Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance was formed in 1999 by a merger of two volunteer organizations, Unity in Yoga (1982-1995) and Ad Hoc Yoga Alliance (1997-1999.)
Though Yoga Alliance is young, it is the only central organization that yoga teachers have to somewhat codify this crazy yoga thing. It is based in Arlington, VA. Though they will register teachers internationally, their influence is most felt in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
To register as a yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance, you will pay $80 initially, and $55 annually after that. You will need to complete continuing ed every three years; 45 teaching hours and 30 training hours.
RYT 200 (Brand-new yoga teacher)
Registered Yoga Teacher (200hr level.) This is a Yoga Alliance categorization. While you do not need this certification to teach yoga technically, it is helpful to say that you have it, and I can’t imagine that you’d be a very good teacher with less than 200 hours teacher-training. To get this certification, you must get all the hours from an accredited Yoga Alliance school.
RYT 500
A yoga teacher with a minimum of 500 hours of yoga teacher training. Can provide continuing education.
E-RYT 200
A yoga teacher with a minimum of two years and 1,000 hours of teaching experience. Can be a Director of a 200-Hour teacher training program.
E-RYT 500 (Most experienced yoga teacher–by YA standards)
A yoga teacher with a minimum of four years and 2,000 hours of teaching experience. Can be a Director of a 500-Hour teacher training program.
Yoga Alliance Accredited school
The Director of Teacher Training must be an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher. This means your teacher may have only been teaching yoga for two years. That is not necessarily bad, just something to keep in mind. Yoga Alliance sets ups a loose curriculum to be followed by your school that includes: techniques training and practice, teaching methodology, anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy, lifestyle and ethics. You can find an accredited school here.
Employee (W-2) or Contractor (1099)
Most yoga teachers are hired as contractors (I have some thoughts on this), which means that you pay taxes on your own income and nothing is initially withheld. When you are hired you’ll either fill out a W-2 (employee) or a 1099 (contractor), and the studio(s) will send you an annual summary of your income earned through them either way.
Paying your taxes
Taxes! I paid those over a year ago! As a self-employed contractor, you will have to pay your taxes quarterly on April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and January 15th. Use the 1040-ES form. In general, if you make less than $400/year, you do not have to pay income taxes on that money.
Insurance
In case you get sued. DON’T WORRY, you probably won’t get sued. But if you did, wouldn’t it be nice to have insurance pay for your legal fees? There are lots of companies out there that will insure you. (Google “yoga insurance.” See what I mean. Yoga Journal and Philadelphia Insurance are a good basis for comparison.)
Liability Waivers
Anyone can sue anyone for anything at anytime. A waiver does not necessarily mean that no one will ever sue you. But it is required by some insurance companies, and it is always good to remind folks that they are responsible for their own well-being.
I adapted this for my own use from a longer waiver I found here.
I represent that I am physically fit and I have no medical condition which would prevent my full participation in yoga classes. I agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damages known or unknown, which I might incur as a result of participating in the class. I knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive any claim I may have against __________________that I may sustain as a result of participating in the program. I, my heirs, or legal representatives forever release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue __________________ for any injury or death caused by their negligence or other acts. I have read the above release and I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions.
