If you’ve completed your 200-hour yoga teacher training but haven’t yet taken the leap into teaching, you’re not alone.

Many new teachers face the same uncertainty. To help you build confidence and knowledge, here are some strategies, programs, and resources available in Australia that can support your journey to becoming a confident yoga teacher.

1. Start Small and Build Regularity

A great way to begin teaching is to start small. Choose a local park, pick a regular day, and invite a friend or two to join you for practice sessions. This relaxed environment allows you to develop your teaching dialogue and enjoy the process without pressure.

Practising regularly in this way will naturally boost your confidence and smooth the transition to teaching more formal classes.

• Host “Practice & Play” sessions in local parks (check council permits)
• Organize small group classes in community spaces
• Offer lunch-break sessions at your workplace
• Lead online classes for friends and family

2. Consider Advanced Training

As your confidence grows, it might be time to consider advanced training. Continuing your education is key to deepening your practice and refining your teaching skills. Take your time to research and find a trainer that resonates with you. For example:

• Sukha Mukha Community in Sydney offers advanced teacher training, which can be completed as a full program or in separate modules. Their supportive and knowledgeable trainers are known for helping new teachers build confidence.
• BodyMindLife has been a leader in the yoga community, offering excellent support for new teachers. It’s worth contacting them to see what advanced training opportunities they currently offer.

3. Utilize Online Resources

Online resources can also be incredibly helpful, especially if you find a program that aligns with your style. Websites like Yoga Australia, Yoga International and even Gaia provide many resources for teachers at all levels.

I personally enjoyed At Home With Tanya, which offers online classes and mini-courses. I believe she is based in Bali.

4. Plan, Practice, and Speak

Begin planning your classes, even if you’re not yet teaching. Prepare a class and practice teaching it aloud as if you were instructing a real group. This exercise will help you find your teaching voice and prepare you to teach actual students.

Pro Tip: Record yourself teaching. Analyze your language, pacing, and instructions. Practice with your recording.

5. Explore Mentorship Opportunities

If you’re seeking more personalized guidance, consider finding a mentor. For example:

• Earth & Sky Yoga Studio offers one-on-one mentorship programs to support and prepare new teachers. Many teachers have found these mentorships invaluable in building confidence and refining their teaching approach.
• Yoga Australia provides a comprehensive list of registered Level 3 mentors, many of whom offer their services for free. Finding a mentor who aligns with your goals can be a game-changer in your teaching journey.

6. Just Start Teaching

Ultimately, the best way to build confidence is to start teaching, even if it’s just for friends, family, or at a smaller studio that supports new teachers.

Experience is the greatest teacher—don’t worry about making mistakes, as they are an essential part of the learning process. As you teach more, you’ll develop your unique style and gain clarity on what additional training (if any) you might want to pursue in the future.

Remember, there’s no fixed path to becoming a confident yoga teacher. It’s all about finding what works for you, continuing your practice, and embracing the journey. Every class you teach, no matter how small, brings you one step closer to becoming the teacher you aspire to be.

Stay connected with the broader yoga community through events, workshops, and Facebook groups. Your teaching journey is unique – embrace the learning process and trust in your ability to share yoga’s transformative power.