Although most students probably don't expect their yoga teacher to be perfect, they do expect her to know her stuff. Being confident not only in your own yoga abilities but in your ability to pass those skills onto others is imperative to being a good teacher. Completing a certified teacher-training program can help you refine and practice those skills, from basic to advanced poses.
Form
Although most people cannot do every yoga pose perfectly -- and instructors are no exception -- it's imperative to know the ideal form and intended function of each pose in order to pass that knowledge onto your students. One yoga studio, Yoga Dallas, defines "progress" for students, in part, as "how well you understand what you are trying to accomplish in each pose." That information comes directly from the instructor, so it's important that you know what you're talking about.
Instructor Requirements
In the United States, most yoga instructors choose to complete a training program through the Yoga Alliance. Many yoga studios and fitness centers will not hire teachers who have not completed Yoga Alliance training. The first certification level is a 200-hour program, with an optional 500-hour certification for advanced instructors. The 200-level certification includes 100 hours in techniques training and practice, giving you ample opportunity to both master the poses and practice teaching them to others.
Practicum
An important part of a teacher-training program is the practicum, where you both practice and observe other students practicing yoga instruction. You'll get feedback on your teaching skills and learn which poses or areas you need to brush up on. the 200-hour program contains 10 hours of practicum; if that isn't enough for you, consider the 500-hour certification, which includes 40 practicum hours.
Considerations
If you're still unsure of your abilities to teach even after completing a Yoga Alliance training, talk to other teachers. They might be able to offer you advice about how to first start out. You can also consider being an assistant or substitute yoga teacher if you're not quite ready to run your own classes. Consider the fact that some students might appreciate seeing a teacher struggle with some poses because it shows that the teacher is human and that yoga is not about competition, but about a student's personal journey.
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