Beginning a Career Change and Becoming a Yoga Teacher

You can be a fantastic yoga teacher at any age, no matter what you’ve done before – all you really need to start with is passion, creativity and a determination to succeed.

If you’re considering making a career change to become a yoga teacher these are some of the essential steps to take.
 

• Focus on your own practice first. It’s key to build up hours on the mat before you start the process of becoming a yoga teacher – practice at least three times a week to ensure that you have a firm foundation.
   
• Find an online yoga teacher training course. The first training most teachers usually do is the foundational 200-hours. This course will give you the essential skills and knowledge you need to effectively teach students to learn and practice yoga.
   
• Target the studios you love. If you already know where you want to teach you’ll have a better chance of hitting the ground running once you’re qualified. You can also find out what their requirements are for teachers who want to work in that space.
   
• Join the community of the studios where you want to teach. It’s much easier to become part of the team of teachers at a studio if you already have a lot of hours on the mat as an engaged member of that studio community. Chat to the teachers who are already there, go to events and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people so that they can put a face to the name when you apply to work there.
   
• What’s your “thing”? Steer clear of gimmicks but try to identify what your niche might be as a teacher. Perhaps you’re an injury specialist with a background in physiotherapy or maybe you can integrate dance or fantastic playlists into your classes. If there is something distinctive about the way that you teach, you’re much more likely to be successful.
   
• Get yourself onto a teaching schedule. Once you’re qualified, experienced and you know what your unique selling point is, it’s time to start getting on the schedule. Aim to teach 2-3 classes a day if you want to make a living from teaching yoga.
   
• Expand what you offer. This could be setting up your own studio, organising retreats or teaching private classes – the more you can expand your offering, the more your business will grow.

If you’re considering a career change to become a yoga teacher then this is an exciting time. These essential steps will help to take you from where you are now to being a teacher with a satisfying practice and a community of engaged students around you.