Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher Training School
Gain the Knowledge

“At The College of Purna Yoga we are actually learning how to teach.  I’ve attended a beginner teacher training where 75% of the workshop consisted of the teacher trainees performing asana.  By the time I began teaching a few classes I was doing the asanas with the students rather than teaching.  As I continue at the College I am able to realize there is a difference between teachers who perform for their students and those who are able to actually teach their students.”

Erica Bowen, CPYI and 2007 College Graduate
Purna Yoga Teacher and Performance Artist, Clothing Designer
Brooklyn, NY

At the 200-hour Level you gain the knowledge, confidence and awareness that is essential for becoming an alignment-based yoga teacher.  The course covers the foundational curriculum of Purna Yoga—alignment-based asana and pranayama, meditation, nutrition and applied yogic philosophy.  You will emerge with the ability to teach a variety of classes; the confidence, caring and compassion that keeps your students safe and growing; and the inspiration that makes yoga a powerful tool for transformation.  Be prepared to fall in love with your own personal yoga and meditation practice as well, since Purna Yoga awakens the joy of living from the heart.

As you learn the foundational curriculum, you will also explore:

• Anatomy and physiology of asana and pranayama
• How to see and understand bodies, and give hands-on adjustments
• The benefits and contraindications of asana, and the use of props
• How to deal with students’ injuries and health conditions
• The energetics of centering your mind and awakening your intuition
• Delivery, presentation and class control, especially in teaching beginners
• How nutrition and a yogic lifestyle affect your students, your teaching, and life
• Ethics, business, and the professional and energetic boundaries of teaching
• How to apply timeless yogic philosophy to your classes and your daily life

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What certificate will I receive?
With your successful completion of the program requirements (course hours and homework) you will earn the 200-Hour Course Completion Certificate from The College of Purna Yoga. This Certificate enables you to register with the Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level.

What is the Yoga Alliance?

The Yoga Alliance was created to establish national standards for yoga teachers. Over the years, it has grown to become the nationally recognized body of yoga teacher training standards. Yoga Alliance does not certify teachers; instead it provides a list of teachers who have fulfilled certain yoga teacher training minimum standards. Those standards make up the 200-hour level and the 500-hour level of most teacher training programs today. Most studios and yoga teaching venues require teachers to be registered with the Yoga Alliance in order to teach yoga.

When can I register with Yoga Alliance?

With your successful completion of the program requirements (course hours and homework) you will earn the 200-Hour Course Completion Certificate from The College of Purna Yoga. This certificate is the documentation that you need to complete your application to become a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200-hour Level, becoming a “RYS-200.”

What if I miss a class?

To receive your Course Completion Certificate and be eligible for Yoga Alliance registration, you must complete 100% of the classes and requirements. In addition, you must attend the first 5 modules of the course. However, we understand that you may not be able to foresee every conflict, so we have devised the following procedures if you must miss a class.

If you miss more than 30 minutes of a module (4 hour course), either by arriving late or leaving early, you will not receive credit for that module, and the entire module will have to be made-up.

Any missed modules may be made up in the following ways:

• If you miss 1-3 modules (up to 12 hours), you may still complete the program by making up missed classes by taking private lessons with a teacher training instructor. One module (4 hours) = 1.5 hours of private instruction, at a cost of $120 per 1.5 hour session. Private lesson make-ups must be completed within 30 days of the completion of your course.
• If you miss more than 3 modules, you may continue in the course, but you will not be eligible for a Course Completion Certificate. If you wish to receive a Course Completion Certificate, you will have to retake the course.

Who will be my instructor?

The 200-hour course at Purna Yoga East will be taught by Catharine Eberhart, CPYI, 500 E-RYT. The teachers of the 200-hour Level are Certified Purna Yoga Instructors with over 2,000 hours of training, practice, and apprenticing. They are also registered with Yoga Alliance as E-RYTs (“Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher”) at the 200 or 500-hour levels (the highest level awarded). They have been hand-selected by Purna Yoga founders Aadil Palkhivala and Mirra, and have studied under them personally for many years to achieve the level of being a College of Purna Yoga faculty member. The members of the college faculty have made very deep commitments to their own practice of Purna Yoga as well as to serving others and carrying on the Purna Yoga lineage by training teachers. “The faculty was extremely supportive, and was always willing to tell me the truth—and it was what I needed to hear to become a better yoga teacher! They carry on the Purna Yoga tradition and operate from their hearts. The entire environment within Yoga Centers is one of love.” Jennifer Weinert, CPYI and 2006 College Graduate Purna Yoga Instructor and Event Specialist Papaikou, HI

How many people will be in class?

Class size at Purna Yoga East is limited to 12 students.

Will I have homework?

Yes, you will have two short books to read and anatomy worksheets to complete. Expect about 20 hours of homework during the 200-hour course.

How much should I expect to pay for books and materials?

Your books should cost around $100. You can purchase them at the studio, order them from the Yoga Centers Online Store, or find them at other book retailers.

I am coming from out of town. Where can I stay?

We will provide you with a list of local recommended accommodations, ranging from rooms in houses, to hotels and bed and breakfasts, as well as transportation options. Many students find that they prefer to set up carpools and shared lodgings with their classmates while they are here. We regret that, due to privacy concerns, we are not able to share directory information with students until the course has begun.

After I graduate, where will I be able to teach?

Upon completion, you will be able to apply to teach alignment-based yoga at a variety of venues, such as studios, gyms, park departments, and schools. While there are no legal requirements for teaching yoga, most studios require their teachers to be registered with Yoga Alliance. The 200-hour level of training will equip you to teach basic classes; your teaching repertoire will grow as you increase your level of training.

What is your refund policy?

Within five business days of receipt by The College of Purna Yoga of your signed enrollment agreement, you may withdraw and be refunded all money paid.  After five days, but before the program starts, you may withdraw and receive all money paid, except the $100 registration fee.  Once the program begins, refunds are calculated according to the following table:
           

If you complete this much of the program:	You will be refunded this much of your tuition:
One week or up to 10%, whichever is less	90%
More than one week or 10% (whichever is less), but not more than 25%	75%
25%-50%	50%
50% or more	No refund