Teacher Training Fall/Winter 2009-2010

total body yoga teacher training
2009 - 2010
Starts October 2nd, 2009

"We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to life fully. Consequently, the actualizing of our potential can become the most exciting adventure of our lifetime." - Herbert Otto

About Silvia Mordini:
I am deeply honored to serve and mentor teacher trainees for a 5th year. I hope your participation in this program helps you meet life's challenges with bold courage and that through yoga you learn to explore yourself more deeply so you can see the beauty, creativity & strength within.

While in the corporate world, I worked for both Inc 500 and Fortune 500 companies as a Director and have 15 years experience specializing in Adult Training & Development. With over 6,700 hours of yoga teaching experience and a personal commitment to life long learning I attend 1-2 teacher trainings per year myself. I hope you join me for the best adventure of your life!

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This OVER 200 hour program exceeds the required registration for Yoga Alliance and is recognized by Yoga Alliance as a REGISTERED 200 HOUR YOGA SCHOOL and offers you a unique opportunity to make a deep commitment to learning more about yourself. The entire total body yoga community offers you honest, loving support from day one as we pride ourselves on being completely inclusive. This program is a safe haven: a nurturing sanctuary to engage in open minded self-exploration. We are devoted to offering you an atmosphere in which freedom of expression, creativity and passion for life are "totally" encouraged! Our program covers the foundations of the 8 limbed path of Yoga and how to effectively teach using your most authentic voice. The emphasis will be on teaching to the heart of the student in a dynamic yet unpretentious way through a marriage of creative vinyasa techniques, disciplined asana & philosophy. This is yoga as a life-long truthful celebration of ourselves, our students and our world. This program requires a significant, honest commitment of time & energy.


Program is ideal for those working regular weekday job schedules (requires use of just 2 vacation days per month or flexible schedule arrangements with employer.)

There are 4 phases to the program, which include all aspects of Teaching Techniques, Teaching Methodology, Philosophy, Ethics, Anatomy and Student Teaching.
  1. The first phase will focus on the fundamental principles of Yoga including an introduction to yoga philosophy (Yamas and Niyamas), history, basic Sanskrit, the implications of Ethical Behavior and living living your yoga with an Ethical Code.

  2. The second phase will focus on General Principles of Poses, Categories of Poses; Teaching a Pose, The Stages of Asana, Benefits of Poses, Purpose of Poses, Ways of Sequencing using Vinyasa Krama, Sun Salutations, therapeutics, & adjusting asana (verbal and physical) in an authentic, safe and generous way.

  3. The third phase will focus on the art of teaching including creative sequencing in class design, developing life affirming class themes, importance of positive languaging, voice intonation, musical awareness, personal practice as laboratory and how to teach to the heart of the student. The healthy Teacher-Student relationship: understanding it and how to resolve ethical issues.

  4. The fourth phase will focus on the practical skill development of apprenticeship through observing classes, assistant teaching, student teaching and Karma yoga (community service yoga offering).
Post Training Mentoring Includes but is not Limited to:

TRAINING SCHEDULE:

October 2, 2009 - May 26, 2010 (December NO class sessions)

October 2, 2009: 6pm-9pm Orientation and welcome!

Every other Wednesday 9am - 3pm from October 7 through May 26
 

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE:

Welcome Meditation: 9:00am - 9:15am
Practice Class: 9:00am - 10:30am
Training Class: 10:30am - 1:00pm
Lunch Break: 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Training Class (Wrap-Up): 1:30pm - 3:00pm

1 WEEKEND PER MONTH:

Dates are: Oct. 10-11, 2009; Nov. 7-8, 2009; Jan 9-10, 2010; Feb 6-7, 2010; Mar 6-7, 2010, Apr 3-4, May 1-2, 2010, May TBA Dinner

SATURDAY SCHEDULE:

Training Class: 10:30am-1:00pm
Lunch Break: 1:00pm-1:30pm
Training Class: 1:30om-4:30pm

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

Training Class: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Break: 4:00pm-4:30pm
Practice Class: 4:30pm-5:45pm
Training Class (Wrap-Up): 5:45pm - 6:00pm

PRICING:

COST: $2300 *Deposit of $300 towards tuition required prior to first day.

PRICE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
  • Course packet of select handouts and TBY Teacher Training Manual (150 pages!)
  • 10% discount on all TBY products (including clothing, books, music, props, etc.) upon registration and throughout training
  • 30% off all TBY Class Packages, effective immediately upon receipt of deposit (valid for duration of training)
  • 20% off all TBY Workshops
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
  • Your tuition is non-refundable/non-transferable after first class
  • Returned checks are subject to a $15 return fee
  • We accept Visa/Mastercard, check or cash but would be grateful if you paid by check or cash
  • No refunds after the first class
  • If you miss 1-2 classes make up sessions offered FREE of charge
  • Not included in the price are required or recommended books
* $300 deposit required upon acceptance in the program to hold your spot. This is nonrefundable, non transferable.

DISCLAIMER:
The topics, programs, length of classes, meeting dates and coursework offered are subject to change, addition, deletion, revision at any time and with proper notice at the discretion of the teacher.

POLICIES:
Students are also required to maintain a regular practice by attending 30 classes at total body yoga (or equivalent studio such as Moksha Yoga Center) during course of training
.

CERTIFICATION:

"The art of living an ordinary life in an extraordinary way." -Tibetan proverb

Syllabus Includes:
  • Techniques 100 Contact Hours/15 Non Contact Hours: Includes asanas, pranayamas and meditation. These hours include both training in the techniques and the practice of them.
  • Teaching Methodology 25 Contact Hours/6 Non Contact Hours: Principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, and the student's process of learning.
  • Anatomy and Physiology 14 Contact Hours/6 Non Contact Hours: We will incorporate awareness of physical and subtle anatomy throughout training.
  • Philosophy, Ethics, & Lifestyle 20 Contact Hours/10 Non Contact Hours: Study of Yoga Philosophy (Yamas, Niyamas), Yoga Scriptures (Yoga Sutras), ethics for yoga teachers, 'living the life of the yogi'
  • Practicum 10 Contact Hours: Includes observing and assisting in classes taught by others. Hours may be a combination of supervised and unsupervised. (5 hours of assistant teaching, 5 hours of observing classes at TBY Studio
  • Electives/Independent Study 10 Contact Hours/5 Non Contact Hours: these hours will include assigned reading or other homework like book reports, unsupervised study/meditation groups, classes, workshops, community service (mandatory element, 5 hours of Karma Yoga Student Teaching).

YOGA ALLIANCE:
Is total body yoga teacher training program a REGISTERED school with Yoga Alliance? YES.


REQUIRED READING LIST:
Yoga History:

1. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,Swami Satchitananda or Secret Power of Yoga, Nichala Joy Devi


Practice:

2. Yoga The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness, Eric Schiffman

3. Jivamukti By Shannon Gannon and David Life

4. Yoga for Wellness, Gary Kraftsow, Penquin, 1999


Professional Ethics/Connecting the Heart of the Student:

5. Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship, Donna Farhi

6. Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual, John Friend

7. Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life, Judith Lasater



Anatomy/Physiology:

8. Anatomy of Movement, Blandine Calais-Germain

9. The Anatomy Coloring Book - Kapit & Elson



Pranayama and Breath:

10. The Heart of Yoga: Developing A Personal Practice, Desikachar



Recommended Books:

Yogi Bare by Philip Self

The Language of Yoga by Nicolai Bachman

Yoga from the Inside Out by Christina Sell

A Path With Heart: A Guide through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life & Wherever You Go There You Are by Jack Kornfield

"Yoga believes in transforming the individual before transforming the world. Whatever change we want to happen outside should happen within. If you walk in peace and express that peace in your very life, others will see you and learn something." - Sri Swami Satchidananda

Total Body Yoga Teacher Training Code of Ethics
What follows is an excellent and well-thought out code of ethics generated by the Yoga Research and Education Center (YREC). We have adapted these guidelines for the Total Body Yoga Teacher Training Program.

You should know that the YREC views the publication of these ethical guidelines as part of its effort to help preserve the traditional legacy of Yoga and improve the quality of Yoga teaching and practice in the modern world. By participating in this training program you are accepting these guidelines as part of your commitment to this program.

  • Yoga teacher trainees understand and appreciate that teaching Yoga is a noble and ennobling endeavor, which aligns them with a long line of honorable teachers.
  • Yoga teacher trainees are committed to maintaining impeccable standards of professional competence and integrity.
  • Yoga teacher trainees particularly embrace the ideal of truthfulness in dealing with students, teachers and fellow trainees.
  • Yoga teacher trainees strive to practice tolerance toward other Yoga teachers, schools, and traditions.
  • Yoga teacher trainees acknowledge the importance of the proper context for teaching and agree to avoid teaching in a casual manner, which includes observing proper decorum inside and outside the class.
  • Yoga teacher trainees dedicate themselves to a thorough and continuing study and practice of Yoga.
  • Yoga teacher trainees are committed to promoting the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of their students and fellow trainees.
  • Yoga teacher trainees are open to instructing all students irrespective of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or financial status.
  • Yoga teacher trainees are willing to accept students with physical disabilities, providing they have the skill to teach those students properly.
  • Yoga teacher trainees will treat their students and one another with respect.
  • Yoga teacher trainees will avoid any form of sexual harassment of students.
In addition, in order to promote a safe and positive learning environment by participating in this training program you understand, agree and are willing to abide by the following five agreements:
  • I agree to arrive promptly, preferably five to ten minutes early, in order to settle in and be ready to start on time.
  • I agree to listen to the way I am feeling & honor any accommodations my spirit or body need by adjusting a posture with respect to my personal injuries & health conditions in a loving way.
  • I agree to first internalize questions considering if they are relevant to the material being presented at the moment while giving my full attention to each speaker.
  • I agree to notify the trainer if I need to arrive late or leave early and will arrive or depart without disruption to the training group.
APPLICATION:

STEP 1:
Complete letter stating your intention for participation. Why are you applying?
Include the following:
*Describe your physical health (major illnesses, surgeries, physical conditions).
*Tell us about your emotional and mental health.
*Are you currently taking any medications? If so, please list in detail.
*Do you have a close friend or therapist that will agree to listen to any comments or concerns that may arise throughout the course of this program (practice brings up a lot of emotions/issues to the service)? Do you have a support network? Does your family support this journey you've decided to take?
*This program requires a significant time commitment. Do you have any other major commitments (grad school, 2 jobs, etc) that would prevent you from participating fully?

STEP 2:
Please tell us more about your yoga practice including the following:
Why do you want to take this program?
What are your expectations for the training? What do you hope to gain, learn, or improve?
Do you teach yoga now? If so, please describe in detail.
If you plan on teaching after completing the program, why do you want to teach yoga?
How long have you been taking yoga classes and/or practicing yoga? Please describe your practice in detail.
How would you compare self-practice to that with a class and teacher?
Would you be willing to establish a daily practice (minimum 15-20 minutes) and maintain it to become a certified teacher?
List any other interesting thing you think we should know about you.

STEP 3:
Please submit a letter of recommendation from any of your yoga teachers.

We Love Our Past Graduates!

Ali Buckman, RYT
Amy Laurencelle, RYT
Cheryl Baldwin, RYT
Mary Scudella, E-RYT
Warren Forbes, RYT
Jodi Thors, RYT
Martha Cournoyer, RYT
Liz Leffert, pending
Maria Peterson, RYT
Brian Lapins, RYT
Rich Kepski, RYT pending
Kelly Clement, RYT
Bette Plass, RYT pending
Wendy Silvers, RYT
Maryann Beckman-Berman, RYT
Nancy Michaels, RYT
Susanne Von Borcke, RYT pending
Lucy Grove, RYT pending
Jill Davis, RYT pending
Jennifer Jankowski, RYT pending
Jackie Kold, RYT pending
Megan Carrick, RYT pending

2007-2009 YOGA ALLIANCE 200-HOUR LEVEL
AREA OF FOCUS
2007-2008
TBY PROGRAM PROVIDES
TBY DETAIL
Techniques 100 hours hours 65 hours (section 2)
15 hours (section 6)
5 hours (section 7)
10 hours (section 8)
5 hours (section 9)
100 hours contact
15 hours non contact
Teaching Methodology 25 31 hours 10 hours (section 1)
15 hours (section 6)
25 Contact Hours
Anatomy and Physiology 20 hours 20 hours 4 hours (section 4)
6 hours non-contact
Philosophy/Ethics/Lifestyle (history, living your yoga) 30 hours 30 hours 20 hours (section 2)
20 Contact Hours
10 hours non-contact
Practicum (student teaching, observing, assisting) 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours (section 10)
*All contact hours
Balance of Hours (drawn from above categories) hours 15 hours 10
hours (section 10)
5 hours non-contact
TOTAL HOURS 200 hours 221 hours  
Contact Hours minimum 18 hours 180 hours  
Certification Requirements
  1. Demonstrate teaching skills with clarity and confidence
  2. Pass take home written final exam
  3. Successfully complete all written homework and reading assignments
  4. Pay all fees in full
  5. Participate fully through attendance in all sessions and demonstration of a yogic attitude
  6. Maintain yoga teachers ethical code
  7. Certification depends on the teacher's ability to demonstrate the integration of the material through their practice, their conduct and their teaching
Certification depends on the teacher's ability to demonstrate the integration of the material through their practice, their conduct and their teaching.

Total Body Yoga is one of 14 schools in Illinois recognized by Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Studio

TESTIMONIALS

Silvia- You are such a wonderful person and a gifted teacher! I am truly blessed to have found you and am honored to be one of your students. I look forward to continuing my teaching and inspiring others as you have inspired me. Thank You for everything! -- Maryann

I am impressed on how hard you try to meet everyone's schedule, it can't be easy. Thanks to your dedication and assurance I can flow through yoga poses, I am now actually playing with yoga moves more and listening to what my body inspires me to do instead of trying to do yoga like everyone else.  Yoga has become so much more an enriching experience for me rather than a physical struggle.  So many thanks, I am very grateful for all the help you have given me. - Anonymous

Silvia- You have made a difference in my life. Your smile is very therapeutic. - Susi

Silvia- I enjoyed the training and learning many things-one thing I am very happy about, especially how to incorporate more yoga into my everyday life! Thanks! - Cheryl

Silvia- Thank you for caring about the quality of our teacher training program. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself at this busy time. Thank you for teaching from your heart and thank you for making a difference in my life. Warmly - Sue

Silvia- Thanks for being such a wonderful yoga teacher and providing the community with a great place to come & practice! -Anonymous

Silvia- The way of life and love that I studied at Total Body Yoga, under the brilliant and inspiring tutelage of the TBY staff helped my physical practice grow by leaps and bounds ( and headstands and arm balances). But the real treasure I unearthed is the philosophy, teaching methodology, meditition, pranayama, and my own and other's inner divine. I would recommend the teacher training program at TBY to anyone who wants to teach or deeply delve into the rewarding practice of yoga. Thank you for everything. - Brian

Silvia- I want to thank you for the amazing experience of attending your teacher training program. I will remember this as one of the most rewarding times in my life and look forward to the rewards I will see in the future because of your program. Thank you for all that you do for us to help us suceed, it really means the world to me. Peace and Love - Jennifer

Silvia - I'm very excited to be a part of this training program and I feel very blessed and lucky!! I'm so happy to be on this journey especially with everyone in class. I think we have a great group of people and everyone feels comfortable. Thank you for accepting me and letting me be a part of this program! - Kelly

Silvia - Yesterday was fantastic!! We learned so much! You are a fountain of knowledge and I so appreciate your teacher ability. You have an innate ability to teach. I could have sat there for hours. The time goes so quickly when we're learning. - Martha