Teacher Training, Level 1

Established 2025

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Yoga People Oneonta

50 Dietz St, Oneonta, NY 13820, USA

Oneonta, NY

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Purpose

Personal transformation is the foundation; teaching skills grow from that clarity. Graduates leave with confidence, discernment, and practical tools to share yoga with integrity—whether teaching publicly, privately, or simply living the practice more fully.

What to expect

Expect an immersive, reflective experience that balances study, movement, discussion, and inquiry. You’ll explore various approaches to the eight limbs of yoga, energetic sequencing, applied Ayurveda, and nervous system regulation—with an emphasis on application, safety, and adaptability.

Sessions combine discussion, movement, experiential practice, and inquiry. You’ll be asked to observe yourself honestly: your habits, patterns, resistance, and strengths. Feedback is an integral part of the process and is offered with care, consent, and clarity. Community is central—this is a space built on trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect

By the end of the training, you can expect to feel more grounded in your practice, clearer in your understanding of yoga, and more confident in holding space for yourself and others. This program marks a beginning, offering tools and perspective for a lifelong practice.

Style/Lineage

This training is rooted in classical yogic philosophy while expressed through a contemporary, functional lens. It honors the ancient sources of yoga while integrating modern science, anatomy, and nervous system awareness. Rather than treating yoga as a rigid system or fixed ideal, the Yoga People Oneonta methodology emphasizes yoga as a living, adaptive practice that meets the individual where they are.

Asana is approached as one tool among many—not the end goal, but a vehicle for self-awareness, regulation, and connection. The body is understood as an intelligent, self-organizing system rather than a machine to be “corrected.” Breath, energetics, meditation, and inquiry are woven throughout the physical practice.

The Yoga People Oneonta methodology reframes the teacher as a guide and guardian of space, not an authority. Emphasis is placed on internal guidance over external correction, curiosity over striving, and presence over perfection. This lineage balances respect for tradition with accessibility, integrity, and thoughtful evolution

Additional Information

Core competencies

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

Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Explain the energetic channels of the body by describing the concept of nāḍīs—particularly iḍā, piṅgalā, and suṣumṇā— and explain how pranayama practices such as nāḍī śodhana are traditionally understood to influence balance, regulation, and awareness within yoga practice Identify major joints of the body and explain how to appropriately prepare them for movement through warm-up strategies that support joint health, mobility, and safety in yoga practice Identify the primary muscles acting as movers in common asana and apply this understanding to develop functionally sound sequences that balance effort, recovery, and overall movement integrity Apply an understanding of body biomechanics to sequence progressive layers of practice that prepare the body safely for more advanced postures
Yoga History & Theory	Discuss the yoga sūtras of patañjali as they relate to the practice of yoga in a public setting by explaining how key teachings—such as ethics, mindfulness, discipline, and relationship to others—inform professional conduct, teaching presence, and the creation of inclusive, respectful class environments Develop yoga classes, workshops, and offerings rooted in the philosophy of the yoga sūtras of patañjali by intentionally integrating key teachings—such as ethical conduct, mindfulness, discipline, and self-inquiry—into themes, sequencing choices, and the overall learning experience
Practice Skills	Practice meditation with consistency, commitment, and ease by demonstrating regular engagement with seated practice and cultivating a balanced attitude of effort and receptivity over time Demonstrate three or more pranayama practices selected intentionally to support and reinforce the stated theme of a class, showing appropriate technique, pacing, and clear understanding of each practice’s purpose
Teaching Skills	Lead a full-length yoga session that intentionally integrates asana, pranayama, and meditation by sequencing these practices coherently to support physical preparation, breath awareness, mental focus, and overall integration Cue asana using functional anatomical language that emphasizes joint actions, muscle engagement, and safe load distribution Observe the practice by actively observing students and modifying postures, pacing, verbal cues, or support as needed to promote safety, accessibility, and effective participation Develop yoga sequences that are clear, concise, and easily adapted by organizing movements logically and offering simple options that allow for modification based on student needs, time constraints, and teaching environments Teach multi-level asana classes by offering clear, welcoming modifications and options that support accessibility, safety, and meaningful participation for students with varying abilities and experience levels
Lifestyle & Ethics	Apply essential principles of ayurveda to create balanced yoga sequences by considering qualities such as rhythm, intensity, and pacing to support harmony, regulation, and overall balance within the practice Create personalized self-care plans that support robust energy, sustained commitment, and burnout prevention by intentionally incorporating practices for physical well-being, nervous system regulation, rest, reflection, and professional boundaries Compare key energetic models—including the doshas, koshas, and chakras— by describing their distinct frameworks and explaining how they may be integrated to support a holistic understanding of balance, well-being, and yoga practice Identify energetic shifts in the doshas by recognizing how seasonal changes, environmental conditions, and situational factors influence balance and expression within yoga practice and daily life
Business Skills	Develop and articulate a vision for sharing yoga that reflects personal values, teaching goals, and realistic contexts for practice Discuss common pricing and compensation models within the yoga industry to advocate by identifying typical structures (e.g., per-class rate, percentage split, private session fees, workshops) and articulating how to advocate for one’s needs, value, and sustainability through informed and ethical communication your needs. Understand the nuances of the modern yoga industry by identifying common opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations, and articulating how clear personal boundaries rooted in individual values support integrity, sustainability, and healthy professional relationships

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

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

Comprehension checks are used to evaluate student's understanding throughout the training. Largely in the form of written or oral exam, with some as online check ins between sessions. Each student is required to teach 3 classes to family, friends, or the community to be observed by lead teaching staff. Each student will develop a capstone presentation to the cohort during the final sessions according to their particular area of interest an in consultation with lead teaching staff. Regular group presentations will serve as opportunities for direct observation of skill acquisition Any quiz or comprehension check can be taken again with support from staff as needed.