Teacher training options: VY&M 200-hour Teacher Training ~ Social Action 50+-hour Training ~ Combined 250-Hour VY&M/SATT Training ~ Embodied Asana 300-hour Advanced Training

Vajra Yoga & Meditation 200 hour Teacher Training

The VY&M training is based on the principle that a rich, challenging and committed physical and mental practice is the foundation to becoming a skilled and inspiring teacher. Through physical postures, the study of the mind, Buddhist philosophy and mentoring, you will gain an advanced understanding of your own mind and body. Our teachers are dedicated to facilitating your journey as both a practioner and teacher.

The training is made up of the following elements:

• Once a month weekend intensives (asana, anatomy, Buddhist training in meditation and philosophy)
• Anatomy with Amy Matthews (co-author of Yoga Anatomy), asana and Buddhism with Jill Satterfield
• Weekly yoga classes to participate in, observe or assist
• 2 private sessions with Jill Satterfield each semester
• Assigned reading in the areas of Buddhism and yoga
• Community dinners and events

Your 'role' in the training will begin to change as you evolve and learn how to see and work with other bodies and communicate with others by drawing from your own experiences. You will begin by observing others, adjusting others, working closely with our teachers and, eventually, you will begin to take your seat as a teacher.

The 200 hour training is a two semester program. The first semester is September 26, 2008 - Dec. 17, 2008, the second semester is February 6, 2009 - June 10, 2009. This is an 8 month course which you may join at the beginning of either semester. You may join us anytime before September 27th or February 5th- come take a class with Jill (on us) if you're interested in joining.

The training can accomodate most work schedules and has been successfully completed by those living outside of the NYC area. We are comitted to making the training work in a way that will allow you to participate with ease!

Cost for the training is $ 3700. We do have limited work study scholarships available. Contact us for payment plan options. Click here to fill out the application.

Questions? Call Jill at 212 431 1271 or email jill@vajrayoga.com

Social Action 50 Hour Teacher Training (SATT)

Begins the weekend of October 17, 2008. See Schedule for dates and details.

This training is for yoga teachers with a 200 hour teaching certificate who want to take action in society by using their skills as tools for social outreach. Our mission is to provide professional yoga and meditation training for compassionate and skilled action in working with mental and physical trauma in populations of at-risk youth and adults, youth and adults in addiction recovery, and those living with chronic illness and pain. You will gain insight and a practical methodology on how to structure your classes for a specific population from experts in psychology and addiction recovery. In addition, you will participate in on going meditation classes, discussion groups, and have an opportunity to take yoga classes where classic alignment is emphasized for accuracy and safety in teaching.

This course provides 50 contact hours plus practicum experience, and includes:

• Monthly weekend intensives on Buddhist meditation techniques and mind training, Buddhist texts and
  philosophy, and yoga and alignment.
  
• Guest lectures from experts and psychologists in the fields of trauma, recovery, at-risk youth and working with chronic pain.
• Practicum experience with senior teachers working with the population of your choice.
  
• Optional weekly yoga and meditation classes with VY & M founder, Jill Satterfield.
  
• Placement assistance to help you find teaching work with various organizations in the New York City area.
  
• Community dinners and events

We have assembled an incredible set of teachers and collaborators for this training.

Cost for the SATT is $1500. There are some work study scholarships available. Contact us for payment plan options. Click here to fill out the application.

Combined VY&M and SATT Training

If you do not hold a 200-hour certificate already, you may combine VY&M 200-hour and Social Action Teacher Training for a 250+ hour program. Throughout the semester your training will consist of the 200 hour curriculum and you will participate in all SATT workshops and events. The SATT workshops take place on the same weekend as the VY&M weeked intensives, but at different times. This is designed to make combining the programs simple for participants.

For BOTH VY&M 200 training AND SATT together: cost $4200. Contact us for payment plan options. Click here to fill out the application.

SATT Teachers and Practicum Collaborators

At-risk Action: Working with Youth and Adults

Andrew Schuch, MS (info)

SATT at-risk youth practicum is hosted by Bent on Learning (www.bentonlearning.org) (info)

Addiction Action: Working with People in Recovery

Loch Kelly , MDiv., LCSW (info)

Paige Kelly, MS (info)

We will be announcing our practicum collaborator for addiction action very soon!

Mind/Body Action: Working with Those with Chronic Pain and Illness

Jill Satterfield, founder of VY&M and SATT

Embodied Asana 300-Hour Advanced Training

This innovative program, led by Amy Matthews and also taught by Leslie Kaminoff and Jill Satterfield, will take place for the first time beginning in Fall 2008. Find more information at the Breathing Project. The training will include worshops on embodied anatomy and kinesiology, asana analysis, and teaching skills. If you currently hold a 200-hour certification and are looking to deepen your practice and teaching, find out more here!

Teacher Training Fine Print

A $500 deposit is due before you begin the training, the balance is due by September 26th 2008. If you choose not to continue before October 1, 2008, you will receive a refund minus $500 which will go to the VY&M/SATT scholarship fund.

There are no refunds after October 1, 2008

Work study/scholarships are awarded only to those committed to the total 200 hours. Monthly payments schedules may be pre-arranged with Jill before you begin. If you find you cannot work as many hours in your work study agreement , you will be responsible to pay for the course. Time sheets will be emailed to you and you are responsible to fill these out monthly and return to Jill. Failure to do so will result in the loss of scholarship.

We take into account your financial situation ~ please discuss this before you begin, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Homework is assigned monthly, with a date of completion ~ all assignments must be emailed to Jill.

Missed classes may be made up the following semester. Missed intensives (if not offered during the next training) may be made up with a private session with either Jill or a senior VY&M teacher. There is a small additional fee for these sessions.Any scheduling conflicts may be discussed with Jill prior to starting the course, arrangements will be made for circumstances beyond your control!

For SATT participants: you must carry your own liability insurance. Proof of insurance must be mailed or given to Jill upon beginning the course.

A Vajra Yoga & Meditation certificate is awarded upon full completion of the course. Applications for Yoga Alliance are then given, it's up to each individual to apply for this additional certification.

We are here to help you grow, be confident and professionally skilled.We are also very open to individuality, and take into account each students needs and capacity. We welcome your enthusiasm to help others by helping yourself!