Balance between classes and privates

[yogagirl]

Hello Sara and Harlan,
I agree that simply teaching classes is no way to make a living (it is almost impossible, in fact), but I disagree with the notion that a teacher should give up teaching classes entirely.

Yes, private sessions are a much better way to make money, but there is nothing like the combined, collected energy of teaching a class. I think that there must be a balance (at least for me) between private sessions and group classes. I cannot imagine giving up my yoga classes - they are much more than "just classes" - they are community builders. Many of the students in my classes are now really good friends. A couple who met in one of my yoga classes are now they are getting married. Yoga classes can be magical for all involved and it would be sad to have all yoga teachers switch to private sessions only.

I also agree that a teacher can easily burn out if they are teaching more than 4 classes per week. This is where I am now. I want to start encorporating private sessions into my schedule. I am a yoga therapist in training and I wish to work with special populations: specifically children with autism and down's syndrome and adults with anxiety disorders.

Because my emphasis is specific, can you give me any ideas on how to begin to promote myself with these groups? I have an autistic son who really likes yoga and have taught a few other kids with special needs.

I have things listed on Craig's list, but the area I live in is small - and behind the times! I would love any ideas.

I own a yoga studio, and run a Yoga Alliance registered school. My ultimate goal is to only teach in the RYS, 2 public classes and the rest privates.

[loris]

Hey Yogagirl -


I'm also looking for ideas specific to growing classes. Anything you've found that really works or didn't work? I have a little more info about myself up in another thread here, more thoughts on growing classes (I think that's the name!).

Hope to hear from you!

be well,

Lori S

[Administrator]

Originally Posted by yogagirl

Hello Sara and Harlan,
I agree that simply teaching classes is no way to make a living (it is almost impossible, in fact), but I disagree with the notion that a teacher should give up teaching classes entirely.

Part of being a yoga teacher - to me - means giving over the knowledge you have learned to others.

Yoga has transformed my life and I understand and applaud its potential to change the world.

Yet we recognize that most yoga teachers are part-timers simply because they can't make ends meet teaching yoga.

And that's why this site exists.

To show yoga teachers there is another way.

Want to teach classes? Great.

First fill you schedule with privates and then go do a few classes.

Most yoga teachers do the reverse. They fill their schedule with classes, can't pay their bills, so they have to take another job to pay the rent.

Originally Posted by yogagirl

Yes, private sessions are a much better way to make money, but there is nothing like the combined, collected energy of teaching a class. I think that there must be a balance (at least for me) between private sessions and group classes. I cannot imagine giving up my yoga classes - they are much more than "just classes" - they are community builders. Many of the students in my classes are now really good friends. A couple who met in one of my yoga classes are now they are getting married. Yoga classes can be magical for all involved and it would be sad to have all yoga teachers switch to private sessions only.

There's energy in teaching classes - of course. But we don't see all yoga teachers switching to privates.

I'm happy you see the need for financial balance.

When Sara teaches me triangle pose, she spends a lot of time on foot work.

You know why...

Because if the foundation is shaky, the pose isn't going to be stable.

And if yoga teachers want to teach classes full time in someone else's studio, their lives are going to lack that balance.

We will be offering suggestions on increasing class size in the future.

Heck, we haven't even scraped the surface of what's to come!

Peace.

Harlan