Sun and Moon Yoga Studio

Teacher Training: Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a start date for any of the Teacher Training Programs?

No. You can join any of the programs at any time, preferably at the start of one our sessions.

How long does the program take to finish?

Most students finish the 300-hr in about 18 months. We allow up to five years. If you "fast track" through it, you can finish in about one year. For the 700-hr program, most students take three years or more to finish, we allow up to eight years. The Therapeutics Program can be done in about the same time and along with the 700-hr Program. In other words, most students do both the 700-hr and the Therapeutics at the same time and would therefore finish both programs at about the same time and that is within about three years. Being in a hurry to finish a training that takes a lifetime is not really a yogic quality. However, having said that, we do realize that time and money are the essence of this culture. We are looking for students interested in the study of yoga more than how fast they can put a diploma on the wall-there are other schools that have certification programs that are much shorter than ours, perhaps not as in-depth.

Is there financial aid available?

We do offer limited financial aid based both on the student's need and on studio monies available at the time the student applies. Our financial aid funds are all currently being used by students in the program. If you are in need of financial aid, please state so on your application and as soon as funds become available, you will be placed on a wait-list and notified.

How much of a time commitment is the 300-hour program?

There are two typical TT profiles: one spends time in two classes a week at Sun and Moon observing/assisting one class, and taking their own level 3 or 4 class-they would then be taking weekend workshops or the Module Intensives in the summer. The second typical profile might spend three classes per week: one class observing/assisting, one taking their own class and the third class being the TT weekly class which covers Module A in the winter session, Module B in the spring session and Module C in the fall (summers off). Of course, there are many other Tts who are doing a combination of each, sometimes taking less classes one quarter to complete the written papers and teach their critiqued classes (Free Classes).

How much does the 300-hour TT program cost total?

Following is a scenario that will help you examine your costs for the program: 1) Janet yogini started the program with the intention of taking the weekly TT class and reading 5 hours/week. She paid a $25 application fee, $750 for her first installment, and $100 on books. Her startup costs for the program were $875, plus three quarters of the TT class ($15/wk for 38 wks = $570). During this time she also took a weekly asana class also about $570. Her total costs this year were $2015. By the end of the fall, winter and spring she had finished Modules A, B & C and read almost all of the books on the reading list. She had begun to substitute teach and was gaining confidence as a young teacher. She took the summer session off to catch up on reading and think about her two papers. She decided for the next "season" she'd finish with Modules D, E & F weekend workshops (about $450), and spent another $50 on books. These three quarters (fall, winter and spring) she elected to do her observing and assisting (no cost), finish her Practice Teaching Hours that were not covered in the weekly TT class ($15 for 23 class or $350). She wrote one of the papers in the fall session, the second in the winter session and spent the spring session teaching her two Free Classes for critique. She had now finished all the requirements and asked to receive the final exam. She paid the $750 final installment. Her total fees for the entire program were: $2865 which included her weekly class. She finished the program in seven quarters or just over a year and half (from the fall of one year thru the spring one year later or 21 months).

What are the free classes and what do they have to do with the Teacher Certification program?

Free classes are offered periodically (usually once a month at one of our studios) and are open to anyone. Teacher trainees teach while a senior teacher observes. They meet afterward to discuss the trainee's teaching. TTs are required to teach two of these classes which count toward the Practicum hours.

Does the Yoga Alliance recognize Sun and Moon's program?

Yes. Once you graduate from our 300-hour program, you will receive in your certification package instructions on how to apply for your "RYT," Registered Yoga Teacher, through the Alliance. You may also contact the Yoga Alliance directly at any time, make a copy of your certificate to submit with your application.

What if I miss a workshop that is required?

Take it the next time it is offered! We offer the same workshops every 12-18 months. Also in some circumstances, approval may be given to write a paper on the topic covered in the workshop. This paper is in addition to the two required papers. You might also be able to make up the workshop in the TT weekly class-check the class schedule at the beginning of the quarter to see what subjects are being taught that session.

If I've already had some extra training elsewhere, can I get credit for that?

Yes, we recommend you email jj directly, jj@sunandmoonstudio.com, she may require you to set up an appointment to review your case or to send in your biography to her directly.

What if, during the course of my studies, I need a break for personal, financial, or other reasons?

We allow breaks during the program, and sometimes we even encourage them. That's why we allow up to five years for finishing the program. There may be circumstances, however, in which the student coming back from a break may be required to take a few workshops over to "dust up" her or his knowledge of a particular subject matter. In rare circumstances, allowing a student to finish studies beyond five years has been granted.

How many people are in the program?

Right now there are 30 people in the 300-hour and about 10 in the 300-hour correspondence. Please note that some of the workshops are for TTs only, and others are open to the public. The workshops for TTs usually have around 8-10 people in them, and the ones open to the public can sometimes have around 30.

More Info

Teacher Training: Frequently Asked Questions