The Shala Teacher Training Review

The Shala’s Advanced Teacher Training has been a deeply-reflective and enjoyable part of my yoga journey. It’s such a shame it has come to an end. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

|    Teacher Training, Yoga

By Kate Towers

From the first module in my Level 2 teacher training @theshalalondon – Yoga Nidra with Melanie Cooper and Jennie Wadsten in 2019 – to the final one – Asana in Depth in 2023 with Gingi Lee & Melanie Cooper, it has been such a momentous journey and I have relished every second. I could never have forseen how it has changed me both inside and out. It’s not about the cool certificate you are given when you reach that milestone, it’s about what you learn with every step of the path, often uncomfortable truths – yes learning about yoga but learning about others and most importantly about yourself. The meaning of the words “Yoga is a journey of the self, through the self” in the Bhagavad Gita have never really rang true as much as they do now.

I reviewed a number of 300-hour Advanced Teacher Training programmes before opting for the one created by the Shala. The modular nature of it made it not only more affordable but accessible too! I found the Core Module to be well-structured, covering a wide-variety of aspects of yoga practice and its teaching; equipping me with essential skills for the current yoga climate. This foundational course provoked a rich discussion amongst the beautiful community of like-minded teachers it brought together. Individuals I will endeavour to keep in touch with, as I venture forward on what can sometimes feel a solitary path. Despite being forced to transfer the Core Module to an online format (given the return to lockdown) the way in which the trainers organised the content made us feel connected on so many levels. The authentic approach of lead teachers Gingi Lee, Melanie Cooper and Jennie Wadsten created a warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere … it was a true highlight of that difficult time.

Although the Core Module was a hard act to follow, I was pleasantly surprised by the large choice of additional modules offered by the 300-hour programme; hosted by a great collection of Senior Teacher Trainers; all with such a wealth of experience in their area of specialism. The benefit of the modular system meant I was free to choose those areas that interested me most and which would complement my portfolio. The structure also offers you the ability to spread the cost over the five-year period (set out by Yoga Alliance) within which you are able to complete the training. My modules comprised:

 

· Yoga Nidra with Jennie Wadsten & Melanie Cooper

· Yoga Anatomy with Stu Girling & Melanie Cooper

· Accessible Philosophy with Daniel Simpson

· Pranayama with Melanie Cooper

· Restorative Yoga with Adelene Cheong

· Aerial Yoga Foundations with Richard Holryd

· Asana in Depth with Gingi Lee & Melanie Cooper

 

… but no doubt my studies won’t stop there! I certainly feel that the Advanced Teacher Training has not only deepened my understanding of yoga, what it means to me, its traditions and many facets whilst also blessing me with new skills and techniques. All of this has helped me develop as a teacher and build confidence I never thought I had. The diversity of areas I covered means I now have many strands to my offering as a yoga teacher as one thing I’ve learned along the way is one size definitely does not fit all.

The Shala’s Advanced Teacher Training has been a deeply-reflective and enjoyable part of my yoga journey. It’s such a shame it has come to an end. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

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