Yoga Teacher Training–The Journey:
The journey of becoming an Anusara yoga teacher is one of transformation and self-discovery. It requires a dedicated practice, ongoing studentship, and a willingness to open to something greater. This course is for those who have dedicated themselves to the practice of Anusara Yoga and aspire to support others to step into their own greatness. Through the supportive community environment, you will embody the practice of yoga so that your teaching is charged with spiritual energy, confidence, and a genuine love and compassion for yourself and others. You will soften your heart, develop a more vibrant body, and sharpen your mind, so that you are more able to teach the essence of yoga which is love.
Format:
The course consists of three, 5-day intensives over a 6-month period with homework between each segment. Each part provides in-depth training, experience, and inspiration for you to develop your teaching skills. The pulsation of coming together in community and then returning home greatly enhances the learning process.
Hours:
This training, registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level, is approximately 208 hours (103 Immersion hours and 105 teacher training hours). All hours can be applied toward the prerequisite for Anusara Certification with John Friend, www.anusara.com. See below for more info.
At-Home Study:
Assignments are given between segments to deepen integration of the teachings. The homework constitutes an important aspect of the overall training and provides a structure of support for the learning process at home. The assignments include daily practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation, keeping a sadhana journal, weekly check-ins with study buddies, observation of Anusara classes, practice teaching to friends, family, and/or students, audio and video-assisted learning, transcriptions and analysis of master Anusara teachers, required reading, written exercises, and two comprehensive take-home exams.
Yoga Teacher Training Prerequisites:
100 hours of any Anusara Yoga Immersion
Minimum of 3 years consistent practice of any style of yoga
Minimum of 1.5 years of study and practice of Anusara Yoga (or by teacher’s permission)
A sincere desire to learn, grow, open your heart, and be coachable
Teacher Recommendation Form. For those who did not take the Immersion with Todd or Ann, a teacher recommendation form from the certified Anusara teacher who taught your Immersion is required. If it has been more than a year since your Immersion teacher has seen you practice, then you are required to submit a second recommendation form from your primary Anusara teacher who has seen you practice recently or within the last month. Download Teacher Recommendation form here: (.pdf version) or (word version).
Acceptance into the program is based upon approval of your application.
Course Content Includes:
Teaching with a theme
Cultivating heart-oriented language
Teaching with technical precision
Individualized mentoring and facilitation with supportive feedback
Art of guiding a centering and Savasana
Art of the demonstration
Art of sequencing
Lesson planning and design
Art of observation, verbal, and physical adjustments
Use of props and modifications for beginners
Tantra philosophy and anatomy as applied to teaching
Introduction to prenatal yoga
Conscious communication skills
Professional practice and ethics
Integration through chanting, contemplation, and journal writing
TEACHER
TRAINING
SCHEDULE
Lenox, MA 2011/12
Part 1 Nov 2-6, 2011
Part 2 March 21-25
Part 3 May 16-20, 2012
Download Lenox pdf app
Download Lenox word app
Todd Norian and Ann Greene, two of Anusara’s most open-hearted and inspirational teachers, are a dynamic husband and wife team who share a passion for teaching yoga. They teach with the deepest intention to awaken the hearts of others to their true nature of unlimited joy. Through personal sharing and profound philisophical insights, combined with precise technical guidance and a warm sense of humor, Todd and Ann create an opportunity for transformation and self impowerment in each student. Todd has been a student of yoga since 1980 and Ann since 1988. They have studied with John Friend since 1997 and offer workshops internationally. Todd and Ann direct Immersions and Anusara Yoga Teacher Trainings. As an accomplished musician, Todd has created several music CD’s for yoga.
Tuition:
$2300, Early registration $2100
Payment plan available. For details please see application and payment form.
Refund Policy:
$400 deposit refundable through October 27, 2010 minus $100 administration fee. No refunds after October 27th, 2010 unless your space can be filled from a waiting list. Your deposit will be returned in full if you are not accepted into the program.
Additional Costs:
Accommodations, meals, travel, and required books.
Certification Requirements:
Once you complete all of your work and demonstrate that you have integrated the Anusara teachings you will be certified as a Hatha Yoga Teacher. You may then register with the National Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level. For an application, call 877-964-2255 or go online: www.yogaalliance.org.
Anusara Yoga has one of the highest standards for teacher training in the world and this program follows in Anusara’s footsteps. Certification in this course is not automatically guaranteed. Certification is granted solely by the discretion of the directors.
Certification is based on attitude, being coachable, and the performance and demonstration of your teaching ability. To become certified in this course, you must demonstrate a basic understanding and integration of the Anusara principles, philosophy, heart language, and other teaching methodologies. In addition, you must complete your homework and score at least 90% on both tests. When everything is complete, you will be certified as a Hatha Yoga teacher. This course does not certify you to use the Anusara name. (Please see below for more information.)
Although most students graduate from the training 1-2 months after the end of part 3, some students will need more time. You may be asked to work with a mentor after the completion of the training until you are able to demonstrate the teaching techniques with more proficiency. The latest possible deadline for completing all of your work, whether it be written work or mentoring, 12/1/12. After that time, the opportunity for certification will be closed.
Additional Certification Requirements:
Must be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas:
Take the seat of teacher with confidence
Introduce a theme and lead an effective centering
Instruct the basics of each posture using plain and explicit language
Teach all 5 Universal Principles of Alignment in order consistently
Teach Muscular Energy and Organic Energy with a Focal Point correctly interweave a unity theme with an action
Good pacing that’s not too slow or too fast
Must not combine or blend other yoga styles with Anusara
Pass the written tests with a score of 90% or higher. A take home test will be given after parts 2 and 3.
Must be able to perform asanas from the Anusara Level 1 Syllabus with integration, precision, and grace. Although you may not be able to perform all of the asanas listed, you need to be able to demonstrate in your body, basic benchmarks of integration of the principles of alignment which could include modifications or prep poses for the more challenging asanas.
Sucessfully complete all homework and reading assignments.
Sign the Code of Ethics Agreement.
Pay all fees and outstanding balances.
Must have full attendance, participation, and a yogic attitude.
In addition, full attendence, participation, and a yogic attitude are reqired for certification.
The Mentoring Process:
If you need additional work on your teaching skills, a mentor from the faculty, staff, or outside the program, will be assigned to you. You have approximately 6 months to complete your mentoring. There will be additional costs associated. Although you may be asked to submit a video or audiotape of a class, there will be many variations on how the course of your mentoring will be guided. Each student will be treated individually and therefore the method and cost of the mentoring will vary.
Yoga Alliance:
Once you complete all of your work and demonstrate that you have integrated the Anusara teachings, we will certify you as a Hatha Yoga Teacher. You may then register with the National Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level. For an application, call 888-921-9642 or go online yogaalliance.org.
Anusara Name Use:
This course does not certify you to use the Anusara name in your advertising or marketing of classes, workshops, or seminars, on paper or online. In order for you to use the Anusara name in your marketing, you must meet the requirements of the Anusara-Inspired status and sign a licensing agreement with John Friend and the Anusara office, which includes teaching hatha yoga (any style) for at least 2 years. Please visit anusara.com for more details.
Those who do not yet meet these requirements, you can call yourself a certified Hatha Yoga teacher and entitle your classes, “Hatha Yoga”. If you’d like to continue your Anusara studies, we recommend that you apply for Anusara-inspired (when you meet the requirements) and eventually apply to John Friend’s Anusara Teacher Certification program to become a fully certified Anusara Teacher.
Upon graduating from this training you may apply 208 hours (104 of the Immersion and 104 hours of TT) to John Friend’s certification program. For more information about becming Anusara certified, go to www.anusara.com.
Continuing Education:
For those who would like to continue in their training there are several options:
1. Advanced Anusara Teacher Training Modules (modules of specialized training to deepen your understanding and expertise in various topics related to teaching, i.e. Teaching with a Theme, Anusara Techniques and Skillful Language, Art of Sequencing and Class Design, Art of Adjustments, Therapeutics, Pranayama and Meditation, Yogic Anatomy, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and more). See Todd and Ann’s schedule page for more information.
2. Retake the Teacher Training or an Immersion at 50% off tuition.
3. Apply to assist the Immersion or Teacher Training or other workshops.
Accommodations: (These rates are for 2010 and subject to change in 2011.) We recommend staying at the Apple Tree Inn, 10 Richmond Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240, (413) 637-1477, www.appletree-inn.com. Mention that you are with Anusara and you’ll get our group rate of $51 per night for a single or double room, tax is included. You may have a roomate to cut the cost in half. Apple Tree Inn will help match you up with a roommate when possible. No guarentees. This rate includes a continental breakfast (consisting of orange and cranberry juice, fresh fruit, breads, bagels for toasting, homemade granola, yogurt, cold cereals, instant oatmeal, milk, coffee and tea). The rate also includes free internet, cable TV, and use of a community fridge. There are no microwaves or stoves available. However, the rooms are quiet and you are within walking distance (.5 miles) to Kripalu Center which serves good food. Apple Tree Inn has a restaurant as well and is approximately 2.5 miles from Shakespeare and Company (program venue).
Another housing option is to stay in the Lawrence Hall dorm at Shakespeare. The rooms are spartan and have hall baths. The rates are $35/night for a single room, $25/night per person for a double. Linens come with the rooms: pillow, pillow case, sheets, blankets and two towels for bathing. Kitchen facilities include access to a community fridge, freezer, microwave, toaster oven, toaster, coffee maker, dishes, and silverware. No stove or oven. There is no room service or cleaning during the week. The rooms will be cleaned before you arrive. There are a couple of meeting rooms which are available for you to use for yoga practice and practice teaching. The dorm is a short walk to the program room. Shakespeare & Company is about .5 miles from teh center of Lenox.
Schedule/Arrival and Departure Times: Each module begins on the first morning at 8:00 a.m. registration, session times generally run from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:30-6:00 p.m. with the possibility of one evening session, TBA. Each module will end on the last day between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Full attendance is mandatory for certification. Therefore, plan your arrival and departure times accordingly to give yourself enough time to transit to and from the airport without missing a session.
Meals: There are many restaurants, a health food and a grocery store, within a 3 minute drive or 10-15 minute walk from the Shakespeare & Company.
Required Books:
Please purchase the books on the required list and begin reading. All books on the required list and some of the books on the highly recommended list, may be purchased at the training or in advance by e-mailing Dede at [email protected].
Note: to order the Anusara Yoga Master Immersion Manual please call the Anusara office directly at 888-398-9642. It will be sent to you via e-mail which you will then need to download and print.
Things to Bring With You:
Anusara Yoga Teachers Manual, latest edition, John Friend
Anusara Yoga Immersion Manual, latest edition, John Friend and handouts from your Immersion course.
Yoga Props: (There are no props at the training site.)
Sticky mat (Manduka Mats, the thick black mats, are recommended, www.yogacentre.com)
Yoga Belt
2 Yoga Blocks (the thick purple blocks, not the thin ones)
2-3 thick gray yoga blankets (utility blankets not the Mexican blankets)
Meditation Pillow (you may use your folded blankets instead)
Eye Pillow (optional)
Visit: www.huggermugger.com for props or check Yoga Journal magazine for options.
A journal or notebook, pens
Good walking shoes, rain gear, warmer and cooler yoga clothes (long sleeve shirts and long pants, as well as shorts and t-shirts or tank tops). Dress in layers since the inside temperature cannot always be controlled.
Airports: Albany International Airport in Albany, NY is about 60 minutes from Lenox. Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT is about 90 minutes from Lenox. There are no regular shuttles or buses to and from Lenox from these airports. Contact the following Limousine companies for transportation:
Limousine Service To and From the Airport:
Albany International Airport
Advantage Limousine: 518-443-0100, $135 up to 3 passengers one-way
Tobi’s Limousine: 413-637-1224, $175 one-way.
Bradley International Airport (90 minutes from Lenox)
Tobi’s Limousine: 413-637-1224, $175 one-way.
Lindsey Limousine: www.lindseylimo.com, 860-289-5466, $195.50 up to 3 passengers one-way.
If you’re interested in carpooling or splitting a Limo, contact Dede after you’ve made your flight reservations and she’ll put you in touch with other participants seeking to share a ride.
What people are saying about this Training:
“This training is definitely one of the most intense and potentially transformative experiences of my life. In addition to the technical knowledge I’m gaining about teaching Anusara yoga, I’m also learning so much about myself, my yoga practice, and my own spirituality. I’m especially grateful for the community (kula) and the friendships I’m developing here. Rarely have I encountered such a loving, enthusiastic and supportive bunch of people. I feel very honored to be able to study with Todd and Ann, teachers of the highest integrity whose generosity of spirit and love continuously inspire.” — Stephanie Gannon 3/10
“This experience has been transformational personally and professionally. I have gained amazing friendships with incredible people who love me and support me. And I’ve gained a career path that is meaningful and inspiring to myself and others.” — Jeannie Goldstone 6/10
“Watching Todd and Ann teach and facilitate the flow of the program has been completely inspiring and has helped immensely to transform my teaching into something much more connective and powerful.” — Margaret Pitkin 3/08
“The staff was very sensitive and attentive to individual needs. Also very open and approachable to follow up on suggestion they made or any questions I had. I felt we were very fortunate to have the staff/student ratio. Someone was always available.”—Susan Hess 11/09
“I am not even remotely the same person I was a few years ago when I first met Todd. Todd and Ann have challenged me to open my heart. Most importantly, they have taught me that if there are things in life that I’d like to improve or change, that I must first embody that change. It’s a radical departure from my own life, and amazingly, it works!”—Jeanine Oburchay 5/09
“The staff was so friendly and provided useful feedback. The support was incredible! Todd and Ann your honesty and devotion is uplifting;”—Jenn Mosher 11/09
“Your program requires your students to demonstrate the highest level of technical teaching skills yet it also requires your students to fully open their hearts. While your program is excellent, it is your heart that provides the support those students need for the transformation. I am eternally grateful.”—Randy Boyd 07/08
“The technical knowledge, the use of language – Anusara language and my own – the ability to structure a class and present it as a gift to students with confidence and faith, and the desire to take my own practice and my studentship deeper…all this I have gained from the experience.”—Terry Smith 5/08