FAQ's •What are the differences between the programs, i.e. the weekends format as opposed to the two-week intensives? •Do I need to be a regular student at Downward Dog to attend the Downward Dog Teacher Training Program? •Do I have to complete Module II within the same year as Module I? •Will I be able to teach anywhere with a Teacher Training Certificate from Downward Dog? •What is Yoga Alliance? •Will I be registered with Yoga Alliance once I successfully complete Teacher Training with Downward Dog? •Will I be qualified to teach yoga at the end of the 200 hr program? •When will I receive my teaching certificate? •Do you offer payment plans for the program? •If I can't do the postures perfectly can I still be a good yoga teacher? •What do I need to do to get my certificate? •I work full-time. Will I be able to manage the program as well? •Will I be able to teach after Module I, or do I have to complete Module II to teach? •When will I be informed of my acceptance into the program? •I am already a teacher. Can I skip Modules I and II and take Module III? •Will I be asked to assist at Downward Dog? •How do I apply for a teaching position at Downward Dog? •Return to main Teacher Training page What are the differences between the programs, i.e. the weekends format as opposed to the two-week intensives? To meet the needs of our students we have organized our Teacher Training Program to provide students with the maximum level of flexibility. Each Module is a complete learning experience whether you take it the weekend format or as a two-week intensive. We offer the Module I weekend format between November - December or January - February. The Module I two week intensive is from June 23rd to July 5th or you could take it in Mexico with us from March 2nd to 13th, 2009. The Module II weekend format is offered from January - February or March - April. The Module II two-week intensive is offered from July 7th - 19th or in Mexico from March 16th to 27th, 2009. You are free to mix and match any of these programs. Examples: 1. Attend Module I two-week intensive from June 23rd to July 5th then attend Module II in Mexico from March 16th to 27th, 2009. 2. Attend the weekend program in November to December or January to February, and then attend Module II in Mexico from March 16th to 27th, 2009. These are just a couple of the options available to you. Check your calendar and work out a program that suits your schedule. If you have any questions contact Joy, our program advisor, for assistance. Back to top Do I need to be a regular student at Downward Dog to attend the Downward Dog Teacher Training Program? No. We do however encourage people whenever possible to attend classes at our studio before applying to our program to ensure that our style of teaching resonates with you. Back to top Do I have to complete Module II within the same year as Module I? No. You may take Module II at a later date depending on availability. Those who have completed Module I will be given first choice in the subsequent Module II. We have found that most students prefer to take Module II right away. Back to top Will I be able to teach anywhere with a Teacher Training Certificate from Downward Dog? Yes. The Downward Dog Teacher Training program is highly regarded throughout Canada. At the end of the Foundation program you will be prepared to teach beginner students in many different settings. Completing the 300-hour program will enhance your teaching skills to include more personalized hands on assisting. Back to top What is Yoga Alliance? Yoga Alliance is an American organization that began in 1999 as a way to create recognized standards for Yoga teachers. If you plan on teaching abroad, recognition by YA may be of use to you. YA will automatically recognize your Downward Dog Teacher Training certification. At this time, there are no legal requirements for yoga teachers in North America. Back to top Will I be registered with Yoga Alliance once I successfully complete Teacher Training with Downward Dog? Downward Dog's training program meets Yoga Alliance 200-hour certification standards. We are currently in the process of becoming an officially registered school. This will make it easier for those wishing to teach in the U.S. or elsewhere to gain Yoga Alliance certification. Previous graduates from the Downward Dog Teacher Training program have been able to obtain certification with Yoga Alliance by applying individually with documentation about the Downward Dog Teacher Training program. Back to top Will I be qualified to teach yoga at the end of the 200 hr program? Yes. Our 200-hour program meets YA standards. Our 300-hr program includes a third Module that builds on the skills developed in the 200-hr program. Back to top When will I receive my teaching certificate? When you have completed all of the requirements for Module I and II you will receive a certificate for successfully completing 200 hours at the Downward Dog Yoga Centre. On completion of all requirements for Module III, you will receive another certificate stating successful completion of 300hrs at the Downward Dog Yoga Centre. Back to top Do you offer payment plans for the program? No. We prefer for our students to pay in advance for each module. We want to enroll students who have done their research and are completely committed to our program. This also ensures all students enrolled are on an equal basis. Remember, your regular classes are included in the Teacher Training fees. If you are taking a two or four week intensive you will receive an extra month of classes at no extra charge. All fees are non-refundable. Under special circumstances a payment plan may be a possibility. Back to top If I can't do the postures perfectly can I still be a good yoga teacher? Yes. Perfection in the external form is transitory and an unreliable gauge of internal understanding. Yoga is an internal practice and the postures are designed to take you inwards. We all come to yoga with different bodies. The practice of yoga teaches us to honour and accept our bodies. In doing so we honour others and teach with compassion. Back to top What do I need to do to get my certificate? You must attend all required classes and workshops. You must be able to teach a cohesive, focused and safe 20-minute practicum class at the end of Module II. The principal teachers of the program will decide upon the successful completion of this portion. If you are unsuccessful with the teaching portion of the program we will offer you another opportunity to teach a 20-minute practicum. Our reputation has been built on consistently graduating students who represent our high standards. It's your dedication to yoga and helping others that will help you achieve your goals. Back to top I work full-time. Will I be able to manage the program as well? We have had many students complete the program while maintaining full-time work. The program demands significant time and energy, so be prepared to accommodate this in your schedule. Back to top Will I be able to teach after Module I, or do I have to complete Module II to teach? You will receive a teaching certification (200 hours) only after the successful completion Module II. Back to top When will I be informed of my acceptance into the program? All applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis. You will receive a reply within two weeks of submitting your application. Back to top What is your refund policy? Your deposit will hold your in the program and is non-refundable. Full payment is due one week prior to the beginning of the program. Once the program has begun the fees are non-refundable. If for any reason you are unable to complete the program, you will be given the opportunity to attend another program, given there is space. Back to top I am already a teacher. Can I skip Modules I and II and take Module III? You are welcome to apply to our Module III program. Priority will be given to those who have completed a 200-hr teacher training program with Downward Dog. You may also be asked to come in for an interview and attend classes with Ron or Diane to demonstrate a level of practice that is in keeping with the rest of the group. Back to top Will I be asked to assist at Downward Dog? After the successful completion of Module III, students will be invited to assist in our classes. These assisting positions offer our graduates an opportunity to observe not only many different bodies practicing but also an opportunity to observe the teacher assisting while teaching. Some graduates go on to be regular assistants at the studio. Back to top How do I apply for a teaching position at Downward Dog? There is no application process. Teaching positions at Downward Dog are offered to students who demonstrate a high degree of dedication and practice. This process is an ongoing relationship between the student, Ron and Diane. We hope the Downward Dog will continue to be a source of inspiration for all our graduates long after the completion of the program. Back to top Return to the main Teacher Training page           Copyright © 2008 Downward Dog Yoga Centre