200-hour foundations program components
We delve into the multi-dimensional and complex world of yoga through direct instruction, self-study, observation, and contemplation. Participants will be exposed to a wide range of topics, and sample the expert teaching of our roster of guest faculty which include the country’s most prominent teachers.
NOTE: Our next training will begin September 2025! As we take the year off to refine and rejuvenate our In-Depth programs, we invite you to get a head start by sampling our classes, workshops, and community so that together we can start our next cohort with refreshed energy. Plan ahead to join next year’s cohort by previewing the application here.
“I chose Sun & Moon’s teacher training for several reasons. I like that Sun and Moon is a small, local business in the area for 25 years. That’s a huge accomplishment. Looking through the bios on the website of the teachers involved in the training, all have 15+ years teaching experience. I like the feel of the studio... classes don’t feel competitive like I’ve experienced in some studios, and it’s a learning environment.”
Together, the Foundations Cohort attends:
140 hours of live, in-person coursework led by senior Sun & Moon faculty. This is where the bulk of instruction, inspiration, and interaction with the cohort will happen! These sessions will begin in September and finish in June, and include:
FIVE weekend immersions (Saturday & Sunday 12:30p - 5:30p) focused on alignment principles, styles of practice, anatomical systems, subtle systems, special populations, and Ayurveda
TEN Friday evenings (monthly, 6:30p - 8:30p) of teaching methodology, practice teaching, and posture exploration
TWO guest teacher weekends (10 hours total from Friday evening - Sunday afternoon) featuring Theresa Murphy and Baxter Bell
FIVE weekday evening mini courses (7:30p - 9:00p) each mini-course lasting either 6 or 7 weeks on the topics of history, philosophy, and yoga culture; Sanskrit, mantra & chanting; meditation; pranayama; and the Yoga Sutras – 3 of the mini-courses will be held in the Arlington studio on Wednesday evenings, and the other 2 will be held in the Fairfax studio on Thursday evenings.
All sessions will be lives-treamed on Zoom and recorded. The program requires participants to attend 75% of these sessions live (whether in-person or on Zoom); 25% may be viewed asynchronously. Those attending live on Zoom will have ample opportunity to interact with those in the room.
Independently, participants attend:
20-hour online ‘Yoga Anatomy Fundamentals Course’ with acclaimed teachers Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews including pre-recorded video content, transcripts and handouts
1 weekly yoga class (live on Zoom or in-person) at Sun & Moon for the duration of the program
15 observations of Sun & Moon yoga classes (five classes per quarter for three quarters)
2 elective workshops presented by Sun & Moon teachers
Participants receive:
In addition to the live training and components above, Sun & Moon provides students with all the supplemental materials and support they need to be successful, including the resources below.
Framework manual of program content, organized by topic, keywords, and specific areas of study, with room for personal notes and additional handouts from presenting faculty
Ongoing evaluation of their practice teaching
Ongoing mentoring and support
Access to large library of alumni student projects
Participants complete:
To cultivate student’s competence and confidence along the learning path, students will complete the following during and at completion of the program.
Yoga Anatomy unit quizzes and homework assignments based on the material
Sample lesson plans for varying class levels
Assigned readings from provided reading list
Final culminating project
Comprehensive take-home final exam
“I’m beyond grateful to have had such a rich and life changing experience with you and the many generous and skilled teachers at Sun & Moon. It is because of this wonderful and loving community that I have found true joy.”
