“Great” can be a subjective term to many people, but in the world of Yoga there are certainly common qualities that make some teachers stand out from others. Here, we’ll run through 11 qualities in snippets that you can incorporate into your classes!
1. Authentic
Great yoga teachers are always authentic in their teaching. This means not striving for perfection, but allowing yourself to just be who you are and show up fully present to your students.
2. Present
Good yoga teachers always teach to who is in front of them and stay present when offering guidance and cues. This means sometimes straying away from a lesson plan to cater to different levels for your students.
3. Communication
Communicating with your students and learning their names is a good way to connect with them. Also using creative cues and language throughout the sequences makes for an engaging class.
4. Versatile
A good yoga teacher is prepared but is always flexible in their teaching style and sequences to cater to students of different levels. Thinking outside of the box in your classes can help to bring flexibility and creativity to your sequences.
5. Personality
Being personable, warm, open, and inviting will help your students to connect with you and also help you build your class audiences. Teachers who are warm and always smiling make students feel welcome and safe in class.
6. Prepared
A great teacher is always prepared for class by creating lesson plans in advance and rehearsing teaching cues before classes. Being prepared will lead to your success as a yoga teacher. As a teacher you should always arrive early to class to help set up the room if needed.
7. Honesty
Honesty is key to being a great yoga teacher. Always be true to yourself and your students. If there is ever anything you don’t know, be honest with your students and let them know you will help them find the answers together.
8. No Ego
Checking your ego at the door is important as a yoga teacher. Even if you might know more than your students, always be humble and kind when offering adjustments or yoga tips. Also keep in mind even as a teacher, you will always be a student first and always be learning something new.
9. Inspiring
A great teacher knows how to inspire and empower their students to evolve and grow in their practice. This could be from offering inspiring stories, quotes, or inspiring sequences. Going above and beyond in class preparation to make your classes inspiring will help you be a successful teacher.
10. Passionate
Having a love of yoga and being truly passionate about it will show in your classes and to your students. Always be learning as a teacher whether its from reading books, attending classes with other teachers, or workshops. Your passion and knowledge will really inspire your students.
11. Share Knowledge
Sharing knowledge is such an important role for yoga teachers. Sometimes it’s when you are explaining the importance of a pose, you could be answering questions for your students after class – your gift is sharing the beautiful practice of yoga to your students.
