The Center for Yoga of Seattle Yoga Apprenticeship Program

Updated 10/16/07

The Center for Yoga of Seattle's Apprenticeship Program is designed to train the next generation of yoga teachers in the great tradition of Yogacharya B. K. S. Iyengar. Periodically, we accept as apprentices a limited number of dedicated students committed to becoming competent yoga teachers. The Center is currently accepting applications from highly motivated students to start in the Apprenticeship Program in February 2008.

Apprenticeships in Iyengar Yoga involve learning how to assist in regular classes, learning the progression in teaching beginners (how to develop a yoga course), learning how to individualize the practice and teaching of yoga to various individuals, learning the seven-step method of teaching Iyengar Yoga, and learning how to develop good demonstration, instruction, observation, and correction skills. Apprenticeships run for a period of three months, after which the apprenticeship position will either be extended or ended depending on the performance and advancements of the apprentice

The Center for Yoga of Seattle offers one of only 29 approved Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Programs in the United States. Richard is the only authorized Iyengar Yoga Teacher Trainer in the Seattle Area. For a detailed biography of Richard Schachtel, the Center's founder & director, click here.

Our apprenticeship program is one of the most important parts of our on-going Iyengar Yoga Teacher Education. You are practicing yoga daily, you are attending regular classes with a certified Iyengar yoga teacher, you are enrolled in (or plan on being enrolled in) a multi-year Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Program, and you are observing an experienced teacher work with beginning students. As an apprentice, you will see how the theory of working with beginning students meets the real world of beginning classes. You will receive training to develop the various skills needed to become an effective instructor, including a well-trained eye and a sensitivity in working with varying students.

Those interested in earning the title of Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher must have a mentoring teacher who is qualified to guide them through the steps of the certification process. A formal apprenticeship is a highly recommended part of that process.

– Richard Schachtel, Director, Center for Yoga of Seattle Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher Certification Assessor for B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Association of the United States

REQUIREMENTS AT APPLICATION*

1. At least two years of background in Iyengar Yoga with a teacher by February of 2008.

2. Applicants should not be practicing or taking classes in any other method or style of yoga.

3. A home practice four to five days per week.

4. Attendance in at least one weekly Iyengar Yoga class.

REQUIREMENTS IF ACCEPTED AS AN APPRENTICE*

1. Attend at least two classes per week with Richard as a student.

2. Attend as an Apprentice at least one of Richard's beginner classes each week.

3. Complete reading assignments.

4. Take regular online tests.

5. Enroll in one of the 200-Hour Teacher Training Programs offered at the Center within a two-year period (these courses meet in intensive weekend sessions approximately nine weekends per year). *Requirements are subject to change.

Apprentices are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes early for training, stay after class to help clean up the space, and help with bookkeeping. Attendance is required at all class sessions (excluding illness).

FEES

The costs for apprenticeships include at least two regular weekly classes with Richard, ranging from approximately $117 - $148 per month. In addition, apprentices must pay the apprenticeship fee of $60 per month for apprenticing one class per week or $100 per month for apprenticing two-to-five classes per week. In addition, apprentices own all of the basic books on Iyengar Yoga required in the 200-Hour Teacher Trainings.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume that includes the following information via email or mail (see email and snail-mail addresses below).

1. Name, address, day and evening telephone numbers (include good times to call), and email address.

2. Occupation, work history, formal education, and career objectives.

3. A description of your Yoga background, specifically, your current and previous yoga studies, including with whom you studied and for how long, the type of yoga studied, and yoga teaching history, if any.

4. A detailed description of your personal asana and pranayama practice, including how long and how often you practice.

5. A list the Iyengar yoga books you own.

6. A list of Yoga Workshops you have attended.

7. A list of Teacher Trainings in which you have participated.

Please include any other information that you think may be useful in considering your application and specify that your application is for the Apprenticeship Program.

Email your application to:

info@yogaseattle.com.

Or mail your application to:

The Center for Yoga of Seattle
2261 NE 65th St.
Seattle, WA, 98115
Attention: Richard Schachtel

For more information, please contact the Center for Yoga's office at (206) 526-9642 or via e-mail at info@yogaseattle.com.