The Next 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program will begin in March 2027!
The first step in every yoga teacher's training.
Open to everyone! You do not have to be able to do specific poses. We do ask that you have practiced yoga at least 1 year.
Not planning to teach? No problem! Teacher training is perfect for anyone who simply wants to deepen their study of yoga.
Meets yoga teacher training requirement for Yoga Alliance registration as RYT 200.
Free Information Session and Class
Thursday, December 3 at 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Saturday, January 9 at 9:30 - 11:00 am
If you decide to apply to our teacher training program, these sessions fulfill the class attendance and personal interview requirements.
Want to know more?
Led by Valerie Kiser and taught by selected teacher training faculty members. This program began over 15 years ago with many graduates who have become teachers in various locations.
You're among friends here: people who share a common dedication to enriching their lives and those of others through yoga and yoga's values: compassion, integrity, loving-kindness and more.
Finish within just nine months. Check the program's handbook for prices plus information about homework, makeup policies and more.
Testimonials
Essential principles from yoga's ancient & modern texts, spanning the continuum from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras to Iyengar's Light on Yoga
The role of ayurveda & chakras in yoga practice
Principles of class management & effective instruction
Teacher/student communication & pose adjustment techniques
Lesson-planning & practice-teaching
Common student medical concerns
Asana practice(the study of yoga's physical poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), mudras, mantras, meditation & chanting.
Effective use of yoga props to make yoga postures accessible to all body types & experience levels
Safe and effective application of alignment & biomechanics for the yoga instructor
Health/injury-related contraindications & modifications for each pose
200-Hour Teacher Training Application Process
complete the online application and pay the $25 non-refundable application fee.
attend a Teacher Training Information Session or attend one of Valerie's classes within the past 3 months.
complete personal interview with Director, Valerie Kiser.
Frequently asked questions
What does the program cost? Is there a refund policy?
The handbook provides prices, payment options and refund policies.
How much time does homework take?
Homework assignments are important because they support the material covered in class and help you integrate it into your own practice and teaching. Plan to spend 2 hours/week - not just per weekend session - on homework. Typical assignments include reading and preparing for discussion of yoga books and preparing practice teaching sequences.
How large are the teacher training classes?
We intentionally keep our class size small so you can receive an abundance of personal attention.
What are teacher training classes like?
Informative and fun! Every class is taught in a professional studio setting and is specifically designed to provide the information that every serious yoga student and prospective teacher should know.
In addition to in-depth asana study so that you can safely and confidently teach students of all levels, you’ll also learn how to teach including:
Use of props to achieve proper alignment
Creation and sequencing of an effective lesson plan
How to work effectively with different kinds of students and bodies
How to observe students for postural and prop adjustments
How to work with students who are pregnant or have injuries or physical limitations
You’ll also study the science, history, philosophy, values and traditions of yoga:
Pranayama (breathing techniques)
Chanting and meditation
Anatomy, physiology and body mechanics of yoga
Therapeutic yoga
Ayurveda
The Yoga Sutras and other traditional yoga texts
The use of Sanskrit as part of the yoga tradition
How long has Sunrise offered yoga teacher training?
Our first Yoga Enrichment Program and 200-Hour Teacher Training classes graduated in 2010.
What's required for graduation? What if I miss sessions?
Yoga Alliance requires completion of all classroom hours and outside assignments. See your program’s handbook for details on make-up arrangements.
Is there an age restriction?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old.
What books or props will I need to buy?
You will need to provide your own props for practicing at home (we do provide props at the studio). Required books for Yoga Enrichment and 200-Hour Teacher Training total $100 or less.
What if I have a medical condition or injury?
The alignment-based hatha yoga offered by Sunrise has a place for “every body.” In fact, yoga can often help you manage the physical challenges that accompany injury, illness or chronic health conditions. Talk to your doctor and share your specifics with program director Valerie Kiser during the personal interview so that you can anticipate how your health status might affect your asana practice during teacher training.
How long does teacher training take?
Our program lasts nine weekends.
How much yoga experience do I need?
As part of the interview process, you and program director Valerie Kiser will discuss your experience to ensure that it’s suitable. The 200-Hour Teacher Training Program requires at least a year of consistent yoga practice.
What if I'm pregnant or become pregnant?
Pregnant students have successfully participated in our teacher training programs. And many women continue their established yoga practice during pregnancy and feel that it’s beneficial. Whether it’s appropriate for you specifically depends on how you’re currently feeling, whether you have special risks, and whether your doctor recommends against it. Please discuss the specifics of your situation with the program director.
What if I don't plan to teach?
No problem. Many students enroll in teacher training simply because they love doing yoga and learning about yoga and want to make the most of their personal practice.
I can't do all the poses. Is that a problem?
Not at all! Proficiency in the postures, especially the more challenging asanas, is not required.
