Yoga Teacher Certificate - Career Certificate

Ground yourself in yoga

Teach people safe and effective yoga practices

Combine your passion for yoga and wellness with teaching for ultimate flexibility in your career. With a certificate in Yoga Teaching from College of Lake County, you empower people to care for themselves through fitness and meditation. Teach in yoga studios, health clubs parks—or really, anywhere people want to experience the art of yoga.

CLC offers an academic foundation in the practice, study and teaching of Yoga, including the practice and study of classical yoga poses (asanas), kinesiology, yoga history and philosophy and the methods of planning and teaching movement classes. Courses can also be used as transferable college credit, and simultaneously count toward your associate degree. You can graduate from CLC with both a teaching certificate and a college degree!

Approved by Yoga Alliance, the national organization that regulates yoga teaching standards, all graduates become eligible to register as members of Yoga Alliance and begin teaching at the Registered Yoga Teacher 200-hour level.

Namaste!

What can you do with a Certificate in Yoga Teaching?

The Certificate in Yoga Teaching prepares you for a career in wellness, fitness, education and more! You can teach in places such as fitness centers, private yoga studios and park districts, or if you're feeling entrepreneurial, build your own clientele and create your own business.

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,957
  
  Median
  
  $53,578
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $92,738
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.40
  
  Median
  
  $25.75
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $44.58
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  14.29%
  
  Certificate
  
  57.14%
  
  Some college
  
  4.76%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26,633
  
  Median
  
  $49,294
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $114,627
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $12.80
  
  Median
  
  $23.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $55.11
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  13.51%
  
  Certificate
  
  18.48%
  
  Some college
  
  0.26%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  13.51%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  18.78%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  34.69%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
DNC 124	DNC 124 Beginning Yoga Class Description In this course students will study the physical and philosophical foundations of Yoga, the ancient art of unifying the body and mind. Students will learn and practice physical postures (asanas), as well as techniques for proper breathing, relaxation and concentration. An introduction to the philosophy and history of Yoga are included in this study, which students will explore through readings and written assignments. Special attention will be paid to anatomy and kinesiology as it applies to the dancer. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate a kinesthetic awareness of the body, and the ability to use yoga as a tool for enhancing dance training, performance and daily living. This course is repeatable up to four times but will only count for graduation once.	3
DNC 160	DNC 160 Teaching Methods I Class Description This course offers a philosophical and practical foundation for teaching movement-based arts across a variety of genres and ages. Students will be introduced to different educational philosophies while gaining practical skills for effective and safe teaching practices. Course topics include the development of a teaching philosophy, creating lesson plans with goals and objectives, classroom organization and management, basic alignment & kinesiology, technological modifications & enhancements for learning, as well as the impact of social, cultural, and psychological theories in relation to learning. Practical classroom teaching skills will also be studied & practiced; including verbal and hands-on cueing for correcting misalignment, teaching to different communities, the use of live and recorded music, and other topics that develop the confidence and wisdom of the movement teacher. Recommended: Completion of advanced technique level.	3
HWP 160	HWP 160 Yoga I Class Description (Previously PED 160) This activity course introduces students to the art and science of yoga. Emphasis is placed on basic yoga postures (asanas) and accompanying breathing techniques commonly found in Hatha Yoga and other styles. Students will experience many benefits including enhanced muscle tone, flexibility, and relaxation for the body and mind. HWP 160 and KIN 160 are cross-listed.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DNC 124
Course Title	DNC 124 Beginning Yoga Class Description In this course students will study the physical and philosophical foundations of Yoga, the ancient art of unifying the body and mind. Students will learn and practice physical postures (asanas), as well as techniques for proper breathing, relaxation and concentration. An introduction to the philosophy and history of Yoga are included in this study, which students will explore through readings and written assignments. Special attention will be paid to anatomy and kinesiology as it applies to the dancer. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate a kinesthetic awareness of the body, and the ability to use yoga as a tool for enhancing dance training, performance and daily living. This course is repeatable up to four times but will only count for graduation once.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DNC 160
Course Title	DNC 160 Teaching Methods I Class Description This course offers a philosophical and practical foundation for teaching movement-based arts across a variety of genres and ages. Students will be introduced to different educational philosophies while gaining practical skills for effective and safe teaching practices. Course topics include the development of a teaching philosophy, creating lesson plans with goals and objectives, classroom organization and management, basic alignment & kinesiology, technological modifications & enhancements for learning, as well as the impact of social, cultural, and psychological theories in relation to learning. Practical classroom teaching skills will also be studied & practiced; including verbal and hands-on cueing for correcting misalignment, teaching to different communities, the use of live and recorded music, and other topics that develop the confidence and wisdom of the movement teacher. Recommended: Completion of advanced technique level.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 160
Course Title	HWP 160 Yoga I Class Description (Previously PED 160) This activity course introduces students to the art and science of yoga. Emphasis is placed on basic yoga postures (asanas) and accompanying breathing techniques commonly found in Hatha Yoga and other styles. Students will experience many benefits including enhanced muscle tone, flexibility, and relaxation for the body and mind. HWP 160 and KIN 160 are cross-listed.
Credits	1

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
DNC 224	DNC 224 Intermediate Yoga Class Description In this course students will deepen their study and practice of yoga. Students will master the basic knowledge learned in Beginning Yoga, while studying advanced poses and breathing techniques. The course will look more deeply into Indian philosophy, responding in writing to portions of India's classic text, the Bhagavad-Gita. Special attention will be paid to anatomy and kinesiology as it applies to the dancer. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate an advanced kinesthetic awareness of the body, the ability to perform advanced poses, and a deeper understanding of the philosophy and science of yoga. This course may be taken up to four times, but will only count one time towards graduation.	3
KIN 270	KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology Class Description (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.	3
DNC 260	DNC 260 Teaching Methods II Class Description This course advances the content learned in Teaching Methods I, by providing prospective teachers with supervised, field-based teaching experiences. Working within one’s discipline, students will apprentice with a teaching mentor in the classroom: observing, assisting and teaching. Course discussions with peers allow students to give and receive feedback on issues that arise in the studio. Students will ultimately teach movement classes as the lead instructor, demonstrating a strong understanding of the movement form taught, as well as the pedagogical skills needed to meet professional standards. Students will continue to learn the art and business of teaching, as students develop their unique teaching philosophy, and prepare to work in the professional field. Field experiences may include off campus settings, and a background check may be required for certain partnered organizations.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DNC 224
Course Title	DNC 224 Intermediate Yoga Class Description In this course students will deepen their study and practice of yoga. Students will master the basic knowledge learned in Beginning Yoga, while studying advanced poses and breathing techniques. The course will look more deeply into Indian philosophy, responding in writing to portions of India's classic text, the Bhagavad-Gita. Special attention will be paid to anatomy and kinesiology as it applies to the dancer. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate an advanced kinesthetic awareness of the body, the ability to perform advanced poses, and a deeper understanding of the philosophy and science of yoga. This course may be taken up to four times, but will only count one time towards graduation.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 270
Course Title	KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology Class Description (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DNC 260
Course Title	DNC 260 Teaching Methods II Class Description This course advances the content learned in Teaching Methods I, by providing prospective teachers with supervised, field-based teaching experiences. Working within one’s discipline, students will apprentice with a teaching mentor in the classroom: observing, assisting and teaching. Course discussions with peers allow students to give and receive feedback on issues that arise in the studio. Students will ultimately teach movement classes as the lead instructor, demonstrating a strong understanding of the movement form taught, as well as the pedagogical skills needed to meet professional standards. Students will continue to learn the art and business of teaching, as students develop their unique teaching philosophy, and prepare to work in the professional field. Field experiences may include off campus settings, and a background check may be required for certain partnered organizations.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

18

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Dance at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study dance. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Dance Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

Yes! In Teaching Methods II, you apprentice with a teaching mentor in the classroom to observe, assist and teach. By the end of the course, you teach movement classes as the lead instructor. CLC also offers teaching experience in its own Movement Art Labs, where current and recent graduates teach free community classes.
You learn yoga best practices and information related to:
- technique
- pedagogy
- history
- culture
- theory
Yes! Most professional dancers and elite athletes incorporate a yoga practice into their physical training. Yoga practice releases deep habitual tension in the body while strengthening the deep muscles needed to prevent injury. Yoga focuses the mind, calms the nervous system and prepares the practitioner to define and achieve their deepest goals.
It’s up to you—we’re flexible! We have students of all ages and backgrounds, and many work full-time while they attend CLC. The yoga teacher certificate may be completed in two semesters or taken slowly over several years.

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Yoga Teacher

Ground yourself in yoga

What can you do with a Certificate in Yoga Teaching?

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Self-Enrichment Teachers