We are currently accepting applications for the 2018-2019 program! We are registered and accredited with the Yoga Alliance.
October 2018 – February 2019 Classes meet most Thursday evenings + Weekend Intensives (usually 2 Saturdays and 2 Sundays per month). Email [email protected] for the complete schedule.
We have been a locally owned and family run yoga & wellness business for 15 years including the last eight at Sellwood Yoga. We are proud of our diverse class offerings, our passionate and talented teachers, and our timeless, peaceful practice space. But the students who walk through our door day after day, and take the time to breathe with us are what make this space so special. In the interest of building on this beautiful commitment, providing further opportunities for growth, and creating connections with the broader yoga community, we have worked hard to develop a yoga teacher training program that captures everything that makes Sellwood Yoga so unique.
- We strive to cultivate a warm, welcoming, and non-dogmatic atmosphere; we believe that yoga is a spacious and flexible practice with room for a tremendous diversity of approaches.
- Our emphasis is on the benefits of yoga, mindfulness, and healthy living for the whole person.
- We make sure to offer options suitable for all ages, abilities, and body types.
Expand the Headings below (by clicking the + sign to learn more about our Teacher Training Faculty and the Program Curriculum.
Instructors
Faculty
You lead instructors are Sellwood Yoga Studio Owners and siblings, Savonn and Bill Wyland.
Other Sellwood Yoga instructors are an integral part of the teacher training program, and will be leading modules on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, yoga anatomy, philosophy and spirituality, pranayama and breath-work, special considerations for pregnancy, and much more! Learn more about other faculty members by following the links below:
Techniques, Training, and Practice: Asana, Pranayama and Mindfulness
Asana – The physical practice of asana is often what first brings people to the yoga mat. In this module, we will use discussion, practice, lecture, and active demonstration to cover the foundations of:
- Skillful, alignment-based teaching principles and practice.
- Adjustments, modifications, and variations.
- Sequencing safe and level-appropriate classes.
Pranayama – B. K.S. Iyengar said “As a fire blazes brightly when the covering of ash over it is scattered by the wind, the divine fire within the body shines in all its majesty when the ashes of desire are scattered by the practice of pranayama.” Pranyama is the formal practice of controlling the breath, and is one of the key elements of yoga. In this module, we will cover simple and effective breathing techniques to incorporate into your own practice and use in your teaching.
Mindfulness and Meditation: We are proud of our emphasis on mindfulness and meditation at Sellwood Yoga, and we’re lucky to have a robust Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program. In this unit, students will study directly with Denise Gour. Denise was trained by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of MBSR. Over 30 years of research demonstrate this system’s proven effectiveness for reducing the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, and it will be an invaluable tool for you as a teacher and a practitioner.
Teaching Methodology and Instructor Skills
In this unit, we will cover the basics of skillful, effective teaching, including:
- Communication and Observation Skills
- Teaching and Demonstrating: Styles and Skills
- The Role of Assisting and Recommending Variations/Corrections
- Time Management and Setting Priorities
- Coaching Skills
- Injury Prevention/Rehabilitation
- Special Considerations: Pre/Post Natal, Kids/Tweens/Teens, Seniors
We will also talk about the business of teaching yoga. We understand that the nitty-gritty business side of things can feel overwhelming, and in this unit we’ll demystify the nuts and bolts of creating and maintaining a yoga-based business (both for- and non-profit).
Yoga-Related Anatomy and Physiology
One of the beautiful things about yoga is that it forces us to acknowledge our embodiment. The practice is grounded in the fact that we have bodies, and it’s essential that yogis have a solid understanding of the basic workings of our physical forms. In this module, Christine Morita-McVey will provide students with an in-depth exploration of human anatomy and physiology as it relates to yoga.
Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics for Yoga Instructors
- Yoga Philosophies, Traditions, and Texts: In this unit, we will dive into the ancient foundations of yoga, including close readings of the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Bhagavad Gita.
- Ethics for Yoga Instructors: We will explore what it means to be an effective yoga instructor, including the relationships and boundaries between students and teachers
- Seva and Service: Yoga is an inherently service-oriented path; we practice in order to more fully engage in the world, with all of it’s joys and suffering. In this module, we will work to understand the ways that yoga can serve others, along with other ways to be of service as a yogi.
Teaching Practicum
It’s time to put everything into practice! In this final module, we’ll put all the pieces together. Students will:
- Participate in practice classes to give and receive feedback
- Observe, journal, and discuss classes taught by other instructors
- Assist students while other instructors teach
- Practice teaching as the lead instructor
Timeline, Tuition, Fees, and Other Logistical Issues
Timeline
Please send an email to [email protected] to inquire about application timeline.
Tuition
$3200 for the entire Teacher Training Program.
Also includes:
- 6 consecutive months of unlimited regular yoga classes at Sellwood Yoga that you can use before, during or after the program.
Does not include:
- Additional required books.
Payments: Once accepted into the program, you will be asked to select a payment method or payment plan (we will go over options with you) and your first payment will be due within 14 days. We accept cash, checks, and most credit cards. Receive $80 in studio credit if you pay by cash or check.
Tuition Payment Plan options:
Option 1:
$1600 within 14 days of acceptance. 2nd payment of $1600 due by October 1, 2018. You can make arrangements with us to have your card charged for the 2nd payment on September 1 or earlier (on a date you select).
Option 2:
4 payments of $800 (1st payment due within 14 days of acceptance, the remaining payments will be billed monthly to a credit card on file).
Includes a $100 processing fee.
Cancellation and or Withdrawal Policy
Cancellations and Program Withdrawals need to be in writing.
If made before June 15, you will receive a refund minus a $300 deposit.
If made between June 15 and September 1, you will receive a refund, if we can find someone to fill your spot, minus a $300 deposit.
No refunds or cancelations after September 1.
Please note: If you cancel and used any or all of your 6 consecutive months of unlimited regular yoga classes at Sellwood Yoga, the months of yoga that you used will be deducted from your refund. If you cancel and received studio credit (for paying by check or cash) the credit will be deducted from your refund.
Scholarships & Work Study Options
Partial scholarships and work-study options are considered. Please arrange a time to talk with us about your need/situation.
What Our Graduates Are Saying
“Sellwood Yoga’s Teacher Training far exceeded my expectations in terms of preparing me to be a yoga instructor. The curriculum steadily guided the deepening of my own practice while introducing me to key concepts in anatomy, body mechanics, proper alignment and intelligent sequencing. Yoga philosophy and the practical application of mindfulness and breath work made the program a rich learning experience. All of the instructors consistently emphasized listening to the body, healthy and safe alingnment and self care and modifications.
Not only did I learn so much from the many amazing program instructors but I also learned a lot from my classmates. Savonn masterfully facilitated my deepening into my own wisdom and my learning from the wisdom of my classmates with fun Q&A sessions and active discussions. The safety and respect I was given as a student modeled for me how to create the same for my students.
From the get go Savonn and Bill encouraged us to find our voices and unique gifts and to bring our inspired selves to our teaching. Actual practice as teachers began early in the program so that, upon graduation, I already had a meaningful amount of positive experience as a teacher. This aspect of the program has been so valuable in helping me to make the transition from practicing to teaching. Savonn and Bill are deeply dedicated to creating compassionate and confident teachers. The program in its entirety taught me so much about yoga asana and philosophy. Most importantly, I have learned to teach from my authentic self–confident in the knowledge that I have something unique to offer. I highly recommend SY Teacher Training program!”
Taking Sellwood Yoga’s Teacher Training Program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Bill and Savonn have created a program that supported and nurtured me, while also pushing me beyond what I thought I was capable of. I am so inspired by Bill and Savonn’s commitment to creating accessible and creative classes taught by knowledgeable and passionate teachers.
SYTT emphasizes a holistic approach to teaching and learning. Throughout the course we meet so many amazing instructors and we learned everything from anatomy and sequencing to breathing techniques and philosophy. One of my biggest takeaways from the program is that in order to be the best yoga teacher you can be, it is crucial that you begin by taking care of yourself. I personally benefited tremendously from the pranayama and Meditation Based Stress Reduction modules, and I know that I will be able to transfer my newfound love for those modules into the classes that I teach. As a yogi who practices both Vinyasa and restorative styles of yoga, I was thrilled that we had the chance to immerse ourselves in both.
If you are a person that is unsure as to whether or not you are ready to take the leap, I highly encourage you to join this beautiful community and begin your journey of self-discovery and growth. You could not ask for a better team to guide you along the way.
The teacher training at Sellwood Yoga is well structured, engaging, supportive, and multi-dimensional. Savonn and Bill set an encouraging, and sometimes playful, context that facilitates learning and risk-taking. The program includes class sequencing for vinyasa and restorative yoga; alignment and adjustments of the asanas; anatomy relevant to yoga poses and movement; breath work; mindfulness based stress reduction; and yoga philosophy.
The program’s flexibility was ideal for me. Being interested in one-on-one restorative yoga instruction rather than teaching group classes, Savonn problem-solved with me about how to prepare for that goal. We created a plan that differed from the rest of the training group and it fit my needs perfectly.
Over the course of 5 months, our student group became very connected and supportive of each other. Learning together was a wonderful way to get to know a diverse group of talented and sweet people.
Because of the program, I have discovered a special interest and have been working individually with the guest presenter, breath-worker Margaret Townsend. This unexpected outcome has deepened my personal practice and my understanding of the importance of breath.
It is without hesitation that I recommend this teacher training program. It is enriching, challenging, deepening, and, ultimately, very satisfying.
Sellwood Yoga provides a warm, welcoming, and professional teacher training program that is affordable and accessible for people of all ages and body needs. The course takes place over many months, allowing students to not only bring yoga to a new depth within their own lives as well as to bond with the other participants. The community-building aspect deepened the work by allowing trust to grow within the cohort.
Without trust, the practice of yoga stays physical. It’s true, physical asana has an important place within yoga and this is well-covered in the training! Beyond the physical layer though, the teachers of Sellwood Yoga cultivate time and place for a wholehearted and vulnerable yoga teaching practice to both emerge and take root.
Gratitude for this brilliant program’s offering!
“In the SY TT Program, I expected to learn more about yoga, and I did. What really stood out, however, were three things. First and foremost was that we covered so many of the important aspects of yoga — from philosophy and breathing techniques to anatomy, alignment and the many poses used in yoga practice today. Because the curriculum was well thought out, we were able to cover a really impressive amount of material in a way that just made you want to keep learning more. When we finished the program, we knew we had built an amazing foundation.
Second was that we were truly taught to teach — to go beyond learning about yoga to really learning how to teach real students. It was not about any one style or approach either; our instructors helped every one of us find our voice and begin to develop a style that was personally authentic. They brought us along every step of the way, helping us build our skills and our confidence in teaching.
Third , the SYTT program essentially helped us build a supportive team. Our training class of 2016 was able to work together, learn from each other, practice together, build new friendships, and complete the program with plans to keep in touch and continue supporting one another. I would recommend this program highly for anyone who thinks they might want to teach — even if you are not sure. It is an amazing journey of learning, growth and discovery.”
“I had researched yoga teacher training options for years, never finding the perfect fit. Once the announcement had been made that Sellwood Yoga was going to offer their first-ever TT, I was in. Since the studio’s opening, I have deeply appreciated the respect and grace with which Savonn and Bill lead their classes. This attitude definitely is conveyed in the Teacher Training. From day one, the focus was on discovering a deeper understanding of yoga, and finding an authentic, individual voice with which to share this passion with students. The six months of sessions are a big commitment, for certain, but the program was structured in a way that didn’t interfere with work or personal responsibilities. The course content was rich and comprehensive, and paced in a way that allowed us to lay a solid foundation for our practicum teaching toward the end of the training.
And what an awesome group classmates! Sellwood Yoga has always attracted a community of souls that I can relate to, so I shouldn’t have been surprised to find such kind, brilliant, balanced folks training alongside me. But I was truly wowed by the connection created amongst those of us taking this journey together – it made for an unforgettable life experience.
I wasn’t sure, going into TT, whether I would actually be interested in teaching, but discovered along the way that I am eager to impart the joy I’ve found on the mat with others. SYTT has helped me to find my personal way of doing so, for which I am incredibly grateful.”
“The Sellwood Yoga teacher training made my life more worth living. For many years, I have practiced yoga and for at least 5 years I have considered training to be a yoga teacher. I looked at a variety of programs and none of them seemed right for me. Then, I found the Sellwood studio and began to practice there. Within a few weeks, I knew I had found the right place to learn to teach. It is a community-based program that seeks to make yoga accessible for all people—the young and the old, the neophyte and the master. The training program was comprehensive, giving teachers-in-training a broad base of knowledge from yoga philosophy to anatomy. We also learned a great deal about designing interesting classes with themes and with adaptations for special populations. I’m looking forward to pursuing more training from this gifted group of teachers, and most days I pause for a moment in my practice to express my gratitude for them and all they do to make the world a better place.”
“I am forever grateful for this journey to becoming a yoga teacher. I feel like I have a solid foundation from which to grow. I appreciated the well-rounded teaching style that included hands-on teaching experiences with my fellow classmates from the very beginning. The coursework in philosophy, anatomy, and mindfulness exposed me to the fundamental components of a holistic approach to yoga and planted seeds for further exploration. During this process, I have felt supported at every step. When I felt uprooted, I found grounding. When I felt challenged, I found successes. When I felt intimidated, I found that I was also ready. However the most impactful teachings came not from the texts or the weekend workshops but through the shared experiences with this extraordinary group of people. Yoga became so much more than asana.
Yoga is breath. Yoga is peace. Yoga is belonging. Yoga is finding your voice. Yoga is powerful healing. Yoga is one but not alone. Yoga is tears of gratitude. Yoga is wholehearted hugs. Yoga is being a part of this world. Yoga is love.“
“When Savonn remarked at our first meeting something to the effect of, “This course will change your life,” I thought it was a nice sentiment but was doubtful it would have such an impact. Six months later I ask myself, did it indeed change my life? Yes, in the sense that the experience connected me with a wonderful, caring, and supportive community of instructors and fellow learners. Yes, in that I was challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually to reach beyond my comfort level. Yes, that I have come away with a passion for sharing yoga with others and with the teaching skills to do so.
Savonn was right; she and Bill believed in our abilities from the first moment and genuinely and continually offered encouragement and inspiration. As is so often the case, a little knowledge leads us to seek more. Paradoxically, I feel confident in beginning my yoga-teaching career after completing the 200-hour training course but at the same time I know that there is so much more that I want and need to learn. That’s the truly exciting part: coming away with an eagerness to continue the journey begun six months ago!”
“From the wonderful and diverse group of teachers who inspired me with authenticity, to the unique curriculum that included mindfulness training and real life teaching experiences, Sellwood Yoga’s teacher training program was everything and more than I could have hoped for. The journey advanced my practice, but not in the ‘I learned how to do a handstand push-up kind of a way.’ Instead, it taught me to truly live yoga – on and off the mat.”
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“Sellwood Yoga 200 hour YTT was everything I hoped it would be! Bill and Savonn did an excellent job setting up this training; making sure I had all the tools and resources to confidently complete the course. I am ready to start teaching with a newfound outlook, and knowledge of what yoga ‘is’ and what it means to me.This yoga teacher training is unique, with a focus on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and breathwork, in addition to vinyasa and restorative yoga flows. I will forever be grateful for the amazing group of people this training brought into my life. This experience will live in my heart for years and years to come.
“The Sellwood Yoga teacher training program was an amazingly transformative experience. Bill and Savonn created an environment that allowed for exploration, growth, and challenge, all the while providing a safe space that did not make me feel once like I was doing something wrong or asking the wrong questions.
The additional teachers seemed to have been selected with such care because they were all effective and knowledgable: Caroline, an anatomy expert that made learning fun, introduced us to ‘Frank’ and his bones and muscles; Matt, our Philosophy guide, had the most wonderful presence and teaching style that promoted open discussion without judgement; Denise took us on a journey of mindfulness from what we ate, to how we got ready in the morning, to how we walked; Rosey and Annie, the two sweetest sisters, touched on pre-natal yoga to give us just what we need to assist pregnant women in a class.
On top of all the knowledge, confidence and a deeper meaning to yoga I gained, I met fourteen wonderful, beautiful, intelligent and wildly colorful women who I know I will be life-long friends with. I feel so grateful to be a graduate of the teacher training class of Sellwood Yoga and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I highly recommend the training for anyone wanting to deepen their own practice, gain a new perspective, seek confidence or teach in any fashion.
Thank you Bill and Savonn for extending your hand out to each of us, guiding us through this journey and giving us the strength, courage and wisdom to share our love of yoga with others.”
“When I signed up for the 200-hour yoga teacher training program at Sellwood Yoga, my goal was to increase the accessibility of yoga to the patients I care for whom are undergoing surgical breast cancer treatment. After completing the training, I have gained a much deeper personal practice, made lifelong friends in a lovely community, and feel prepared to lead yoga classes, in a variety of settings and with yogis of various abilities and interests. The mindfulness practice woven through the first half of the experience provided a lovely foundation on which to build our classes, bringing out our authenticity into our teaching. The philosophy classes, pranayama and asana breakdown classes allowed me to deepen my understanding of yoga in its entirety and strengthen my design of future classes. My fellow students taught me so much through their feedback, life experience and individual interests. Currently, I am starting to teach a variety of classes including classes focused on people following breast cancer surgery. I highly recommend the yoga teacher training at Sellwood Yoga and am eternally grateful for this life-changing experience with outstanding teachers and fellow students.”
“I don’t know what I expected. I tend to jump into things blind so I don’t change my mind, especially when I know it’s a great, healthy, adult action. I did not expect to come out the other side so loved and accepted as a human; I did not expect the serenity that has befallen me post graduation. I don’t feel like I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, I don’t feel abandoned by the ‘ending’ of school; it feels more like beginning, like transitioning into becoming more of the human I want to be.
Savonn and Bill are irreplaceable, they hold you gently in their hands and patiently learn who you are and how you learn; giving you the confidence to fly away and the comfort of knowing you can fly back and stay whenever it is needed. The teachers they employ to guide the teachers-in-training are not only well versed in their subjects but they are true friends to Savonn and Bill. The anatomy, philosophy, and mindfulness portions were all taught with a deep respect and passion for each subject by yogis whom are firmly grounded.
My favorite part of the program is something I almost can’t promise another-my sangha. The love and support I have found in those women (and Bill) is unprecedented. The community that Savonn and Bill have made is heart warming, humbling, awe inspiring and quickly became everything to me.”