6 Tips for Newer Yoga Āsana Teachers

I have been teaching yoga for seven years now, and as I become more skillful every year, there are a few tenets of teaching yoga āsana I return to again and again. 

1. Get to know your students and make them feel like a true community.
   This is foundational. Without our students, we would not be teachers. I learn so much from my students when I take the time to get to know them and care for them. Some of my students have become lifelong friends. Yoga is relationship-based and transmitted from teacher to student.

   Take time before or after class to chat with your students, learn their names, and ask about their experiences. Even a small gesture, like remembering someone’s preference or checking in on their progress, can create a sense of belonging. This relational approach allows yoga to be not just a practice but a supportive community where students feel safe to grow and heal.

2. Rather than having a new sequence prepared for every class, hone 2-3.
   Repetition is not redundancy—it’s an opportunity for mastery. When you work with a few thoughtfully crafted sequences, you can focus on refining how you cue, adjust, and observe. This consistency benefits students, especially those with trauma histories, by offering a predictable framework that fosters nervous system regulation. At the same time, you can bring fresh energy to each class by modifying transitions, adding thematic layers, or exploring variations within these sequences.

3. Remember: Not everyone will like your class.
   This is one of the hardest lessons to embrace but also one of the most liberating. Teaching yoga is deeply personal, and it’s natural to feel vulnerable when your approach doesn’t resonate with everyone. Instead of striving for universal approval, focus on cultivating authenticity in your teaching. Your unique voice and energy will naturally attract the students who align with your style, and that alignment is what creates the most impactful learning and growth—for both teacher and student.

4. Be sure to offer modifications and accessible options for each pose.
   Yoga is for everyone, but not every pose is for every body. Proactively incorporate accessible options when cueing, so students don’t feel singled out if they need an adaptation. For example, offer alternatives like using props, modifying the intensity, or suggesting restorative variations. Frame these options as equally valid expressions of the posture. This helps all students feel empowered to choose what serves them best, fostering confidence and inclusivity.

5. Trust in the yoga that is being shared with your students, even on the days you feel ‘off.’
   Not every class will feel like your best work, and that’s okay. Remember, your students aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for presence, connection, and guidance. Trust that the practice itself holds the wisdom your students need. On days when self-doubt creeps in, focus on grounding yourself through breath or mantra and showing up with an open heart. Your authenticity will resonate more than you realize. Tomorrow is a new day and a day to try again. Don’t be so hard on yourself - have compassion, patience, and grace for yourself and your efforts.

6. Continue working with a mentor or teacher.
   A great teacher is always a student. Regularly learning from someone further along their journey can provide inspiration, refinement, and clarity in your own teaching. Your mentor can help you navigate challenges, deepen your understanding, and reignite your passion for teaching. Equally important is maintaining your personal practice—it’s the wellspring of your creativity, resilience, and empathy as a teacher.

   If you’re looking for mentorship, I offer guidance for yoga teachers who want to refine their skills, build confidence, and bring a trauma-informed, culturally respectful approach to their teaching. I draw from my own journey of seven years in teaching, twelve years of studentship, and a deep commitment to honoring the roots of yoga. Working with a mentor can help you find your unique voice, overcome challenges, and grow personally and professionally. You can book a call with me here.