5 Ideas of Places for Newly-Qualified Yoga Teachers to Begin Teaching

5 IDEAS OF PLACES FOR NEWLY QUALIFIED YOGA TEACHERS TO BEGIN TEACHING

So, you’ve just finished a 200hr teacher training and want to start sharing your love of yoga with those in your local area?A lot of the time, newly graduated yoga teachers really struggle with starting out. Maybe you’ve approached studios in your area and they have said they won’t allow you to audition until you have more experience. This is what happened to me. London studios I spoke to told me they only look at teachers who have been teaching for at least two years, some said at least five! So, what do you do? How do you get that teaching experience when you’re in a catch 22?

1. ASK STUDIOS ABOUT OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY CLASSES

A lot of studios run outreach programs for the local community taught by newly graduated teachers. This may involve you volunteering your time to teach a Community Class during a quiet period. You would teach for free and your students would pay by donation if they are able. This is an incredible way for you to get valuable teaching experience and hours under your belt, whilst also giving those who may not be able to access full-price yoga sessions due to financial hardship. I taught a weekly community class at a studio in London for around 8 months after I graduated and it taught me an incredible amount.

2. APPROACH SCHOOLS IN YOUR AREA

Wellbeing of school teachers is a hot topic at the moment. A lot of schools now put aside part of their budget for staff wellbeing. Contact local schools and see if they would be willing to set up a weekly class for their staff. I have taught in schools for years and find it extremely fulfilling. Teachers work very hard and it can be a stressful and high-pressure work environment, so they really appreciate the time they get to recharge on their yoga mat. It’s also a great learning experience as a new yoga teacher, as you are likely to get yogis of vastly varying experience, ages, body types and abilities. If you have experience working with children or young people, you could also offer yoga classes for the students.

3. UTILIZE YOUR FRIENDS WHO WORK IN CORPORATE JOBS

If you have friends who work in an office, hit them up! Just like schools, many corporate businesses have a budget for wellbeing and one that is likely to be greater of that in the public sector. Find out from friends if their office has a wellbeing lead and ask them to introduce you. Offer weekly or even twice-weekly classes either before or after work, or at lunchtime. You can even offer at desk chair yoga sessions for those who feel they can’t take a full hour or longer out of their working day! Be mindful that many corporate workplaces will insist you have you own insurance.

4. ASK ABOUT TEACHING EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS

Get in touch with your local police station, fire station or hospital. Whilst these places are unlikely to have the budget for wellbeing activities for their workers, you may be able to set up classes in which police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, doctors and nurses pay by donation. Emergency personnel deal with stressful situations every day which can create insurmountable health and wellness issues. Keep this in mind; adapt your teaching to the needs of your students, teach breathing and meditation techniques that can used throughout the working day and be mindful of any physical challenges your students may have.

5. SET UP YOUR OWN CLASSES IN A LOCAL COMMUNITY CENTER, CHURCH HALL OR IN THE PARK

This option can take a bit of work when first starting out, but can end up being really lucrative and a lot of fun! See if there are any indoor spaces in your local area that would allow you to start your own sessions. Or if you are lucky enough to live somewhere warm and dry, your local park. If you live in a large city, where there are probably lots of people already offering community yoga classes, try to find a niche. For example, Over 60s Yoga, Yoga for Runners, Yoga for New Mums etc. Get some posters and flyers printed or do some targeted Facebook marketing. Keep costs low so that your classes are accessible, but don’t under sell yourself. You may find at first you only get 1 or 2 people (or none at all!), but stay true to yourself and your ability to teach awesome classes and you’ll soon find your numbers grow.Hopefully this has given you some great ideas and inspired you to get out into your local community and share your teaching. Not only is this invaluable teaching experience for you, it’s also an awesome way to make yoga more accessible for those who may otherwise not be able to experience the incredible benefits of the practice.Do you have any other ideas of places to teach to the wider community?What has worked for you in the past?Please share below to help new teachers begin their journey…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pippa André is taking her 300hr Advanced Yoga Teacher Training at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center in Guatemala. She has spent 4 months living, studying and working for Doron at the Center. Pip’s other training includes 200hr Baptiste Power Vinyasa at The House of Yoga in London and 50hr Yin Yoga with Bernie Clark.Pippa writes about teaching yoga to the wider community, to people who may not otherwise access the practice, something she is incredibly passionate about. Follow her on Instagram at @yoga.with.pip and/or visit her website.