We are offering a two-year Iyengar Teacher Training Program beginning September 2008 and ending June 2010.  The program will run September through June, with the summers off.  Faculty will include Patricia Walden and Peentz Dubble, with Leslie Freyberg teaching Sanskrit pronunciation.  There will also be two program assistants.

The schedule is in the planning stages, but our intent is to meet five times per year for three full days.  We may also include one longer workshop (4 or 5 days) during the second year.  In addition to our regular meetings, we will invite guest teachers such as Edwin Bryant and others, to offer workshops in yoga philosophy, and special topics.  These will be part of our program and mandatory for all Teacher Training students.  Students will also be responsible for homework assignments and projects to be completed at home.  These will include on-going study, practice, and written assignments. 

The cost of the first year is approximately $2500, excluding guest teacher workshops.

Once the program begins, students will be expected to:
   1.  Take a weekly class with Patricia Walden and Peentz Dubble.
   2.  Take an anatomy course (or have recently taken one).
   3.  Maintain a daily home practice of asana and pranayama.
   4.  Attend all Teacher Training program classes.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

   1.  You must have a clear commitment to the Iyengar method.
   2.  You must have 3 years of study in the Iyengar method and 
          have been taking a weekly class with an Iyengar teacher 
          for these 3 years (exceptions to the weekly class 
          will be made for those who don’t have access to 
          an Iyengar teacher).
   3.  You must have a daily practice that includes 5 minute 
          Sirsasana, 5 minute Sarvangasana and 5 minute Halasana.
   4.  You must know the complete names of all basic poses 
          in both Sanskrit and English.
   5.  You must understand the basic actions and alignment 
          of these poses in your own practice.
   6.  You must know the basic use of props (how and 
          when to use them) in your own practice.

PREREQUISITES

During this year (Sept 2007 – June 2008), we expect those who intend to apply for the Teacher Training Program to attend the following mandatory workshops:

1.  Orientation to the Teacher Training Program .
     Sunday, February 24, 2008
     10am – 5pm
    Cost  $100  (Checks payable to BKS Iyengar Yogamala)
     Location:  Cambridge Masonic Hall
                      1950 Massachusetts Ave.
                      Cambridge (near Porter Square)
     Send checks to:
                      BKS Iyengar Yogamala
                      c/o Patricia Walden 
                      74 Fresh Pond Parkway
                      Cambridge, MA  02138 

2.  Audition for those applying to the Teacher Training Program.
     Sunday, May 4, 2008
     2 – 4pm
     No fee, but mandatory for all applicants
     Location:  St. Mary’s Orthodox Church
                      8 Inman St., side door
                      Central Square, Cambridge

During the audition, Patricia and Peentz will observe your practice of basic asanas, including standing poses, inversions, seated forward bends and twists.  You will be responsible for knowing the Sanskrit and English names for all the asanas, as well as how to set-up and use props appropriately for your practice.

Based on your application, completion of the February workshop and May audition, you will be notified by the end of May regarding your acceptance in the Teacher Training Program.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.  While you are in the Teacher Training Program and for this year preceding it, you are strongly encouraged to immerse yourself in the Iyengar method and to study only with Iyengar teachers (exceptions include meditation retreats and anatomy classes).

2.  Study these references: 
     Yoga in Action:  Preliminary Course, by Geeta Iyengar (buy now)
     Light on Yoga, by BKS Iyengar (buy now)
     Yoga:  A Gem for Women, by Geeta Iyengar (buy now)

The purchase links go to the bookstore of the 
Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco but 
you may buy them in many other bookstores.  
The National Association website is useful as well.  

HOW TO APPLY

If you feel you meet the prerequisites and wish to pursue the program, you may download an application for your completion.  Please complete the application and mail a copy to both Patricia Walden and Peentz Dubble (see contact info below).

The Teacher Training Program is a comprehensive one, and the better prepared you are, the more rewarding the experience and outcome will be.  In order to ensure the highest standards of study and instruction, we sincerely want all students to enter with a high level of practice, understanding and commitment.  We are fortunate to share our love and commitment to yoga and to the Iyengar method. 

Thank you for your interest in our Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Program and we wish you the best of success.

Namaskar,
 

Patricia Walden, director Yogavrksa@comcast.net 617 576-2276 74 Fresh Pond Parkway Cambridge, MA  02138

Peentz Dubble, faculty peentz@peentz.com 617 527-1871 60 Woodbine Street Auburndale, MA  02466

“The requisites of a teacher are many.  The teacher should be clear, clever, confident, challenging, caring, cautious, constructive, courageous, comprehending, creative, completely devoted to the subject, considerate, conscientious, critical, committed, cheerful, chaste and calm.  Teachers must be strong and positive in their approach.  They must be affirmative to create confidence in their pupils.  Teachers must always be learning.  They should always reflect on their own practices and attitudes.”

The form is an Adobe PDF.  You may:

• fill it out online 
• print three copies
• mail one copy to Patricia Walden 
• mail another copy to Peentz Dubble
• keep one for your records.

If you prefer to write more than fits in the form, attach extra sheets when you mail the copies. 

If your computer doesn't have the current version of Adobe Reader, Click below to download a free copy.  It's a useful tool and safe to install.