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Long Island yoga school is dedicated to bringing New York City-quality yoga teacher trainings and workshops to two convenient Long Island locations: Prana Shakti Yoga on Long Island’s South Shore and Bonda Yoga on Long Island’s North Shore. In addition,starting September of 2010, we will be adding another yoga teacher training location at Simplicity Yoga in Kings Park.
Our programs are led by NYC-certified yoga teachers who are all dedicated to upholding the quality of yoga taught here on Long Island.
We offer three 200-hour certification programs a year, plus two mentor programs a year. We also offer a 300-hour advanced certification program every January. In addition, we offer CEU workshops covering Asana, Meditation, and Anatomy for certified teachers and advanced yoga practitioners.  

UPCOMING TRAININGS:
200-Hour 6-Month Training: January 17 - June 13, 2010
300-Hour 9-Month Training:  January 24 – November 14, 2010
Mentor Program: April 11 - June 27, 2010
200-Hour 3-Month Intensive: September 19 - December 5, 2010
NEW - Prana Shakti Core Weekend Training-  
April 17 & 18, 2010

On Being A New Yoga Teacher

For me, teaching yoga has truly brought me to a place I feel is my destiny--or dharma. As yoga teachers, we have the ability to help others to feel better--physically and mentally--while also connecting to ourselves from a deep place. And although being a new teacher is wonderful, at times, it can be overwhelming. For all of you who are new to teaching yoga, or just about to embark on this awesome journey, don't think you're the only one who feels a tad overwhelmed! Teaching is an organic process. The way you teach class, sequence the poses, create your themes, and even speak to your students is an ever-unfolding and changing process. There is so much to think about before you set foot on the mat to teach class. Here are some simple thoughts and ideas I'd like to share that I hope give you some food for thought!

If you're not going to write out your class, at least think about the sequences in your mind: Think about it. It can be obvious when you, as a student, are in a class where the teacher is flying by the seat of his/her pants. When you're sure of where you are going next, students can be taken to that place more securely! Remember to breathe during centering. Centering is for you just as much as the students. It also helps to calm jitters. Teach to who is in the room. Ok, so the class might be an open level, but perhaps that day the room is mostly filled with Level 1 students. Be OK with adjusting or modifying poses to the students in the room. If you're racing past them, they can't learn, and that's when frustration occurs, which is not what yoga is about,right?! You say left and you meant to say right. Don't panic! I've definitely made a little joke about my error and quickly moved on. And, chances are, if you say something that you "think" is a mistake--I bet you no one even noticed. Don't let one tiny error set the mark and shake you mentally. Be gentle with your students. Help encourage them. As a student, I like when a teacher offers praise to the class. A simple, "beautiful!" or "nice work!" when they conquer a tough half moon is a lovely thing to say!

Keep your ego in check. We're all students at the end of the day.

Always yearn to learn more. Not only will it help you grow as a person, but as a teacher, too. When you take classes, listen to the way that particular teacher explains a pose. You can always learn something by just paying attention to a respected teacher's lingo.

Demoing. Ah, this is hard. As a new teacher, I still find myself "over demoing." Try your best to walk and talk and resist the urge to demo every pose. I try to encourage students to go within and let my voice guide them. Still, don't be too hard on yourself if you fall into the demoing trap. One of the best things about Laurie's teacher training is that early on, she has you practice teach without demoing. This isn't because she's being mean (LOL)--it's because she's helping you/us avoid bad habits later! If you are demoing every pose, all you are doing is working out with your class! You can't see what's going on, and they don't learn the poses. Congratulations on taking this journey. Be proud of yourself. Namaste,Lana