Mentoring for Yoga Teachers
Mentoring is a modern word that gestures toward yoga’s guru-śisya tradition, encompassing many forms of guidance between teacher and student. It’s part of the continuing sādhana, the personal journey of yoga that naturally finds expression in the world.
“Mentoring others has been a rewarding experience filled with unexpected opportunities for growth and cross-pollination.”
Charley Hickey · Registered Mentor
“Professional mentoring is designed to provide yoga teachers and yoga therapists with ongoing personal and professional development.”
Michael de Manincor · The Yoga Institute
Mentoring Guidelines
Mentors earn CPD points for providing mentoring, while mentees receive points for participating.
Appropriate mentoring for CPD purposes focuses on professional development within the yoga teaching context, including discussions about teaching methodology, yoga philosophy, class planning, ethical considerations, and navigating professional challenges. Small group mentoring sessions are particularly valuable for peer learning and community building.
Appropriate CPD Mentoring
- Enquiry-based questioning and contemplation
- Small group mentoring sessions
- Teaching methodology discussions
- Yoga philosophy exploration
- Professional development guidance
- Ethical considerations in teaching
Not CPD Mentoring
- Personal therapy from qualified experts
- One-on-one clinical instruction (physio, psychology)
- General yoga class attendance
- Therapeutic treatments
- Wellness activities
- Personal counselling sessions
How to Participate
Who Can Become a Mentor
Registered mentors are Level 3 Senior Members with Yoga Australia who have completed a minimum of 1000 hours of yoga teacher training and have been teaching for at least 10 years. They possess well-developed communication and listening skills, the ability to provide clear and non-judgmental feedback, and create safe spaces for self-inquiry and reflection. Mentors meet teachers where they are and support them to discover their own unique teaching journey, drawing on their embodied experience of yoga and familiarity with the mentor-mentee relationship.
Becoming a Mentor
Approved mentors receive a Mentor Badge for use in email signatures, websites, and social media communications, and appear in the Teacher Directory when filtered by ‘Registered Mentor’. Mentors should be prepared to update their profile with areas of specialisation, pricing, and delivery methods (online/in-person).
Finding a Mentor
In our evolving landscape, teachers have many opportunities to learn. Engaging a registered mentor can accelerate your growth, instilling confidence and enjoyment in the practice and the vocation of yoga.
The Teacher Directory filter lets you locate approved mentors in your area or specialisation.
CPD resources
Article · Rachel Zinman
How to Keep your Mentees Engaged
Giving your mentees the gift of your time and hard-earned wisdom is priceless. That’s why it’s important that it’s a rewarding experience for both of you.
Registered Mentor Application
Registered mentors are Level 3 Senior Members with Yoga Australia who have completed a minimum of 1000 hours of yoga teacher training and have been teaching for at least 10 years.
Applications are open to Yoga Australia members.
Log in to apply, or become a member.
