IYA (UK) Criteria
Training to teach Iyengar Yoga at Introductory
Level
The Iyengar Yoga
Association (UK) authorises teacher training and assessments and
it awards certificates to successful candidates.
PRE-REQUISITES:
- Attendance at weekly classes with a recognised Teacher Member of the IYA(UK) for a minimum of three years
- Written recommendation from regular teacher to confirm the above
- Practice of the Introductory Syllabus both Level 1 and 2.
- Dedication to Iyengar Yoga
- Pre-assessment by a Senior Intermediate or Junior Intermediate Teacher assessing:
- Good standard of yoga asanas
- Balanced attitude
- Patience and maturity. Good health
- Clean and tidy physical appearance
REQUIREMENTS:
- Regular attendance on the training course, special lectures and workshops
(Continuation on the course is at the discretion of the Teacher Trainer)
- Payment may be required a term at a time in advance
- Minimum 120 hours of training classes over two academic years (50 hours before Level 1 assessment)
- Attendance at a weekly class, preferably with a teacher of Junior Intermediate or above
- Membership of IYA (UK)
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Assisting a qualified teacher in a beginners’ class
- Second year only: for practice, a trainee may if s/he wishes, teach informally a small group (not more than five) of people well known to him/her. Note that IYA (UK) does not insure trainee teachers to teach, and a trainee should not formally teach Iyengar Yoga until s/he has gained the teaching certificate.
ASSESSMENTS:
- Entry will be on the advice of your Teacher Trainer
- Candidates to complete a questionnaire and a basic anatomy paper for Level 1 and a question paper on yoga philosophy and theoretical knowledge on the syllabus asanas and pranayamas for Level 2 prior to the assessment (see syllabus)
- Candidates to complete two pieces of course work at each level (see syllabus)
- Level 1 Assessment taken after the first academic year – normally in June/July
- Level 2 Assessment follows Level 1 pass and a further full year of training – normally in October.
- A pass at Level 1 remains valid permanently as a pre-requisite to proceed to Level 2: please note that a Level 1 pass is not a qualification to teach. It is strongly recommended that, other than in exceptional circumstances, the Introductory Teacher Training period be continuous, however many years it may take to pass both levels.
- All assessments are overseen by the Panel of Moderators whose responsibility it is to see that the required standards are reached.
In training as an Iyengar Yoga Teacher you must uphold the standards of the IYA (UK) and keep to the rules of the Association. Please note that teacher membership of IYA (UK) carries the understanding that no other form of yoga will be taught.
