Yoga Center of Columbia Level 1 Teacher Training

Established 2026

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Yoga Center of Columbia

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Purpose

Whether you aim to teach or simply enrich your practice, we invite you to explore an extensive, modern curriculum led by expert resident teachers and guest faculty. Our programs are designed using decades of experience, and cover a full array of styles and captivating topics.

What to expect

This Teacher Training Program is a comprehensive 11-month program conveniently scheduled one weekend per month (Friday evening through Sunday) from January through November

Style/Lineage

First established in 2001, our Training programs are the longest running in the greater Baltimore area! Over 400 individuals have graduated from our comprehensive programs that offer countless benefits. Whether you aim to teach or simply enrich your practice, we invite you to explore an extensive, modern curriculum led by expert resident teachers and guest faculty. Our programs are designed using decades of experience, and cover a full array of styles and captivating topics.

Additional Information

Core competencies

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…

Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	List major bones, joints, and muscle groups by identifying their locations and ranges of motion Identify key subtle body concepts including prana, nadis, vayus, chakras, and koshas
Business Skills	Discuss the requirements for level 1 registration with the american yoga council by identifying the standards and requirements for instructors and schools
Lifestyle & Ethics	Explain how each yama and niyama functions as a guide for ethical personal and professional conduct as well as apply principles when making decisions in the teaching environment Identify the ethical responsibilities of the yoga teacher role including boundaries and scope of practice Maintain a personal practice that integrates asana, pranayama, and meditation as a foundation for teaching Explain the five elements of ayurveda, the three doshas, and the principles of dinacharya by accurately naming each element and dosha, describing their primary qualities and functions, and outlining foundational daily practices that support balance and well-being within a yoga and lifestyle context
Practice Skills	Demonstrate yoga asana with correct alignment and breath coordination Demonstrate sun salutation with continuous breath linkage and stable alignment Describe the traditional purpose and subtle body significance of key mudras and mantras by listing their significance, meaning, and intended effects
Teaching Skills	Create an original class sequence tailored to a specific student population or intention Guide students through foundational pranayama practices using clear sequenced instruction, accurate breath count, and pacing Guide a group through structured meditation practices - breath-based, mantra, and loving-kindness - using clear, accessible language Deliver pose instructions using foundation-up sequencing and linking language emphasizing pacing, clarity, and economy of language in yoga instruction Execute a well-timed, focused demonstration lasting no more than twenty seconds, while positioning oneself in the room for optimal student visibility and observation Offer specific, positive verbal assists that support student empowerment and alignment Develop a pre-class and post-class routine that embodies professional teaching standards Describe appropriate modifications for students with injuries, limited mobility, or specific health considerations Apply prop use and pose variations to make asanas accessible for diverse student bodies
Yoga History & Theory	Discuss each of patanjali's eight limbs by listing their sanskrit names, definitions, and key principles Identify major historical periods, texts, and lineages of yoga tradition and list their contributions and key principles Discuss the meaning of sanskrit terminology used in asana, pranayama, and philosophy offering definitions and translations

AYC allows each school to state and evaluate the competencies each student acquires. Students rate how well the program delivered them.

Program Emphasis

Evaluation methods

Program evaluations

Oral Exam
Written Submission
Direct Observation
Solo Project Or Presentation
Graded Skill Demonstration

Students will be evaluated through a combination of written/oral exams, skills demonstration and direct observations, as well as solo/group projects

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Program Faculty

Featured Faculty

Kelly Fisher

AYC-Level 3, C-IAYT, YACEP, Yoga for Healthy Aging Instructor, Certified Yoga for Osteoporosis Teacher, Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, Meditation Specialist

columbiayoga.com/bio-kelly-fisher

Cheverly, MD, US

Adjunct Faculty