CIYT Mentoring Program

Preparing for Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) assessment is serious, sustained work. It requires years of consistent practice and deep study of the method.

Kathleen Swanson is a Level 3 CIYT, an Assessor and has studied at RIMYI in Pune, India. She studies regularly with Patricia Walden.

Requirements for All Mentees
  • Current membership in the national Iyengar Yoga organization (membership must be established at least one year before applying for assessment)
  • Attend class with Kathleen weekly – in studio or via livestream – billed separately at regular class rates
  • Maintain an established home practice
  • Teach yoga according to the techniques of B.K.S. Iyengar
  • Take responsibility for acquiring all required knowledge, including philosophy and anatomy, as outlined in the assessment manual
Mentoring Program — $110/month

This is an apprenticeship. When you're ready, you can teach a pose in weekly class or during the group sessions - planning it in advance, teaching it to the students present, and receiving direct feedback on how it went.

  • Weekly teaching opportunities in class or monthly group sessions: submit a written pose plan ahead of time, receive written feedback before teaching, teach the pose, receive written feedback after
  • A monthly written assignment covering philosophy, anatomy, or sequencing, reviewed and returned with individual feedback
  • A two-hour monthly group session covering conducted practice, sequencing, teaching skills, and Q&A – including hands-on adjustment practice
  • Open access for questions between sessions
  • A self-directed study guide

Weekly class attendance is billed separately. A minimum three-month commitment is required. A recording of the group session can be provided if you're unable to attend.

Additional training opportunities on special topics will be offered separately as they’re developed.

What You'll Develop
  • Clear, effective communication of yoga knowledge
  • Sequencing skills 
  • Sharper observation of students and their alignment
  • Hands-on adjustment practice
  • Comfort teaching within a live class

This mentoring program does not grant a certification in Iyengar Yoga. Mentoring prepares you for the assessment process – it does not replace it, and it does not guarantee a particular outcome or timeline. When you and your mentor agree you’re ready, you apply to IYNAUS directly to register for an assessment date.  Learn more about the assessment process here.

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