Foundational Yoga Teacher Training

Sky Yoga teacher training is designed to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to yoga teacher certification. The program aims to expand the horizons of the mind, body, and soul. Our training encourages a connection with nature and the elements while bridging the gap between traditional yoga and modern lifestyle.

Intention

The intention of the program is to go beyond the traditional 200-hour teacher training. We have intentionally created a new program that is not aligned with Yoga Alliance, allowing us the flexibility to build a training that fits the educational needs of modern teachers. Our training offers a well-rounded curriculum that covers more than 200 hours of content. The uniqueness of this program lies in its integration with the five elements, Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Ether, making it a holistic and comprehensive approach to yoga teacher training. 

Modular Training

The training is modular-based, meaning it is divided into different elements, modalities, and teachings. Each module contributes to a deeper understanding of the human body, mind, and soul, with a common thread connecting them to yoga asana, yoga principles, and overall wellness.

Each module in the Sky Yoga teacher training program is thoughtfully structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, from the physical practice of yoga to its philosophical underpinnings.

This comprehensive approach to each module ensures that participants gain a well-rounded understanding of yoga, including its physical aspects, teaching techniques, as well as exposure to diverse practices, setting a strong foundation for them to become knowledgeable and effective yoga instructors and to deepen their personal practice.

  • Asana Breakdown: Participants will delve into the details of common yoga poses. This includes understanding how to perform the poses, the reasons behind practicing them, and when they are most relevant and effective.

  • Anatomy Study: Our teachers will incorporate anatomy studies relevant to the specific module being covered. This will help participants gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which the yoga practice affects the student as a whole.

  • Teaching Approaches & Techniques: Participants will learn various teaching approaches and techniques, all tailored to the specific theme of the module. This ensures that they are well-prepared to instruct others in a way that aligns with the module's focus.

  • Teaching Labs: Practice teaching is a crucial component of becoming a proficient yoga instructor. Teaching labs provide participants with the opportunity to apply what they've learned by instructing their peers, helping to refine their teaching skills.

  • Practices: Participants will be exposed to different yoga styles and practices. This exposure broadens their knowledge and allows them to explore various approaches to yoga, enhancing their versatility as teachers.

  • Philosophy: The then and now. Participants will learn about the historical and philosophical foundations of the practice and how to adapt it for the modern students they will teach to.

Why the Elements?

The concept of the five elements of nature is that they are the different manifestations of Awareness (or Consciousness.) The qualities of the elements also tie into the qualities of our beings. Earth being connected to body, air interwoven with breath, fire igniting the heart, water flowing in mind and ether representing the presence of spirit (universe, God, soul.)

Ether (Space) acts as the container for all the other elements (earth, air/wind, fire and water) and is the element from which all other elements originate, and to which they all return. Similarly, our spirit holds the space of our body, breath, heart and mind. Where it begins, where it ends.

This perspective offers the idea that the physical elements in nature are not separate from consciousness but are rather manifestations of it. It underscores the deep connection between the material and the spiritual, emphasizing the unity and continuity of existence. Yoking together body, breath, heart and mind to the whole of the soul. This is yoga - to yoke or unite.

Click on the module icons below for more information

 

Earth: The Body Module

Air: The Breath Module

Fire: The Heart Module

Water: The Mind Module

Ether: The Spirit Module

 

Program Leadership

The program is directed by Courtney Chase, the owner of Sky Yoga, alongside a team of renowned teachers including Ally Bogard, Francesca Bove, Ali Cramer, Nikki Costello, Chelsey Lee, Nick Potenzieri, Kate Posch and Elian Zach. Our decision to bring in these guest facilitators from various locations across North America reflects our dedication to providing a comprehensive and enriching training experience. This training presents a unique opportunity for participants in Syracuse and the surrounding areas to learn from experienced and diverse instructors. Complementing this esteemed team are guest teachers and assistants from Sky Yoga, all of whom are deeply committed to supporting students on their journey.

Requirements

Student Requirements:

Participants are expected to maintain a regular and consistent yoga and meditation practice throughout the training. This dedication to their own practice will enhance their understanding and ability to teach effectively. A free unlimited membership at Sky Yoga is included in the cost of the training.

It is expected that participants attend all scheduled training dates. While exceptions may be considered for previously scheduled travel, illness, or emergencies, full attendance is highly encouraged to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Completion Requirements:

To earn a teacher certification, students are required to complete all modules of the program. Participants are required to complete all assignments as part of the training curriculum. These assignments serve as a way to assess and reinforce knowledge gained from course materials. Successful completion of these assignments is essential for certification.

The program is also open to individuals interested in specific modules, allowing them to dive deeper into particular areas of interest (registration opening soon for non trainee signups.)

Program Dates

4 Day Intensive (9am-6pm daily)

  • 1/4-1/7 (BODY) guest Kate Posch

3 Day Weekends (Friday 5pm-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-6pm*)

  • 1/19-1/21 (BODY) guest Kate Posch

  • 2/2-2/4 (BODY/MIND)

  • 2/9-2/11 (BREATH) guest Rita Murjani

  • 2/16-2/18 (SPIRIT) guest Marcelle Haddix

  • 3/8-3/10 (BODY) guest Nick Potenzieri

  • 3/15-3/17 (HEART) guest Chelsea Lee

  • 3/29-3/31 (HEART) guest Chelsea Lee

  • 4/12-4/14 (SPIRIT) guest Ali Cramer

  • 4/19-4/21 (SPIRIT) guest Nikki Costello

  • 4/26-4/28 (BODY) guests Francesca Bove & Elian Zach

  • 5/10-5/12 (MIND) guest Ally Bogard

  • 5/31-6/2 (BREATH) guest Elian Zach

  • 6/7-6/9 (SPIRIT)

*times subject to subtle shifts

Investment

Paid in Full:

  • $3,850 full price — early bird (through 11/19) $3,350

Optional Payment Plan:

  • $650 - Non-refundable deposit due at sign up

  • $800 (early bird $675) — due January 1st

  • $800 (early bird $675) — due February 1st

  • $800 (early bird $675) — due March 1st

  • $800 (early bird $675) — due April 1st

*Partial need-based scholarships available, BIPOC strongly encouraged to apply.

Free unlimited membership at Sky Yoga is included for the duration of the training ($625 value.)

If you are interested in this future trainings, please fill out this application form before registering.

The application window for the 2024 teacher training program is now closed.


Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellations More Than 3 Weeks Prior: Participants who cancel their enrollment in the training more than 3 weeks before the program's start date may receive a refund less the non-refundable deposit of $650.

  • Cancellations Within 3 Weeks or During Training: If a participant cancels their enrollment within 3 weeks of the program's start date or during the training itself, they will not be eligible for a refund.

  • Firm Policy: It's emphasized that this cancellation policy is firm, meaning there will be no exceptions to these rules.

Additional Details:

Graduation from the Sky Yoga teacher training program is not guaranteed and is contingent upon meeting specific requirements and passing a final exam. This approach ensures that participants are well-prepared and have a solid understanding of the material covered in the program before receiving their certification. It also emphasizes the importance of commitment and dedication throughout the training process, ultimately producing highly qualified yoga teachers.