Teacher Trainer Pathway Policy

TSYP is committed to ensure the future continuation and growth of teaching and practice in our tradition. A key part of this is recruitment and training of future Teacher Trainers. This document outlines the process by which our teacher members can develop and be supported to become a confident and professional teacher trainer and recognized as such by TSYP.

This process was reviewed and amended in July 2020 following a review of a pilot of the process undertaken by prospective teacher trainers across two teacher training courses between 2016 and 2020.

Eligibility

Applicants to:

  1. have completed a recognised and approved yoga teacher training diploma in this tradition;
  2. have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to personal practice, learning and development in yoga, confirmed by mentor and/or membership secretary;
  3. have studied, taught and practised in this tradition for a minimum of four years;
  4. have completed at least 50 hours one to one work, which they will outline on the proforma provided;
  5. have completed TSYP Foundation Course Tutor qualification and successfully run one course or equivalent OR applicant to have completed Teacher Trainer qualification with another organisation and successfully run a course;
  6. hold (or be working toward) a recognised teaching qualification at minimum Level 3 or be able to demonstrate that they are working towards a teaching qualification at minimum Level 3 (e.g. AET, PTLLS or recognised equivalent). This is to be completed before Teacher Trainer status is conferred;
  7. attend an interview, conducted by the Course Tutor and an interviewer external to TSYP who is familiar with this tradition and has experience of interviewing for teacher training course, during which the requirements and support offered will be outlined; following this, applicant’s acceptance or otherwise will be confirmed and the applicant can decide whether they wish to go ahead with the process; 
  8. maintain a regular daily yoga practice.

Training Process 

  1. The Student Trainer will work alongside an experienced trainer in running at least one teacher training course and be given opportunities for supervised teaching on that course, gradually increasing responsibility and contribution as confidence develops and Supervising Trainer/Mentor feel appropriate.  
  2. The Student Trainer should attend for at least 80% of the course hours spread across the duration of the course to be agreed with Supervising Trainer.
  3. The Student Trainer will be observed in training role by the Supervising Trainer and other experienced Teacher Trainers in this tradition.
  4. Where the Student Trainer has a teaching, qualification awarded for younger years, i.e. primary school age, they will be required to demonstrated their ability to transfer their teaching skills to the training of adults.
  5. The Student Trainer will complete and submit a Portfolio of Evidence to include:
    1. Completed Portfolio of Evidence indicating completion of all teaching competencies.
    2. Observation feedback, lesson plans, lesson resources and other documentation from work undertaken during the course as evidence of meeting the teaching competencies.
    3. Recorded observations of good teaching practice.
  6. The Student Trainer will work with the supervising trainer and their mentor to reflect upon the Student Trainer’s areas of strength and areas for further personal and professional development.
  7. The Student Trainer will be supported to address areas for further development, including being signposted to other teachers/trainers where appropriate. 
  8. The Student Trainer will produce their own Course Plan from TSYP Teacher Training Syllabus with appropriate support.
  9. The Student Trainer will undergo a panel interview following completion and submission of the Portfolio of Evidence.
  10. The Student Trainer will be required to successfully complete all parts of the training assessment process and meet all pre-requisites before Newly Qualified Teacher Trainer status is conferred on them. 
  11. Newly Qualified Teacher Trainer (NQTT) status will be retained until successful completion of delivering their first teacher training course, after which full teacher training status will be conferred.
  12. NQTTs will be supported by TSYP to seek additional support as and when required and NQTTs are expected to follow CPD and Supervision and Mentoring guidelines to ensure that they receive the individual support that they need.

Further details on the requirements of the Portfolio of Evidence are provided in the ‘Student Teacher Trainer Portfolio of Evidence Guidance’. Student Teacher Trainers, Supervising Trainers and Supervising Mentors are all required to be familiar with this document.

Conflict of Interest

To avoid conflict of interest a Student Trainer should not undertake their training with a Supervising Trainer with whom they have personal links, e.g. sibling, child, partner or another close relative. Exceptions may be made if other training opportunities are unavailable and, in such instances, robust measures will be taken to ensure that assessment of achievement is undertaken by another senior teacher.

Assessment and Achievement

Yoga Teacher Trainer Professional competencies are assessed through the Portfolio of Evidence which is based on the requirements of a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.

General but important teaching competencies will have been assessed through the Student Teacher Trainer having successfully completed a nationally recognised Level 3 Award in Education and Training (or equivalent) as minimum which will have included:

  • Understanding the roles, responsibilities, relationships in education and training
  • Understanding and using inclusive learning and teaching approaches in education and training
  • Understanding the principles and practices of assessment.

Costs

  1. Applicants will pay a non-returnable registration fee of £50 
  2. The Student Trainer will be responsible for their own expenses and travel costs during the training process.
  3. The Student Trainer will be responsible for funding time outside the course with Supervising Trainer, Mentor or others. 
  4. Should the Student Trainer undertake significant amounts of work for the Supervising Trainer it is for the Supervising Trainer to decide whether any financial remuneration can be made and agree this directly with the Student Trainer.
VersionFinal
AuthorMichelle Tarling
Ratified byTSYP Education Committee
Date RatifiedSeptember 2020
Date issuedSeptember 2020
Date to be reviewedSeptember 2023