Introduction
Yoga has become a key component of the health and wellbeing of Australians, and Yoga Australia has been the leader in setting professional standards for teacher training and continuing education for nearly 25 years.
The curriculum has been designed to assist training providers to achieve high level outcomes for yoga in Australia and to demonstrate to governments and health providers that yoga is a profession that safely and ethically supports participants.
The curriculum uses modern educational terms so that external readers can audit the document. It contains the words instruct, teach, class, practice. Interpret these words broadly as you read. They can cover any yoga practice and tradition.
Key components of the curriculum:
- Competencies: An aspiring professional must demonstrate achievement of each competency for their level. Trainers design programs so that these outcomes are attained.
- Content: This is the required content to be covered in achieving the competency.
- Sample learning activities: These are suggestions to assist trainers to design programs and to give ideas about the required standard. Activities can be broad and can be done with peers.
- Assessment tasks: These are specific tasks to demonstrate attainment of the competency.
Format of the Curriculum
Yoga is an integrated practice, and these areas will undoubtedly be learned holistically. However, when designing learning and assessment it is easier to separate the competencies to ensure all are covered properly.
This curriculum allows for flexibility and diversity in the approaches to further education as a yoga professional. The focus is on competencies. The competencies are divided into three categories:
- Conceptual: what is the knowledge required?
- Procedural: how do you apply the knowledge?
- Professional: why are you doing it?
The professional category is included as this includes key areas of legislation and ethics for working in Australia. It is critical to becoming a professional yoga teacher in Australia.
The curriculum lists competencies, content, sample learning activities and sample assessment tasks. The sample activities and assessment tasks are intended to assist training providers with course design.
The curriculum lists the minimum competencies required. Yoga Australia expects that the majority of students will exceed these standards.
Hours for Each Competency
Training providers have the flexibility to allocate hours to different curriculum areas as required to achieve each competency within 150 hours of training depending on the approach of the school. Training providers will be asked to demonstrate how their students are achieving the required competencies.
As a guideline, we recommend the following minimum allocations:
150-hour training
- 50 hours across all Conceptual competencies
- 70 hours across all Procedural competencies
- 5 hours across all Professional competencies
- Plus additional specialties
Mode of Training Delivery
Yoga Australia allows for flexibility in training delivery modes to meet the competencies. Hands-on teaching skills must be taught and assessed in person to be included in one’s scope of practice. Training providers will be asked to demonstrate how their students are achieving the required competencies.
Descriptors
Registered Level 1 Teacher
Key themes: beauty, balance, becoming
A Registered Level 1 Teacher is able to teach a class to healthy adults and may have additional training to work with specific groups in regards to life stages as per their scope of practice. They demonstrate a calm and relaxed manner, good observational skills and the ability to modify practice for individuals, specific groups and conditions. They act legally, ethically and respectfully. They continue to develop their personal practice with a senior teacher or mentor, and they contribute to profession of yoga and to the community.
Registered Level 2 Teacher
Key themes: innovating, integrating, inspiring
A Registered Level 2 Teacher demonstrates high-level observational skills, leadership, and presence. They are able to manage individual and group expectations and progress, design and facilitate programs and workshops. They have a robust understanding of yoga lineages and philosophy and are able to weave this understanding into their classes and personal practice. They have a deep personal practice and contribute to yoga and the community.
Conceptual Knowledge Class Design
Competency: Design and plan a yoga program as per the scope of practice
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Design and plan a program of classes ◊Research and select yoga practices for a group or individual and design a tailored program ◊Recognise the changing needs of students | ◊ Choose a specific objective, select appropriate yoga practices and design a program ◊ Discuss what progress means in terms of yoga ◊ In a group, brainstorm and discuss themes that could be used to design a program or workshop ◊ Video one of your classes and comment on where and why you have adapted the lesson plan to meet the needs of specific students | ◊ Choose one common health condition of your interest and design program include objectives, practices, potential learning aids etc. Evaluate participant’s experience and progress and implement appropriate changes to the program ◊ Choose a theme and develop a sequence of classes to support and progress the student’s practice ◊ Choose a theme and develop a three hour workshop to explore that theme |
Conceptual Knowledge Human Systems
Competency: Explain principles of human systems as applied to teaching yoga
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Review and extend knowledge of human systems ◊ Predict the physiological needs of individuals and groups and design programs and practices appropriately ◊ Detail the structure, states, functioning, and conditions of the mind according to yoga ◊ Interpret research on human systems and its relevance to the application of yoga | ◊ Investigate the terminology and concepts of mind-body science in different fields ◊ Examine changes in the understanding of biomechanics according to current fascial research and how this applies to yoga ◊ Investigate other models of health and compare to the bio-psycho- socio-spiritual model of yoga ◊ Read chapter one of Patanjali’s yoga sutras and discuss the understanding of the mind ◊ Research the current western scientific understanding of meditation and record your findings | ◊ Given a six-class program, write a 500-word report explaining the human systems knowledge informing design. Integrate energetic principles ◊ In small groups, create a concept map of the mind reflecting the understanding of the mind in chapter one of Patanjali’s sutras ◊ Create a three minute presentation on the effects of meditation on the human systems for your participants. Reference two sources of research ◊ Create a one page infographic of the human systems explaining the benefits of yoga |
Conceptual Knowledge Yoga Foundations
Competency: Explain the evolution of the philosophy and teachings of yoga
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Summarise a range of information about yoga history, philosophy and teachings ◊ Confidently express key themes and frameworks within yoga philosophy and teachings ◊ Compare Yoga philosophy to other world views and spiritual systems | ◊ Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on the mind and compare to yoga ◊ Watch a documentary on the history of India and examine how yoga philosophy influenced Indian culture and history ◊ Discuss with peers your interpretation of a selected section of Patanjali’s yoga sutras ◊ Reflect on the implications of Indian colonisation on how yoga is taught and practiced in the west | ◊ Design an infographic on the key periods of yoga over time ◊ Write a blog about the link between Buddhism and Yoga ◊ Write an article outlining the main paths of yoga and the key practices for each |
Conceptual Knowledge Business & Legal
Competency: Describe the main business, technical and legal requirements for teaching yoga and demonstrate the ability to operate a small business
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Describe basic elements of business operations, management and strategy ◊ Establish and maintain relationships with peers and related professionals to build networks | ◊ List three pieces of personal information that are irrelevant to the teaching and practice of yoga ◊ Describe the business relationship you have with students ◊ Research the policies and procedures of three yoga studios/gyms and discuss with peers ◊ Research and discuss ethical marketing in yoga ◊ Research the cost of website development and compare results | ◊ Role play: an initial enrolment interview, where the participant requests rehabilitation of a common condition (eg: lower back pain). Use empathy to respond to the request of the client and explain limits to the scope of your practice ◊ Create ethical marketing material for a yoga program |
Procedural Skills Teaching Methodology
Competency: Teach programs and workshops demonstrating leadership, inspiration and high-level observational skills as per the scope of practice
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Demonstrate high-level observation skills and tailor a program for participant goals ◊ Manage expectations and progress ◊ Educate participants on yoga and wellbeing ◊ Demonstrate leadership skills and presence | ◊ Design a series of practices for new students that reflect the yoga tradition you are working within ◊ Teach a practice incorporating an aspect of yoga philosophy and reflect on the outcomes | ◊ Using role play, demonstrate questioning to a student presenting with a common condition. Modify your program to include the information gathered ◊ Teach the program created and reflect on improvements |
Procedural Skills Techniques and Practices
Competency: Incorporate safe technique, alignment, and sequencing to confidently inspire and innovate the progression of participants
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability using a wide range of teaching strategies ◊ Demonstrate skills to enhance inclusion and safety ◊ Innovate teaching to safely progress a diverse range of participants at different levels, receptivity and ability within a group | ◊ Model interpersonal considerations such as personal space and choice of words ◊ Design and present a set of five sessions for a specific group of participants and describe the rationale behind the choice of practices and sequencing | ◊ Demonstrate knowledge and skills to teach a sequence of three classes where one participant shows with a common condition |
Procedural Skills Communication
Competency: Consistently practice communicating with compassion, confidence, respect and kindness
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Use verbal and non-verbal communication to enhance understanding and demonstrate respect ◊ Use a range of techniques to confirm understanding ◊ Exchange information following privacy and confidentiality protocols ◊ Identify and manage early signs of potentially difficult situations and plan an appropriate response | ◊ Engage in a role play to demonstrate active listening skills: listen to others, respect their views, encourage open communication about practice preferences ◊ Communicate information about the benefits and contraindications of yoga practices in a clear manner | ◊ Role play completing the intake form and demonstrate follow up questioning to a student presenting with a common condition. Modify your program to include participant’s information ◊ Teach the program created and reflect on improvements |
Procedural Skills Review Performance
Competency: Review own performance with a mentor/colleague and identify areas for improvement and continuing education
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Use a range of sources to keep up-to-date with current industry issues, trends and codes of practice ◊ Seek specialist advice, mentoring, and further training where a need or gap is identified | ◊ Research from a range of reputable sources current industry issues, trends, and codes of practice ◊ Invest in your personal and professional development through courses, training, mentoring, ongoing self-study ◊ Video yourself teaching ◊ Create an assessment checklist and critique yourself | ◊ Participate in a CPD activity based on identified needs, and reflect ◊ Present the results of your research on a current industry issue, trend or research and receive feedback from mentor and peers ◊ Give an example of how you have given feedback and the impact it had ◊ Give examples of an area you have focussed on to develop and grow, including actions you took and what outcome and impact it had |
Professional Ethics
Competency: Respect and embody the Guiding Principles of Yoga Australia
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Manage conflicts of interest in a yoga teaching context ◊ Embody the practices of yama andniyama | ◊ Consider an approach to managing a conflict of interest encountered in your studio/school ◊ Plan a yoga class based on one yamaor niyama | ◊ Write a plan to communicate and find solutions to a conflict of interest encountered in your studio/school. ◊ Describe a class theme based on one niyama, including application in asana, pranayama, and meditation |
Professional Scope of Practice
Competency: Articulate the scope of professional practice of your knowledge and skills
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Identify topics to be discussed in the induction process of new staff and students ◊ Demonstrate the implementation of workplace policies and procedures ◊ Demonstrate the process for referrals | ◊ WHS documents in place and in use ◊ Identify and complete any necessary WHS training relevant to your professional practice ◊ Be a role model and offer mentorship/ coaching | ◊ List the key features of WHS in your environment ◊ Interpret a case study and respond with a solution |
Professional Personal Practice
Competency: Maintain a regular personal yoga practice with a peer and reflect on that practice
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Maintain a regular personal yoga practice and reflect on that practice with a more senior teacher | ◊ Identify areas of potential growth and discuss with peers ◊ Exchange sources of knowledge to collaborate and support growth | ◊ Articulate your choice of personal practice and how it has evolved ◊ Identify three areas for further professional and personal development |
Professional Contribute to the Profession
Competency: Support the profession of yoga and the yoga community
Content | Sample Learning Activities | Sample Assessments |
◊ Participate and contribute to yoga activities ◊ Identify karma and bhakti yoga in the form of altruistic activities and kind gestures ◊ Research and design programs to contribute to the yoga community | ◊ Mentor junior colleagues ◊ Observe colleagues in their practice and give feedback ◊ Identify opportunities to advocate for yoga in your community ◊ Describe how you have become a yoga professional | ◊ List two activities that you have done with reflections ◊ Write a short summary of how you have grown as a yoga professional |