Level 1 Teacher Training

Established 2025

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Upaya School of Yoga

1633 Fillmore St, Denver, CO 80206, USA

Denver, CO

Program Instances

In person

Sep 26 – Feb 7, 2027

135 days • 200 hours • $ 2800+

Denver, CO, US

Led by

Rebekah Boatrite and Ashley Van Dyne

CYT-L3

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Purpose

We're committed to training teachers who teach from a place of embodiment and dedication to lifelong studentship in service of others. You’ll learn to craft meaningful sequences, teach with clarity and confidence, and translate yogic wisdom into accessible, resonant themes.

What to expect

Foundations of Yoga Philosophy and History

Introduction to key Indian philosophical systems with a particular focus on Tantra and Classical Yoga

Introduction and core teachings from the Bhagavad Gita

Historical development of Modern Postural Yoga

Asana: Intelligent Embodiment

Detailed breakdowns of foundational postures

Supporting diverse bodies through anatomy-informed, non-dogmatic alignment

How physical practice relates to subtle anatomy, breath, and inner awareness

Pranayama & Meditation

Breath practices

Meditation techniques

Introduction to bandhas and their role in breath and meditation

Developing personal pranayama, meditation, and mantra practice

Subtle Body & Energetic Anatomy

Introduction to chakras, nadis, vayus, kundalini, and koshas

Assessing individual vayus in self and others & practices to support each vayu

Integration of mudras and bandhas as energetic tools

Ayurveda for Yogis

Introduction to doshas, prakruti/vikruti, and the five elements

Dinacharya (daily routine) and yogic lifestyle tools for balance

The 20 gunas, ojas, agni, and other key concepts

Understanding how to support your prakruti and vikruti through asana, pranayama, meditation

Mythology

Stories of deities central to our respective traditions

Understanding of deities as qualities within the self

Using mythology to embody deeper meaning in practice

Community, Inquiry, Integration

Reflective journaling, small group discussions, and personal inquiry woven throughout

Exploration of the question: “What is yoga?”

Emphasis on living the practice, not just learning about it

Sequencing Methodologies

Learn to sequence from anatomical and energetic understanding

Using wave theory to build classes that follow a logical progression

Various styles such as peak pose sequencing

Cueing, Language, and Voice

Effective cueing based on clarity and precision

Accessible language for diverse bodies, needs, and learning styles

Finding your authentic teaching voice

Giving verbal assists that are rooted in consent and clarity

Teaching Pranayama & Meditation

Techniques for guiding breath and meditation in a class setting

Teaching short breath or meditation practices

Theming: Distilling Wisdom

How to craft authentic themes from philosophy, mythology, and personal insight

Tools to weave themes subtly and skillfully throughout class

Ways to translate complex teachings into digestible pieces

Continued study of yoga philosophy from a teaching context

Practice Teaching and Feedback

Small group teaching labs with real-time feedback

Opportunities to create and teach full-length classes

Self-assessment, reflection and refinement

Integration, Identity, and Next Steps

Ongoing journaling and self-inquiry to support your growth

Exploring your unique teaching philosophy and strengths

Guidance on the business of yoga including: teaching opportunities, insurance, and more

Honoring the path of the teacher as a lifelong practice of learning

Style/Lineage

Upaya (Sanskrit): Skillful means, method.

At Upaya, we believe yoga is a holistic path of self-understanding, transformation, and deep remembering.

We teach alignment-based Hatha Vinyasa and Tantrik Hatha, with our philosophies being rooted in both North and South Indian Tantrik philosophy.

Additional Information

Core competencies

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

Yoga History & Theory	Demonstrate understanding of the different subtle body systems including the chakras, vayus, and koshas by describing the key components of each Compare samkhya, classical yoga, and tantric philosophies by describing their key philosophical differences Describe samkhya philosophy including purusha, prakriti, the three gunas, and the principal tattvas Discuss the history of the word yoga in psychophysical, political, and philosophical spheres by identifying where and in what context the word yoga shows up in various texts Demonstrate an understanding of the eight limbs of yoga in the yoga sutras and can identify each limb and explain how they relate to the overall path of yoga practice Demonstrate an understanding of the five prana vayus and give examples of how they are experienced or supported through asana, pranayama, and meditation. Demonstrate an understanding of the four aspects of mind by explaining their basic functions and how they relate to perception, memory, identity, and discernment. Describe non-dual tantric philosophy including world view, practices, and basic teachings. Describe the deities central to our respective traditions through their stories, iconography, and meaning
Lifestyle & Ethics	Define agni and ama and explain their role in health, balance, and disease according to ayurveda Demonstrate an understanding of how the doshas relate to cycles of time including seasons, stages of life, and times of day Demonstrate understanding of the three doshas through identifying practices, including asana, pranayama, and meditation, that support balance for each dosha. Describe the three doshas including the way they manifest physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Demonstrate understanding of human variations and how they inform alignment through the observation, adaptation, and teaching of yoga postures. Explain how yoga, pranayama, and meditation affect the nervous system by describing the physiological effects Identify primary synovial joints and how asana affects them by developing anatomy-informed practices Identify individual muscles and muscle groups and how asana affects them by developing anatomy-informed practices Demonstrate understanding of joint actions by identifying them in foundational yoga postures and transitions. Describe the regions and natural curves of the spine through their structure, function, and role in categories of asana.
Business Skills	Describe key legal considerations for teaching including liability insurance, use of waivers, scope of practice, and importance of professional boundaries Create an audition class the includes asana, pranayama, and meditation in a 20-minute format Describe your personal "why" for teaching including core values and mission statement
Practice Skills	Practice meditations discussed in the training that deepen connection to practice and provide support on your yoga journey. Utilize ayurvedic understanding to help bring support in via lifestyle choices, yoga practices, and self-care to develop your own dinacharya Practice key pranayama techniques including sama vritti, nadi shodhana, surya and chandra bedhana, and others Demonstrate proficiency in foundational yoga asana through safe, embodied, and functionally aligned practice. Practice sanskrit pronunciations of common terms and asanas by learning the basics of the sanskrit alphabet and phonetics
Teaching Skills	Demonstrate how to incorporate yoga themes into classes by developing comprehensive themes using our theming formula Teach various pranayama techniques such as sama vritti, nadi shodhana, etc. Offer cues while teaching that include adjustments and modifications for students of varying levels Hone your observational skills by learning where in the room to stand to view what you're trying to cue Practice giving verbal adjustments to individual students by using your knowledge of anatomy and alignment Practice giving basic hands on assists that benefit and support a students pose Create an hour-long practice utilizing one of the class planning techniques discussed in the training that includes main asana category or peak pose, theme, pranayama, meditation, and energetic considerations. Teach an hour-long class that includes appropriate warm-up, progression towards peak postures, counter poses, and cool-down. Teach a 10-minute meditation that includes guidance into seated alignment, clear guidance through the mediation. Cue how to enter postures for students of varying experience levels in a clear manner Cue students to enter and align postures in a way that is clear and concise Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and logical progression of poses leading towards the key peak poses discussed in the training.