaching yoga to others. Most of teaching
is learned from a long history of self-practice.
If you wish more information or if you wish to speak with
me directly, please call at 416-716-7589 or email info@mraesyogastudio.com.
Hope this helps!
Peace.
Testimonials
Jane B., RYT 2008 – 2010 Graduate... in Toronto,
Ontario
There are times when I have to stop and think....yes,
the RYT Extension Program has come to a close.
The week before our final sessions as a group I experienced
a surreal calm. The past year and nine months have been
an amazing journey of learning and self discovery. I was
blessed with the opportunity to meet and study the practice
of Yoga with amazing teachers and fellow students. We all
brought something very unique to the learning journey. At
times I wondered what the heck I had gotten myself into
because there were some fairly thick pockets of work and
study in the program. Then there were my many trips to the
studio from Newmarket. Those trips were also part of my
growth. I can now make that drive and feel completely calm.
I grew to look forward to the drive. All of this took a
great deal of organization and careful time management to
keep my life in balance and give my best to the RYT program.
Would I do it all over again? You better believe it - in
a heartbeat! I believe the surreal feeling of calm was because
it was hard to believe I was on this side of the RYT training
program. The feeling was very different back in September
of 2008. I have learned so much since then. I do, though,
fully realize that learning, dreaming and discovery are
part of our life's journey and fighting the good fight.
Maureen, your presence was truly felt during our graduation
ceremony (our rite/ceremony of passage ). As Christine read
your message to us, I could hear your voice. I will treasure
your words, your wisdom, your sincerity and your caring
ways always. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience
with us and all of your students across Canada. As much
as I wish you could have been with us last Sunday, I knew
you were teaching other students of Yoga and realizing your
dream - sharing and living your passion - fighting the good
fight! You are an amazing and inspirational teacher. Thank-you,
for being you, from the depths of my heart.
From Tina... in Calgary, Alberta
I listened to the Gentle Yoga CD and it was wonderful.
I love how your classes flow and I hope that my class can
leave as invigorated and relaxed as I did when I did your
class and again as I listened to you on your CD. I would
love it if you recorded more of your classes! I learned
so much from listening to your cues and directions. It has
given me the confidence to get out there and teach my class.
My first one is on Friday...I am a bit nervous!
Thanks again for sharing your wisdom I really appreciate
and value it.
From Carole... in Barrie, Ontario
“Thank YOU so much for a wonderful weekend. I learned
to slow down and enjoy yoga and I've already started to
pass this on to my students. It will take some time to digest
the manual, but I'm glad that I have it to remind me of
all the wonderful things I learned. Thank you for the time
and energy you put into teaching this weekend. The laughter
yoga will continue to make me smile whenever I think of
it :0)
Continue your good work and I hope our paths will cross
again.
Namaste.
From Sarah Louise... in Windsor, Ontario
Thank you for the wonderful "Timeless Teachings
of Yoga" Workshop. It was truly amazing! I walked away
with such useful information that can be applied to all
of my classes. I appreciate all of the hard work that you
put into preparing the large manual with so much valuable
information. Your teaching style is genuine and shows that
it comes from the heart. It is so nice to be a student again.
From Katie... in Ottawa, Ontario
Thank YOU so much for this past weekend in Ottawa. I
learned a lot and really appreciated how much you were able
to speak to our concerns and needs as beginning teachers.
I found the whole weekend so worthwhile and inspiring.
Thank you again and hope to see you in Ottawa again
soon,
From Tracey... in Toronto, Ontario
"Thank you so much, again, for such a wonderful
experience. The genuine, caring and extremely knowIedgeable
person that you are made the difference.
As I mentioned today, your methods and style of class
training were
perfectly choreographed. You enjoyed our enthusiasm and
enabled us to speak candidly and ask pertinent questions
throughout both days. We learned calmness, silence, stillness
and yet at the same time empowerment and strength. Laughter,
health and fitness, education all entwined seemlessly (I
hope that is a word!). You have a gift and fortunately for
us and many others you are using it wisely and thoughtfully.
I cannot wait to read the entire manual and study my sanskrit
poses and asanas!"
From Jenna....in Regina, Saskatchewan
"I can't thank you enough for the mountain of information
and
inspiration you gave this weekend. I had my first class
last night and I started doing some minor adjustments and
they went well, the students commented on how it was nice
to know they were doing the postures properly."
From Le....in Guelph
"Thank you for being you: The teacher who always
focuses on her students’ needs! I really enjoyed the
two days of training and left with more confidence and knowledge.
I look forward to training with you in the future."
From Kim....in Waterloo
I would like to thank you so very much for the training.
"I thought I would do an informal evaluation of
the course.
I loved your studio!! It was comfortable to learn in and
comfortable to relax in over lunch. The topics covered in
the training were very valuable to me. The module was exactly
what I wanted it to be. I benefited from the teaching and
peer reviews.
I am also glad you were able to give me further advice to
improve my teaching...thank you so very much. I have paid
particular attention to my word selection i.e. try this
instead of "I want you to do this"...
I do hope to do Module 2 in the future."
From Jeanette....in Toronto
"The two days were so very informative and I came
away being completely inspired by your knowledge and understanding.
I am extremely motivated to take what I absorbed and grow
from it and I look forward to seeing you again in Module
II."
From Sarah Terrion, Director of Operations, NRG2GO (Energy
to Go) -
Resort Teaching Placements
"We highly recommend Maureen Rae's courses to all!
Her classes are very appropriate for the resorts our company
services so it's natural for us to refer our instructors
to study under her. Maureen has a very "user friendly"
approach that makes yoga (and t'ai chi) very do-able for
anybody.
She is very knowledgeable, yet humble and her style
speaks to me. With her background in nursing and group exercise,
she brings a lot to yoga yet is careful to stay respectful
to it's roots and teaches with authenticity. Thank you Maureen
for sharing your knowledge with us and for always providing
such wonderful resource manuals with each course. After
completing your Yoga Fast Tracks, your Intensive and several
workshops, I look forward to studying more from you in the
near future."
From Margaret....in Guelph and Tobermory
"Maureen Rae is a teaching treasure. Not only does
she have long experience, but she is able to combine this
understanding of technique with the wisdom and insight which
comes from the study of yoga philosophy. Her compassion
allows all students, beginners, and more experienced practitioners
to feel comfortably challenged. I come away from her classes
feeling relaxed, inspired, and spiritually enriched."
From Erik....in Guelph
Thank you very much for all the energy, both physical
and mental, that you put into this past weekend! Sometimes,
as a student, it's easy to forget about the teacher's life
outside of the classroom moment. I appreciate how busy your
life is and how valuable your time with us was to me!
If you would like to host a workshop in your facility
or in your area, please call us at 905-274-3312.
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