I am writing this review to give insight into the teacher training program at Dragonfly Yoga + Wellness. I went through the program and I cannot say enough fantastic things about it.
I signed up for the teacher training program under Laurie and Suzanna couple years ago for several reasons. I never anticipated the program to go over and above my expectations. The entire program was well planned, clear, interesting, and insightful. Laurie and Suzanna did an excellent job of taking an incredible mass of information and making it accessible. The program was divided into sections, alternating between asana and philosophy, allowing the students to make clear connections between the physical body and the related philosophical material. Even though Laurie and Suzanna are incredibly knowledgeable (especially with the Upanishads, the Sutras, and other texts), experts were still brought in for lectures on Sanskrit, Anatomy, Ayurveda, Prenatal yoga, and other topics.
We were given a huge notebook with a sheet on every single pose and all of its relevant information. These sheets were created by Laurie and Suzanna, and even use students and local teachers as models. Also included in this notebook are sections on sequencing, yoga history, Yamas and Niyamas, Chakras, 8-fold Path, anatomy, and much more. As a teacher who creates collections of articles for my students, I know the vast amount of work that goes into creating a book like this one. I still refer to this book regularly in my practice and when I am teaching. This notebook was given to us in conjunction with a reading list. Some of the titles were mandatory, and we also had to choose one book from each section of a great list of books. Needless to say, I have reading recommendations for the rest of my life!
Homework and assignments were fun, interesting, and varied. Yes, we took standard tests that required memorization, but we also had to do a research assignment, an art project, prepare sequences, work in teams, and visit other yoga studios.
One of my favorite parts of the training was learning to chant. Included in our notebook were many of the most historic chants with written meanings. As a bonus, Laurie included a CD of her singing the chants (perfect for learning while driving in the car); and because we had special lectures on Sanskrit, I felt confident in my pronunciation and incorporate chanting into all of my classes.
While Laurie and Suzanna did an excellent job preparing my body and mind for leading students through asana safely, they also taught us about student/teacher relationships. We had really interesting classes on the psychological wellbeing of the students; for example, we discussed scenarios on how to deal with certain classroom situations (like an overly emotional student) and how to handle them compassionately and professionally. We had several hands-on assist classes where we learned how and when it is appropriate to assist a student, and how to keep students safe when they don't want to be touched. We learned modifications and how to teach to any body-type, including disability.
They also taught us a lot about the "business" of yoga. We had classes specifically on how to craft a playlist and how to make it compliment the particular class we were teaching. We learned practical things like insurance, first aid, what to do in an emergency, and basic studio operations. Before we were given our certificates, we were required to observe, assist, and lead several classes.
When I first signed up for teacher training, I only wanted to deepen my practice. When I graduated I couldn't wait to teach! I felt so prepared and armed with so much information. I immediately got hired at several yoga studios and developed a significant following. My success as a yoga teacher is a direct result of Laurie and Suzanna's tutelage.
I give Dragonfly Teacher Training my HIGHEST recommendation. read more
