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Monday, September 08, 2008    
You are here :     Teacher Training   »   Correspondence Courses
Sunstone Yoga Teacher Training   

Certificate of Completion   
Upon successful competion of this course, Sunstone Yoga will issue a certificate. Before we can do so you must meet all of the following criteria.
  • You have satisfactorily completed all of the required 500 hours.
  • You have the strength and ability to do all asanas trained in the heated room.
  • You have demonstrated a proven, confident verbal teaching technique.
  • You have paid all fees due on this course.
Course Definitions  Print   
Technique includes the study and practice of asanas, pranayama, bandhas, and active meditation. It is recommended that you attend at least 48 regular 90-minute fitness yoga classes at a recognized yoga studio while you are studying the correspondence materials.

Teaching Methodology is the study of the unique verbal teaching technique used to successfully guide students into postures. Here, you must demonstrate mastery of the Sunstone Yoga FIRE Series teaching script, including voice projection, articulation, proper pacing, student inspiration, and maintaining high levels of energy. You will be required to submit regular recordings of each posture in the series for evaluation and feedback from your instructors, as well as submitting written essays on topics including the principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting, instruction of individuals and groups, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, the student's process of learning, and when and how to make safe hands-on corrections. Contact hours will consist of review and feedback by your instructors.

Practicum is based on student practice teaching for 51 hours. Hours may be a combination of supervised and unsupervised. Trainees can begin counting practicum hours when they have successfully demonstrated a proven, confident verbal teaching technique and sound knowledge of the Sunstone Yoga Fire Series script.

Anatomy & Physiology includes both physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc) and how it replates to Asana.

Nutrition & Health is an online forum providing an overview of conventional diets, radical diets, fasting, neti, cleansing, supplements and herbs. It is required that each student find a suitable yogic diet, live it, and write a book review during your training period.

Philosophy, Ethics & Lifestyle includes readings and online forums on Yoga Scriptures, ethics (principles and practicality), and lifestyles of a yogi (discipline and personal experience), followed by regular testing.

Testing is essential to the evaluation process for correspondence students, and will constitute the bulk of your contact hours. Included are a variety of online tests, forum discussions, and regular essay assignments. Contact hours are based on review and feedback by your mentor and primary instructors.

Meditation offers an overview of meditation, philosophy, practicality, modern methods and ancient techniques. It is recommended that correspondence students find an experienced teacher to study a technique, or practice the Sunstone Yoga Meditation technique. Suggestions for styles of meditation are provided in the online resource center, which you will be able to access as a Teacher Trainee.
           

Welcome to Sunstone Yoga’s Correspondence Programs
Get started for just $300!

In a Sunstone Yoga Correspondence Training Program,
You will expand your understanding of yogic practices and the techniques required for moving students safely in and out of yoga postures. You will cover the core topics of technique, teaching methodology, meditation, anatomy and physiology, philosophy, history, ethics, and many of the spiritual practices of Indic Yoga.
You will have access to our unique web portal to find your readings, videos, recorded classes and assignments, ask questions or share discoveries with your mentors, distance instructors, and fellow teacher training candidates.
You will achieve Sunstone Yoga certification when you have successfully completed your required correspondence hours, and you will be eligible to teach your practicum classes at any Sunstone Yoga studio.

The Advantages   
If you want to become a yoga instructor, or are looking to expand your knowledge of yoga, our correspondence programs have the flexibility to meet your needs. Each module offers distinct course material and the option of simply learning more about yoga on your own time, or purchasing test permissions to advance toward certification. Each module can be purchased one at a time, or save money and go for the whole program!

Simply fill out the online request for more information by clicking here, and we'll help to get you started today!
The Modules   
Each level contains 2 or more modules: whether your focus is on the philsophy and lifestyle of a yogi, teaching methodology, or anatomy, there is a module to meet your needs.

The first 3 levels make up the 200 hour course requirements, and all 5 levels together complete the full 500 hour program, which is required for a teaching position at Sunstone Yoga studios. If you are already a 200 hour teacher, you can have access to the full 500 hour course for the low upgrade fee, or simply test out of the first 3 levels and study from 4 and 5.

Read more about each module below.
Module 1 Description
In Methodology, you will focus on learning the Sunstone Yoga Fire Series. Each of the first 3 Methodology modules trains you on one section of the series. In Module 1, you will receive a full 90 minute Fire Class video to practice or study at home, the written and recorded 123 script for learning to move students safely and effectively in and out of postures with words alone, and you will be able to review Asana Labs and Adjustment Seminars online for the Warm Up section of the series.

Testing to complete this first module will include a written essay assignment and a recording of yourself verbally teaching the Warm Up sequence.

In Philosophy and Lifestyle, each module introduces you to different aspects of yogic life and practice. In the first module, you will discover the origins of yoga, the ethical practices, and how yoga evolved into the modern practice we know today. You will watch a movie about the modern understanding of the ancient concept of non-dualism, and testing out of this level will require you to complete a series of short answer written tests and fast, fun pop quizzes from our online test center.
Module 2 Description
Module 2 Methodology continues the study and practice of the Fire Series, with videos and study of the Balancing postures. It also includes an introduction to a very modern form of meditation, with a downloadable meditation for your personal practice.

Testing out of this module will require a written assignment and a recording of yourself verbally teaching the Standing postures.

In Philosophy and Lifestyle, you will be introduced to the yogic belief system for healthy eating, the ethical principles required for being a good and safe yoga instructor, and 5 lessons on other aspects of yogic lifestlyle, including cleansing and breathing techniques, and the subtle anatomy of the body. Completing this section requires an essay and short answer test and a nutrition assignment.
Module 3 Description
In the third level of Methodology study, you see the final videos for the Floor postures of the Fire Series, and how to safely and confidently adjust your students' alignment. You also receive a recorded copy of the Water class, which is a silent, meditative, creative experience of the Fire Series that you can practice at home in a candle lit room, with the accompanying soundtrack.

Testing out of Module 3 Methodology requires a written essay and a recording of yourself teaching the Floor sequence.

Also in Module 3, you turn your attention to physical anatomy, learning the planes and movements of the body, the skeletal structure, and all the major muscles and their role in each asana.

You will test out of Anatomy with an online multiple choice and short answer test.
Completion of 200 Hours   
In order to earn certification at the 200 hour level, you will be required to successfully complete another short series of multiple choices tests on Methodology, Technique, Nutrition, Ethics, and Philosophy. You will also be required to teach 10 hours of yoga and submit your log of those classes.

Congratulations, New Teacher!
Teach, learn, grow. Have fun.
Module 4 Description
Working toward the 500 hour level really steps up in the Level 4 modules. Methodology videos provide deeper information about each asana in the series, and seminars on adjustments for pre and post natal, obesity or injury, beginners, and advanced. Anatomy and Asana Labs are also included, allowing you to study each posture on a variety of different subjects to understand more deeply how anatomy affects asana. You will also have seminars on Private Lessons and Creating your own Sequences, plus a recorded 60 minute Earth and Metal class to practice at home.

Testing out of Module 4 requires a recording of you teaching the 90 minute Fire Series and a final test of multiple choice and short answer questions.

Your Module 4 Lifestyle and Philosophy course materials include an introduction to a variety of other yogic practices, and teach you to use the techniques to help you achieve balance and overcome obstacles in yoga, teaching, and life. Two introspective tests are required to complete the course.

Module 4 also includes an optional Operations course, with video seminars on career oriented topics for those interested in building a successful life teaching yoga. Themes and topics cover selling yourself, building customer loyalty, working in a studio, or owning your own. This course is required for anyone planning to teach at Sunstone Yoga studios. An online test completes the course, with additional onsite training tests for new Sunstone teachers.
Module 5 Description
When you begin the Level 5 modules, you are already a knowledgeable, advanced practitioner of yoga. Here, you study the deeper purpose of yoga practice and instruction. Pain Free Yoga techniques you will use to help your students achieve a healthful, safe, and beneficial yoga practice are taught in 3 recorded Wood classes, plus seminars and labs, and you will also have access to the advanced 84 Asanas series of postures to continue to deepen your practice.

Advanced Anatomy will teach you the science behind Pain Free Yoga, and give you the tools to assess the fitness level of all your students, so you can provide them with the most productive sequence for their unique needs.

Testing out of these modules requires a case study of one subject and a recording of yourself teaching your case study one of the Wood classes.

The final Philosophy Module touches on yoga's deeper purposes also, with readings and movie viewings on the ideas of guru, karma, dharma, meditation, and samadhi.

Online tests and a final "free choice" assignment are required to complete the course for certification at the 500 hour level. You will also be required to teach 51 hours of yoga and submit your logs of those hours.
Module 1
Module 1 Methodology

  Teaching The Fire Series: Warm Up
     Tuition   $300
     Testing Fee
          
$60

Module 1 Lifestyle

  What is Yoga? Introduction to Yogic Philosophy
     Tuition   $300
     Testing Fee           $80

Module 1 Complete Package

  
 Save $40 when you purchase the whole module
     Tuition                  
$700
Module 2
Module 2 Methodology

  Teaching The Fire Series: Standing
Introduction to Meditation
     Tuition   $300
     Testing Fee
          
$60

Module 2 Lifestyle

  Nutrition, Ethics, Cleansing, Pranayama and Subtle Anatomy
     Tuition   $300
     Testing Fee           $80

Module 2 Complete Package

  
 Save $40 when you purchase the whole module
     Tuition                  
$700
Module 3
Module 3 Methodology

  Teaching The Fire Series: Floor
     Tuition   $300
     Testing Fee
          
$60

Module 3 Basic Anatomy

  Understanding the Body; Applying your knowledge to Asana
     Tuition   $200
     Testing Fee           $40

200 Hour Certification Test

  Testing to meet the requirement for whole 200 hour course
     Testing Fee           $100

Module 3 Complete Package

  
 Save $100 when you purchase the whole module
     Tuition                  
$600
The Full 200 Hour Program
Complete all the requirements for 200 hour certification with Sunstone Yoga in one complete package.

  Save $180 over buying the modules individually.
     Tuition                   
$2000
Module 4
Module 4 Methodology

  Going Deeper: Advanced Teaching Skills
     Tuition   $500
     Testing Fee
          
$100

Module 4 Lifestyle

  Beyond Asana: The  Alternate Practices of Yoga
     Tuition   $300
     Testing Fee           $80

Module 4 Operations

                
Making a Living from your Yoga Lifestyle
     Tuition   $100

Module 4 Complete Package

  
 Save $180 when you purchase the whole module
     Tuition                  
$900
Module 5
Module 5 Methodology

  Teaching Pain Free Yoga Postures and Classes
     Tuition   $500
     Testing Fee
          
$100

Module 5 Lifestyle

  Body, Mind and Spirit: Working Toward Samadhi
     Tuition   $300
     Testing Fee           $80

Module 5 Advanced Anatomy

    
Understanding Pain Free Yoga and How to Teach It
     Tuition $200
     Testing Fee
         
$100

Module 4 Complete Package

  
 Save $380 when you purchase the whole module
     Tuition                  
$900
The Full 500 Hour Program
Complete all the requirements for 500 hour certification with Sunstone Yoga in one complete package.

  Save $740 over buying the modules individually.
Ask us about additional discounts for getting started today: you can save up to $1540!
 Tuition                   
$3800
Hours Requirements   
Focus Level Category Contact
Hours		 Non-Contact
Hours
pink wristband Foundation Technique:
Asana Practice
 0 72
orange wristband Desire Methodology
 20* 74
orange wristband Practicum 27* 24
yellow wristband Purpose Anatomy & Physiology 36* 25
yellow wristband Nutrition & Health 2* 20
green wristband Balance Philosophy & Lifestyle 25* 50
green wristband Review 50* 25
blue wristband Openness Meditation 25* 25
  Total Hours 185* 315
*Contact and Non-Contact Hour Note   
Contact and non-contact hours are based on estimates only. The minimum requirement to achieve Sunstone Yoga Certification is a total combination of 500 hours between contact and non-contact. These hours basically represent the minimum requirements in all categories. Some students will naturally require more study and preparation time than others, and may exceed the minimum hours in one or more categories.
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