Question: I live in Glendale and have been practicing yoga for several years. I am considering becoming a yoga instructor. What resources can you recommend?
— Linda

Response: You might begin by contacting the professional associations below.

Professional Associations:
International Yoga Teachers Association
Offers information about yoga, yoga classes, and becoming a yoga teacher.
www.iyta.org
American Yoga Association
This is a non-profit educational organization that provides yoga instruction.
www.americanyogaassociation.org
Heart of Yoga Association
www.heartofyoga.org
Places where you might teach
As you know, yoga is a form of exercise that strives to bring closer an awareness of the creative powers of the mind and body. Yoga is considered not only external, but psycho-physiological in nature. Many instructors teach through extension programs at local community colleges. Others teach in private studios and yet others teach in corporate settings to relieve workers under stress.
• Gwen Lyster, Director of Yoga, Body, and Spirit, indicated that she hires yoga teachers periodically and interested candidates should apply to her directly at her studio.
• Leslie Carr, Director of Professional Development at College of the Canyons stated that they hire a yoga instructor each semester to work in the area of wellness with college faculty and staff. Courses are once a week on Tuesdays, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. and the salary is $40 per hour.
Employment Outlook:
Faster than average growth is projected for this rapidly growing field as yoga becomes more popular. One area director of a yoga institute in Glendale, stated that there is a growing market for yoga instructors in and around the Los Angeles area. There are over 30 yoga studios within 10 miles of Glendale. There are at least three community colleges in or near Glendale that offer courses in yoga through their community extension programs. There is keen competition in Los Angeles for instructors without solid training and experience as well as business management experience. In Los Angeles pay for popular instructors earn approximately $50,000 per year; yoga superstars (a few) earn more than $150,000 a year and charge their private clients $250 a session.

Salary Range:
Yoga instructors who teach in community college extension programs earn approximately $35 per hour. Instructors who teach in private studios may earn a minimum of approximately $30-$40 per class, with additional compensation for number of students in each class. For example, one studio instructor told me that for each student beyond a minimum of ten, an instructor earns an additional $1-$2 per student. Instructors who teach in corporate settings can earn $75 per hour or more.

Additional Job Resources:
Los Angeles Mission College Extension, Sylmar
Los Angeles Mission College
13356 Eldridge Avenue
Sylmar, CA 91342
(818) 365-7387
Contact: Diane Astadourian
College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 362-3100
Contact: Leslie Carr, Director of Professional Development
Glendale Community College, Glendale
1500 North Verdugo Road Glendale
California 91208
(818) 240-1000
www.infor@glendale.cc.ca.us
The Awareness Center
2801 E. Foothills Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 798-8862

— • —  
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

You may e-mail questions to swmcareer@aol.com.

 

 

 

 

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