Are you a yoga teacher who wants to improve your career? Creating a teaching portfolio after your training is a good way to show your abilities and get more students.
In this article, we will explain how to highlight your training and certifications, show your teaching experience, create a strong teaching philosophy, collect student testimonials, and make interesting class plans.
Prepare to boost your yoga career!
Highlight Your Training and Certifications
Graduates of prestigious programs like the Marianne Wells YTT shine bright in the yoga industry. Show off esteemed certifications like your Marianne Wells YTT credential by putting them front and center in your teaching portfolio. This is the first step in creating an impressive portfolio that shows off your qualifications as a yoga instructor. When potential employers or clients look at your portfolio, they want to see proof of your expertise and the high-caliber training you’ve had. By prominently displaying renowned certifications like the Marianne Wells YTT, you’ll immediately catch their attention and show them how dedicated you’re to your craft. The Marianne Wells YTT is an amazing launch pad into your yoga teaching journey.
Make sure to have a section in your portfolio specifically for your training and certifications. Clearly list the name of the program or school where you got your training, along with the dates and any other important information. If you have multiple certifications, organize them in a way that’s easy to read and makes sense. This will let employers quickly see your qualifications and understand how much training you’ve had.
Along with listing your certifications, give a short description of each program and any special accomplishments or skills you gained during your training. This will give potential employers or clients a better idea of your background and what you bring to the table as a yoga instructor. Keep your descriptions brief and to the point, focusing on the most important information.
Remember to update your portfolio regularly as you get new certifications or undergo more training. This will make sure your portfolio is up to date and shows that you’re always working on improving your skills. By highlighting your training and certifications in your teaching portfolio, you’ll present yourself as a highly qualified and capable yoga instructor, increasing your chances of getting a job or attracting clients.
Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Show off your experience as a yoga teacher by sharing examples of the places where you have taught yoga. It’s important to show potential employers and clients that you have real-world experience and can lead yoga classes effectively.
Start by making a list of the yoga studios, fitness centers, or wellness retreats where you have taught. Include the dates, locations, and types of classes you taught, such as beginner-level, advanced, prenatal, or specialized workshops. This information will give a clear idea of your teaching abilities and the different types of students you have worked with.
Also, mention any certifications or workshops you have completed to improve your teaching skills. For example, if you have received specialized training in restorative yoga or yoga for athletes, highlight these qualifications. It shows that you’re committed to learning and providing the best instruction to your students.
To further demonstrate your teaching experience, you can include testimonials or feedback from students and colleagues. Positive reviews can show how effective your teaching is and the positive impact you have on your students’ lives. Share specific quotes or stories that highlight your teaching style, your ability to create a supportive environment, and your expertise in guiding students through their yoga practice.
Craft a Strong Teaching Philosophy
When you explain your teaching style, make sure it’s clear and simple. This will show your love for yoga and your dedication to helping students. Your teaching philosophy is an important part of your teaching portfolio. It shows what you value, believe, and want to achieve as a yoga teacher.
When you create your teaching philosophy, think about your own yoga journey and how it has affected your life. Consider the principles and values that mean the most to you, like being aware of your thoughts and feelings, accepting yourself, or connecting your mind, body, and spirit.
Next, think about how you want to teach these ideas to your students. Do you want to create a safe and welcoming space where everyone can explore and appreciate their bodies? Do you focus on giving each student personalized attention and adapting the poses to their needs? Whatever your approach, make sure you explain it clearly in your teaching philosophy.
Keep your philosophy short and easy to understand. Avoid using complicated words or phrases that might confuse or turn people away. Instead, aim for clarity and precision. Use strong language to express your passion and dedication. For example, you could say, ‘I believe in helping students be more self-aware and true to themselves.’
Gather Student Testimonials
When you gather feedback from students, it can show how your teaching style has impacted their yoga journey. This feedback is important for building a strong teaching portfolio after completing your yoga instructor training. It provides proof of your ability to connect with and positively influence your students.
When asking for feedback, reach out to a diverse group of students who’ve experienced your teaching firsthand. Ask them to share their thoughts and feelings about how your teaching style and philosophy have influenced their yoga practice. Encourage them to be specific and give examples of how your guidance has helped them improve in their practice.
As you gather this feedback, organize it in a way that highlights different aspects of your teaching philosophy. For example, if you focus on mindfulness and self-care, include feedback that shows how your teaching has helped students become more aware and compassionate towards themselves. If your philosophy is centered around creating a safe and inclusive space, include feedback that shows how your teaching has made students feel welcome and supported.
In addition to showcasing your teaching philosophy, consider including feedback that highlights your ability to adapt and modify your teaching to meet the needs of different students. This can demonstrate your versatility as an instructor and your commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible yoga practice.
Always ask for permission before using someone’s feedback in your portfolio. Don’t hesitate to ask your students for feedback or testimonials if you haven’t already. Their words can be a powerful testament to your skills as a yoga instructor and help you attract future students.
Create Engaging Class Plans
To make interesting class plans, include different yoga poses that work different parts of the body and make your students stronger, more flexible, and balanced. Start by picking a theme, like opening the heart or feeling grounded, and then choose poses that match that theme. Start with a warm-up to prepare for harder poses. Make the poses harder as the class goes on, so your students can get stronger and more confident.
Also, think about how the class flows. Move smoothly between poses to keep your students focused. Change the pace of the class, with some slow and thoughtful movements and some faster and more energizing ones. This will keep the class interesting and prevent your students from getting bored.
Remember to give clear instructions during class. Use simple language and don’t overwhelm your students with too many cues. Show them how to do poses when needed and offer different options depending on their experience and ability.