Teacher Training

220 hr Program | 500 hr Program

***We have moved the start date of the 220hr***
Teacher Training to March 28 [click here]

220 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training

• Download Teacher Training Application •

Learn, Laugh, Grow…
With millions of people discovering this amazing practice in the last 30 years, and a massive growth in the US of the aging baby-boomer population in the next 20 years, the need for the healing and life-changing benefits of yoga will continue to produce a huge demand for qualified yoga teachers…..in group class settings and private yoga sessions. If you’ve felt that tug to share the practice you love, or to move deeper into your personal understanding of yoga practices that you’ve only had the chance to touch on in group classes, then perhaps teacher training is for you.

If you’re considering it,
please check out what we have to offer:

Established, Evolving Curriculum as one of the most unique, integrated teacher training schools in the Southeast; we’ve commited to constantly evolve, improve and refine each and every one of our teacher trainings since 2003. Non-dogmatic, well-established, unique, and FUN! All bodies welcome and No Attitude.

Skilled Faculty drawing from more than 30 years of combined experience to offer a well-rounded, diverse learning environment. We strive to create friendly, non-intimidating, joyous relationships between our teaching faculty, teacher trainers, assistants and students because we feel that trust and comfort are the essential ingredients for absorption during the learning process.

Community of students, teachers, volunteers, & administrative staff all coming together with like goals to create friendships and valuable support systems for life.

Environment dedicated to yoga, massage, holistic lifestyle & well-being, at the center of Wilmington’s “Wellness Mecca” known as Tidal Creek Commons; housing Tidal Creek Cooperative Market & Café!

National Recognition training school with the Yoga Alliance, which has established widely adopted rigorous standards for education and certification at the 200 & 500 hour levels.

Perks like unlimited free classes with us for the entire length of your training, a $500 value! We feel blessed to have some of the best teachers in the South, and want you to learn from them and practice with us as much as your schedule allows- no limit!  Perks like future work/trade opportunities at our center, and perks like walking downstairs to Tidal Creek Cafe for 100% organic whole foods lunches. Perks like discounts on our massage treatments, and discounts on learning resources and workshops!! And one more- discounts and the chance to earn continuing education credit hours on our infamous adventure retreats to Costa Rica, Greece, Thailand, India, and more… not your typical “school” curriculum, but the one we always wished for!

Specifics

National Registry Overview
Wilmington Yoga Center is a registered Yoga Alliance School, offering multi-disciplinary Yoga Teacher Trainings at the 220 hour level, Continuing Education Workshops, and the launch of our 500 Hr Teacher Training Certification in 2008. All Directors and National Workshop Presenters are Registered Yoga Alliance Teachers at the 200 & 500 hour levels, and/or experienced professionals in their field of study. We take great care at selecting our teaching staff, hold a high standard of teaching ethics, and feel honored to have such special presenters to share their knowledge within our programs.

Evolving since 2003, the WYC is honored to be recognized as one of the few Yoga Alliance Teacher Training Schools in the Southeast. The WYC Yoga Teacher Training meets and exceeds all of Yoga Alliance’s requirements for 200 hour certification; our curriculum is actually 220hours. Based on Yoga Alliance standards, the goal of the WYC Teacher Training Program is to provide the fundamental tools that potential teachers need to offer complete, safe, and eclectic hatha yoga classes. Students wishing to become yoga instructors or those just desiring to deepen their understanding of yoga will find this course diverse and comprehensive. With several directors of diverse backgrounds, the training provides a unique opportunity to learn about different traditions, within one cumulative program. Instruction is provided in a “big picture” format of the physical practices of hatha yoga, with a “smaller picture” introduction into the practice and theory of Kripalu, Ashtanga, Kundalini and Iyengar traditions. Yogic lifestyle and ethics, anatomy and physiology, and pranayama are covered in detail, and an introduction to Therapeutic Yoga and Prenatal Yoga is included within the program. (For more specialized, in-depth study of the latter topics, you may continue with our advanced teacher training programs, and our 500 hour Teacher Training Certification). Teaching Methodology is covered in depth in our 220 hour program, including opportunities to “practice teach”, to learn basic level posture assists, and towards the end of your program, opportunities to assist live classes at the WYC. Unique, fun experiences of chanting kirtan, drumming, and creative movement are also a part of the training, and whenever possible we try to make it outside and to the beach! Karma yoga, known as “seva” or “selfless service” is a newer evolving part of our outreach program, as we would like to provide yoga teachings to communities that can not afford classes, and that could gain tremendous benefit from the practice! Your credit hours of karma yoga may be gained working in conjunction with our downstairs neighboring foods cooperative, Tidal Creek, or with local charities & fundraisers, and community outreach programs for special needs-such as volunteer teaching for at-risk youth, HIV, and domestic abuse victims.

The heart of our teacher training program is the development of community within the program itself. With over 100 graduates from our previous trainings, we’ve found that the highlight for most of our participants is the feeling of support and connection with others within the program, and the diversity of backgrounds, skill, and approaches from each director. Our center has been evolving since 2000, and our team goal has always been to create a lighthearted community, that is non-judgmental, where no one feels “intimidated” by yoga, and where people can meet and learn, and laugh, and hopefully develop friendships for life. We have taken many steps to try and create curriculum and sacred space where students of all walks of life, age and ability can come to study the many facets of yoga as a means to personal fulfillment, fresh perspectives, self-healing, personal EVOLUTION, ultimately serving and helping in the healing process for others.

Our Curriculum:

• Over 100 hours in Technique of Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation
• 20 hours of instruction and practice in Teaching Methodologies
• 20 hours of Anatomy and Physiology
• 20 hours of Philosophy, Ethics, and Lifestyle
• 20 hours of Practicum
• 20 hours of Electives-Volunteer teaching to Special Needs & Assisting WYC Teachers

Total Training: 220 hours
Meets & Exceeds Yoga Alliance Standards

Specific Curriculum Topics
TECHNIQUE
* Principles of Classic Yoga Asanas
* Alignment Theory
* Posture-Specific Alignment & benefits
* Biomechanical Presspoints
* Adapting postures to the individual
* Usage of props
* Intro to Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Kripalu & Prenatal

EASTERN & WESTERN ANATOMY

* Introductory Anatomy as applied to Asana
* Multi-Media Presentation of Anatomy of Postures
* The Physiology of Asana, Breath & Meditation
* Injury Prevention-“Red Flag” warning-signs
* Advanced Relaxation Techniques
* Prana & the Vayus
* Chakras & Nadis
* The Five Koshas
* Ayurveda Introduction, Doshas
* Mudras, chanting
* Adapting the practice to your lifestyle, needs, body

PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS & LIFESTYLE

* History of Yoga – Classical & Modern; Evolution of Yoga
* Fundamentals of the Yoga Sutras & 8 Limbed Path
* Important teachers and their contributions
* Major modern schools and their approaches
* The Art of Living Yoga- off the mat
* Vegan Lifestyle
* Living “Green”-Simple actions to help our environment
* Teacher/Student Ethics
* Karma Yoga Volunteering for Special Needs in Communities
* Bhakti Yoga-Kirtan chanting & drumming

TEACHING METHODOLOGY

* Gentle assisting & enhancements
* Effective Cueing
* Devolopment of Verbal Skills
* Demonstrating for your class
* Reading group energy and dynamics
* Cultivating confidence
* Planning your own classes
* Practice Teach Sessions & Feedback
* Oppurtunities to Assist Senior Teachers

BREATHING & MEDITATION PRACTICES

* Basic Anatomy & mechanics of breath
* Pranayama/breathing methodology
* Pranayama techniques in practice
* Meditation & the subtle body
* Guided Visualization as Meditation
* Meditation and the relaxation response
* Overview of benefits of pranayama
* Overview of benefits of meditation

THE BUSINESS OF YOGA

* Gaining experience upon graduation
* Setting fees; understanding the market & your experience level
* Working with private clientele
* Building your resume consciously
* Basic marketing
* Ethics of why you teach & how to integrate into business world

Required Texts

“Living Your Yoga” -Judith Lasiter
“Hatha Yoga Pradipika”- Any translation
“The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga” -Ray Long, MD FRCSC
“Dominion” –Matthew Scully
“Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras” -Any translation
“Light on Yoga” –BKS Iyengar

*All books have been pre-ordered and are available for purchase at WYC.
Required book cost is approximately $90 with YTT discount of 20%.

220 Hour Teacher Training Schedule

Fridays 6:30-9:30pm
Saturdays 8:30-6:30pm
Sundays 8:30-6:30pm

Dates for the 2008 Course are as follows:
(Feb 29-Mar 2 ---> Moved to Mar 28 - 30)

• Mar 28-30
• April 18-20
• May 2-4
• May 23-25
• June 6-8
• June 27-29
• July 11-13
• July 25-27
• Aug 8-10

Application & Open Houses
Admittance into our training is available on a first come first serve basis, and our program does fill. We require a minimum of 6 months of regular yoga practice, but we do not require that you are able to put your foot behind your head. Once we have received your $150 deposit and completed forms, we will contact you by phone or email to welcome you to the program. Also, if you are interested in meeting a director and staff, talk with past graduates, or have questions about the program, homework, and general expectations please come to one of our open houses!

Upcoming Open House:

Tuesday, Sept 11th
7:30-8:30pm

Must call 350-0234 to reserve your spot!
Make your payment the evening of Open House and receive a free WYC tank or tee shirt!

Please Click Here to Download Our Teacher Training Application

Tuition & Benefits

*All of our prices below include your $150 deposit

$2100 Summer Early Bird Super Price: Pay in full by Sept 15th
$2300 Fall Early Bird Price: Pay in full by Nov 1st
$2500 Regular Tuition After Nov 1st

Scholarships & some financial aid available on a first come, first serve basis.
Please inquire on your application if you need assistance.
Cancellations after Feb1st will receive no refund, as we will not be able to fill your spot on such short notice.

Tuition includes:

• Teacher Training Manual
• Free unlimited classes for the entirety of your training
• Group photo upon graduation
• Optional one hour private yoga consultation during your training

Other Benefits:

• Upon completion all graduates may apply for National Registry with the Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level
• 20% discount on all continuing education specialty workshops and trainings during your training
• 10% discount on all educational resources, cd’s/media/books, massages
• 10% discount as WYC teacher training alumni on all future workshops and adventure retreats (!) for your continuing education!
• One time special Yearly Unlimited of classes to continue your learning! Upon your graduation you may choose one of the following options:
  -$800 paid in full for the yearly unlimited
  -Or $80 per month auto-renewal w/one year commitment

FAQ - [Frequently Asked Questions about Teacher Training]

Directors

Kristin Cooper Gulak, 500 E-RYT Kristin Cooper Gulak, 500E-RYT, is an experienced registered teacher with Yoga Alliance at the 500hr level, teaching since 1999. She works with students with cancer and HIV, and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Kristin has worked privately with celebrity clients Ashley Judd, Katie Holmes, and the cast of Dawson’s Creek. She is founder and director of Wilmington & Southport Yoga Centers, and travels as a teacher trainer and percussionist for world-renowned yoga teacher Shiva Rea, working as Mentor for Shiva’s Prana Vinyasa 500hr Teacher Training. Kristin has also assisted the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health 200hr Teacher Trainings. She is the creator of Rhythmic Flow Yoga w/live drumming and leads workshops and international retreats around the world with her percussionist husband, Loren Gulak- www.rhythmicflowyoga.com. Her personal practice has been inspired and guided by an extraordinary group of human beings to whom she is extremely grateful, including: Loren Gulak, Bryan Kest, Shiva Rea, Teresa Spanos, Yoganand, Beryll Berch, Kevin Simpson, Gurumukh, David Life and Sharon Gannon, and her loving family!

Heather Till, 500 E-RYT Heather Till brings to her teaching a life-long passion and study of movement and dance and has enjoyed sharing this passion with her students for the past 10 years. She is a Professional Yoga Therapist with the School of Integrative Yoga Therapy where she has served as an assistant and mentor for teachers in training. She is certified in the Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Yoga with Janice Clarfield, Pilates and Reiki. Heather has also trained with Itsy Bitsy Yoga and holds a BS degree in Psychology. She is one of the original co-founders of the Wilmington Yoga Center teaching cooperative and has enjoyed being a co-facilitator of the Wilmington Yoga Center Teacher Training Program since 2004. Heather has worked with the Healing Arts Network through New Hanover Regional Medical Center offering yoga therapy for patients with cancer and ante-partum women on bedrest. She has always been drawn to a deeper understanding of the body-mind connection and stories we carry in our bodies. This interest inspires her approach to yoga as gentle and heartfelt, emphasizing mindfulness and moving with the breath to create awareness, release deeply held tensions and open to our body's natural healing resources. Heather greatly enjoys teaching students of all levels and abilities throughout southeastern North Carolina. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500) and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).

Larry Hobbs 200 E-RYT Larry is an E-RYT registered with the Yoga Alliance. He has completed extensive Ashtanga studies with Annie Pace, Tim Miller, Manju Jois, Matthew Sweeney, David Garrigues, and the founder of Ashtanga, his Guru SRI  K. PATTABHI JOIS. Larry has also studied with Edward Clark of Tripsichore Yoga, and has studied Yin Yoga and Anatomy with Sarah Powers and Paul  Grilley. Greatly influenced byt the teacher’s teacher Dharma Mittra, and others, Larry tries to live the life a true yogi and encourages the students who particpate in his practices to trust themselves, go to their edge and remember the fruit is in the effort and not trying to be perfect in the practice.

Nancy Hayes, 500 RYT Nancy is a certified and  Yoga Alliance Registered yoga teacher at the 500 hour level (RYT) with over 25 years of teaching experience. Since 1984, her primary focus of study has been in the Iyengar method. Nancy’s study of yoga is ongoing and includes teacher training with internationally known Yoga instructors throughout the country and includes course work at The Iyengar Institute of San Francisco, The Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY and Unity Woods Yoga, Bethesda, MD. Nancy combines a gentle approach to Yoga with more vigorous methods of practice for physical and mental harmony. Nancy’s classes are tailored to meet the needs of the individual and are suitable for men and women of all ages.

Mary Barwick, Licensed Physical Therapist Mary's formal yoga training began at Kripalu Yoga Ashram where she briefly lived and studied Bodywork (1989). Next she obtained her license in Massage Therapy from the Florida School of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Gainesville Florida (1991). In 1994 she continued her studies and became a Phoenix Rising certified Yoga Therapist. She practiced massage and yoga therapy in Blowing Rock, North Carolina 1991-1995 and started the first Yoga program at Appalachian Statue University in Boone, NC. In 1997 Mary finished her post graduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and became a licensed Physical Therapist. Since 1997 Mary has settled in Wilmington where she continues to teach yoga, practice massage therapy, and works full time as a physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedic setting. In the past 10 years Mary has continued her education taking and teaching courses (yoga, anatomy, injury prevention, manual therapy skills) for both the local medical and yoga communities Her main focus recently has been integrating yoga as clinical tool to assist patients with therapy goals as well teaching yoga participants the importance of understanding basic anatomy/physiology and injury prevention.

Stephanie Ellis 200 RYT, Teaching Assistant As an experienced instructor Stephanie has been sharing her love of yoga as a journey towards awareness since completing her first teacher training program at the 200 hour level in 2001. Since then she has enjoyed delving into several different styles and levels with her teaching including Basic, Gentle, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Pre-Natal and Kids Yoga. Stephanie is also a massage therapist and brings her knowledge of anatomy and physiology to her yoga practice. She believes in the healing and energizing effects of yoga and is enthusiastic about helping others share their love of yoga as instructors through our teacher training programs. Stephanie is also the studio manager of Wilmington Yoga Center.

Tara Folton, 200 RYT, Administrative Assistant Tara Folton, RYT, is a registered 200hr Yoga Alliance teacher, receiving her certification from the Nosara Yoga Institute in the jungles of Costa Rica. She works as an Assistant for Kristin Cooper Gulak; and has assisted the 200hr Yoga Alliance Teacher Training, as well as Kristin’s Power Vinyasa Teacher Training. She also is the retail manager for the Wilmington Yoga Center’s Boutique. Her intention is to share her experiences to others that are on a path to find strength within, along with cultivating a sense of compassion, peace, & love through their yoga practice on the mat, and most importantly, off the mat! Many people have inspired and guided her along the way: Kristin Cooper Gulak, Yoganand Michael Carroll, Michelle Crittenden, and all the loving support from her friends and family, all to whom she is extremely honored and humbled by. Namaste!

We look forward to meeting you!