How to Find the Best Continuing Education Training Programs

A guide for Yoga Teachers

As yoga teachers, continuing education isn’t just about checking a box for Yoga Alliance—it’s about staying curious, deepening our practice, and refining how we serve. But with so many options available, how can you spot the ones that are truly worth your time and energy?

Here’s a guide to finding continuing education that is not only authentic, but genuinely supportive of your growth as a teacher and student of yoga.

1. Check the Source—Lineage, Teachers, and Intent

Authentic programs are usually created and led by teachers with real depth. Look for:

• A connection to a clear lineage or well-established mentors.

• Teachers who continue their own studies & practice what they teach.

• Programs built around purpose and service—not just marketing hype.

Real yoga teachers care more about preserving integrity than promoting trends.

2. Look for Depth, Not Just More Certifications

The best training doesn’t just add information—it deepens transformation. That could mean:

• Applying subtle body anatomy to your teaching.

• Exploring yoga philosophy beyond the quotes on Instagram.

• Embodying the lessons taught in your own personal practice, not just to share them with others.

Depth means integration, not just accumulation.

3. Prioritize Relevant Content for Your Path

Don’t choose a program just because it’s popular. Choose it because it’s aligned with your teaching context. Ask yourself:

• Will this help me support my students better?

• Does it connect with what I’m passionate about?

• Will I use what I learn, or will it sit on a shelf?

Training should meet you where you are—and help you grow from there.

4. Seek Small Group Settings for Personalized Attention

The most impactful trainings are intimate. Smaller groups allow for:

• Personalized feedback on your teaching.

• Open discussion, reflection, and connection.

• A safer space to ask honest questions.

If you're just a number on a screen, you may miss the nuanced learning that only dialogue and presence can offer.

5. Ensure Access to Lead Trainers—Before, During, and After

Authentic teachers show up. The best programs offer:

• Pre-training calls or Q&A sessions.

• Real-time access during the course.

• Continued support or mentorship after completion.

This kind of presence reflects a commitment to your learning—not just a transactional exchange.

6. Student Reviews > Social Media Hype

Don’t be seduced by follower counts. Instead:

• Read real reviews and testimonials.

• Ask fellow teachers for their honest experiences.

• Look for words like “transformative,” “supportive,” and “insightful.”

A great training often spreads by word of mouth—not paid ads.

7. Look for Lasting, Usable Resources

A good training stays with you long after it ends. Seek programs that provide:

• Rewatchable lectures or recordings.

• PDFs, manuals, or guided practices.

• Tools you can revisit again and again.

A single nugget of wisdom that you integrate into your teaching is more valuable than 20 hours of content you forget.

8. Choose Programs That Foster Real Community

Authentic yoga thrives in sangha—spiritual community. The best trainings create:

• Ongoing peer groups or alumni circles.

• Discussion forums or live meetups.

• A sense of shared learning, not competition.

Connection helps you stay inspired and supported long after the training ends.

9. Look for Opportunities for Personal Growth

Your own inner work matters. Meaningful trainings encourage you to:

• Reflect on your teaching and why you do it.

• Explore inner patterns and conditioning.

• Grow in confidence and authenticity—not just skills.

The most powerful teachers are always becoming students again.

10. Trust Your Intuition—And Do Your Research

Sometimes your gut will know. But back it up with smart steps:

• Check credentials and past student feedback.

• Clarify what's included in the training.

• Ask if the format and schedule truly work for your life.

Yoga is about clarity—and your choice of education should reflect that too.

Authentic Training Changes How You Show Up

Continuing education should nourish your teaching and your heart. Don’t settle for shallow or performative programs. Choose trainings that challenge you, connect you, and remind you why you stepped onto this path in the first place.

If you’d like to connect with other likeminded yoga teachers and educators, consider joining us in November for the “Authentic Voice Weekend,” hosted by Yoga Teacher Support and EntrepRenew, Yoga Professionals retreats.