If you’re a yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance, you might be wondering what counts as teaching hours. It’s a common question among yoga teachers, especially those who are new to the industry. In short, teaching hours are the hours you spend teaching yoga to students. But, there’s more to it than that. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what counts as teaching hours for Yoga Alliance and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher or just starting out, understanding what counts as teaching hours is essential. It’s not just about meeting the requirements for Yoga Alliance registration – it’s also about setting yourself up for success as a yoga teacher. So, let’s explore what counts as teaching hours and how you can make the most of your time as a yoga teacher.
What Counts as Teaching Hours for Yoga Alliance?
As a yoga teacher, one of the most important aspects of your career is maintaining your certification through the Yoga Alliance. In order to do this, you must complete a certain number of teaching hours each year. But what exactly counts as teaching hours? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Direct Contact Hours
Direct contact hours are the hours you spend leading a yoga class or workshop. This includes time spent teaching asana, pranayama, meditation, and other yoga techniques. These hours must be spent in the physical presence of your students, either in person or through a live video conference.
To count as direct contact hours, your teaching must meet certain standards set by the Yoga Alliance. For example, you must be teaching the principles of yoga, rather than simply leading a fitness class. You must also be teaching to a group of two or more students.
2. Non-Contact Hours
Non-contact hours are the hours you spend on tasks related to your yoga teaching, but not actually teaching. This can include time spent planning classes, researching yoga philosophy, or attending workshops and conferences.
To count as non-contact hours, your activities must be related to your role as a yoga teacher. For example, attending a marketing conference would not count, but attending a yoga philosophy workshop would.
3. Online Teaching Hours
With the rise of online yoga classes, it’s important to know what counts as teaching hours in the virtual world. The Yoga Alliance recognizes online teaching hours as direct contact hours, as long as the class is conducted in real-time and the teacher can see and interact with the students.
However, pre-recorded classes do not count as direct contact hours, even if they are part of an online training program. They may count as non-contact hours if they are part of your overall training plan.
4. Private Instruction Hours
Private instruction hours are the hours you spend teaching yoga to an individual student, rather than a group. These hours can count as direct contact hours, as long as the instruction meets the Yoga Alliance’s standards.
However, if you are teaching a private client who is also a yoga teacher trainee, the hours may count as both direct and non-contact hours. This is because you are providing both teaching and mentorship.
5. Self-Practice Hours
Self-practice hours are the hours you spend practicing yoga on your own, without teaching anyone else. These hours can count as non-contact hours, as long as your practice is part of your overall training plan and meets the Yoga Alliance’s standards.
It’s important to note that self-practice hours cannot be used to fulfill the direct contact hour requirement.
6. Anatomy and Physiology Hours
As a yoga teacher, you must also complete a certain number of hours in anatomy and physiology. These hours can count as non-contact hours, as long as they are part of your overall training plan and meet the Yoga Alliance’s standards.
It’s important to note that anatomy and physiology hours cannot be used to fulfill the direct contact hour requirement.
7. Teaching Assistant Hours
If you are serving as a teaching assistant in a yoga teacher training program, these hours can count as both direct and non-contact hours. Direct contact hours can be earned for any time spent leading a class or workshop, while non-contact hours can be earned for any time spent assisting the lead teacher.
8. Benefits of Meeting the Teaching Hour Requirements
Meeting the teaching hour requirements set by the Yoga Alliance is essential for maintaining your certification as a yoga teacher. It demonstrates your commitment to continuing education and ensures that you are providing high-quality instruction to your students.
In addition, meeting the requirements can help you stand out in a crowded job market. Many employers and yoga studios require their teachers to hold a Yoga Alliance certification, and meeting the teaching hour requirements can give you a competitive edge.
9. Vs. Not Meeting the Teaching Hour Requirements
If you do not meet the teaching hour requirements set by the Yoga Alliance, you may lose your certification as a yoga teacher. This can limit your job opportunities and make it more difficult to find work in the field.
In addition, not meeting the requirements may indicate a lack of commitment to continuing education and professional development. This can make it more difficult to build a reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable yoga teacher.
10. How to Track Your Teaching Hours
To ensure that you are meeting the teaching hour requirements set by the Yoga Alliance, it’s important to track your hours carefully. You can do this by keeping a detailed log of your teaching and non-teaching hours, including the date, location, and type of activity.
Many yoga teacher training programs and studios also provide tracking tools to help you keep track of your hours. Be sure to check with your program or studio to see what resources are available to you.
In conclusion, meeting the teaching hour requirements set by the Yoga Alliance is essential for maintaining your certification as a yoga teacher. Understanding what counts as teaching hours can help you ensure that you are meeting these requirements and providing high-quality instruction to your students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as teaching hours for Yoga Alliance?
To become a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance, you need to complete a certain number of teaching hours. But what exactly counts as teaching hours?
Firstly, any time you spend leading a yoga class can count towards your teaching hours. This includes time spent demonstrating poses, giving instructions, and offering adjustments to students. However, time spent practicing alongside your students cannot be counted as teaching hours.
Additionally, time spent teaching yoga-related workshops or trainings can also count towards your teaching hours. This can include topics such as anatomy, philosophy, or meditation. However, time spent attending these workshops or trainings as a student does not count towards your teaching hours.
In summary, any time you spend leading a yoga class or teaching a yoga-related workshop can count towards your teaching hours for Yoga Alliance.
In conclusion, determining what counts as teaching hours for Yoga Alliance can be a complex process. It is important to understand the different requirements and guidelines set forth by the organization in order to maintain your certification and continue teaching yoga.
In order to count towards your teaching hours, you must teach a class that meets the minimum requirements set by Yoga Alliance. This includes teaching a class that is at least 60 minutes in length and includes a combination of yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation.
It is also important to keep track of your teaching hours and submit them to Yoga Alliance on a regular basis. This will ensure that you are meeting the organization’s requirements and maintaining your certification. By staying up to date on the latest guidelines and requirements, you can continue to grow as a yoga teacher and provide high-quality instruction to your students.
