Teacher or Mentor?
- Michelle Rae Sobi
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
The key difference between teaching and guiding you.
Edge's Yoga Mentorship
Edge Yoga School & Arts
130 W Liberty Dr #7, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA
Purpose
The Yoga Mentorship Program at Edge Yoga School is designed to support emerging yoga teachers in refining their personal teaching style, strengthening professional readiness, and developing confidence through individualized guidance.
What to expect
Students can expect a supportive and personalized mentorship experience focused on real-time guidance, observation, structured reflection, and professional development. The program includes practice-teaching labs, teaching observation sessions, ongoing progress tracking, and mentor feedback rooted in anatomical understanding, trauma-sensitive communication, and ethical standards. Trainees receive direct, actionable guidance to support their evolution as yoga teachers while developing confidence and independence in a small-group environment. Guest Teachers will occasionally be invited. This program is one of Mastery, so in person lab time will be dedicated to practice teaching one another.
About
This mentorship supports yoga teachers in developing clarity, confidence, and professionalism in their teaching practice. Through observation, structured reflection, anatomy-informed feedback, and trauma-aware guidance, students learn how to refine their teaching style while embodying the ethical and professional standards expected of yoga educators. The program emphasizes supportive communication, thoughtful assessment, and cultivating a safe and accessible learning environment for all.
FAQs
Trainees should have prior foundational yoga teacher training.
Students may be asked to submit practice-teaching videos or attend live labs for assessment.
No-refund policy applies; students may complete the program within eighteen months.
Prerequisite: Yoga Anatomy coursework or concurrent enrollment. *Included in tuition. This online resources will companion the required reading "Yoga Anatomy" 3rd Edition by Leslie Kaminoff and will be referred to throughout your training experience for labs.
Required Reading
Your workbook will be provided and included in your tuition. Students may choose to read Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele via paperback or listen via Audible. Not included in tuition.
Core competencies
By the end of this program, graduates should be able to…
Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics
Discuss anatomical understanding to guide three different teaching decisions by justifying key anatomical considerations relevant to asana, breathwork, or safe movement.
Practice Skills
Practice offering constructive, specific, and actionable feedback by understanding how to identify strengths, growth opportunities, and patterns in student development
Practice observing teaching sessions for alignment, pacing, cueing, class plan structure, and safety with attention to safety, pacing, cueing, and alignment
Teaching Skills
Create a 15-minute group mentorship that supports diverse students' needs using language that is clear, inclusive, and trauma-sensitive
Lifestyle & Ethics
Discuss and apply accountability, reflection, and professional readiness to refine personal teaching style through structured reflection by explaining the role of reflection and self-inquiry in long-term professional growth
Explain how ethics, consent, and boundaries support healthy mentor–student relationships by defining all three concepts and articulate how the violation of any one could negatively impact the relationship and professional trust.
Apply ethical conduct, professional boundaries, and trauma-sensitive awareness in teaching, including verbal boundaries, invitational and clear language, and providing a clear explanation of three core ethical principles that promote student agency and inclusivity
Overview Yoga Theory & History
Anatomy, Physiology, & Biomechanics 10
Teaching Practice & Methodology 20
Lifestyle 25
Other 20
Evaluation methods
Program evaluations
Students will participate in a teaching demonstration where they are assessed on:
• Safety, alignment awareness, and pacing
• Clarity and effectiveness of cueing
• Communication style and professionalism
• Ability to apply anatomy-informed and trauma-sensitive principles
• Class plan design and responsiveness to student needs Mentors observe the session and provide structured, competency-based feedback aligned with program objectives. -
Students will complete a written or recorded book report on any yoga-related book of their choosing.
This project assesses:
• Understanding of key concepts from the book
• Ability to connect the material to their teaching practice
• Reflection on how the book supports their professional development
• Clear communication and personal insight Students may select any text related to yoga philosophy, teaching methodology, anatomy, mindfulness, trauma-sensitive practice, or professional ethics.
If you are called to refine your knowledge on your existing certifications, come see me. Let's put what you already learned into practice. Send Michelle a CHAT to begin a conversation about your journey.
