The Yoga Acharya Program

The word Acharya (आचार्य) carries deep significance in the yogic tradition — it means one who teaches not merely with words, but through the power of their own lived example. Bodhi School of Yoga's Yoga Acharya Program is crafted for accomplished senior teachers who feel the calling to rise beyond teaching classes and step into the sacred role of mentoring, guiding, and producing the next generation of skilled yoga trainers.

Over six transformative months, you will develop the pedagogical depth, communication mastery, curriculum design skills, and leadership presence needed to lead Teacher Training Programs (TTPs) independently — carrying the Bodhi legacy forward with integrity and excellence.

आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया।

"One quarter is received from the teacher, one quarter the student discovers through their own intelligence."

— Taittirīya Upaniṣad

Syllabus

Foundations of Acharya Pedagogy

Role and responsibilities of an Acharya
Adult learning theory (andragogy)
Teaching philosophies in yoga education
Designing learning outcomes
Yoga Alliance standards & ethics
Overview of 200hr & 300hr TTC structure

Advanced Anatomy & Applied Philosophy

Biomechanics for yoga teachers
Teaching anatomy to teacher trainees
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras — teaching methodology
Hatha Yoga Pradipika deep study
Ayurveda integration in TTC
Philosophy for modern Western learners

Curriculum Design & Session Planning

Writing lesson plans for teacher trainees
Scaffolding progressive skill development
Designing practicum components
Building daily schedules for immersive TTCs
Assessment design & grading rubrics
Creating online TTC modules

Advanced Communication & Mentorship

Feedback frameworks for student teachers
Coaching vs. teaching distinctions
Handling difficult students in TTC
Creating psychological safety in training
Cross-cultural communication
Voice, presence, and facilitation skills

Supervised Practicum — Lead a TTC Module

Co-facilitate a live Bodhi TTC session
Supervised teaching of anatomy modules
Lead philosophy discussions for trainees
Conduct and evaluate mock-teach sessions
Peer review and structured debrief
Senior mentor observation & assessment

Capstone — Design & Present Your Own TTC

Design a complete 200hr TTC program
Present curriculum to Bodhi faculty panel
Final viva and competency assessment
Bodhi Acharya certification ceremony
Onboarding as Bodhi Acharya faculty
Business of running a yoga school

Eligibility & Pre-requisites for The Yoga Acharya Program

The Yoga Acharya Program is selective by design. It is intended for seasoned senior teachers with proven experience — not for beginners or early-career instructors. Meeting these requirements ensures every cohort maintains the depth and quality that the Acharya title demands.

Who Should Apply?

Certified yoga teachers holding a minimum 200hr (RYT-200) qualification from a Yoga Alliance–recognised school
Minimum 1 years of active teaching experience with a consistent student base
Strong command of yoga philosophy, asana, pranayama, and anatomy
Deep enthusiasm for the practice and a genuine calling to shape future teachers
Strong communication skills — verbal clarity, empathy, and the ability to hold space
Experience assisting or co-facilitating in a TTC setting is an advantage
Commitment to attend all live sessions and complete all assignments on time

What Do You Need?

Technology Requirements : Laptop or desktop with a good webcam, stable internet connection (min. 10 Mbps), Zoom, and Google Meet installed
Practice Space: A quiet, distraction-free space with enough room to demonstrate asanas and conduct live teaching practicum sessions.
Study Materials : A dedicated notebook, access to core texts (Yoga Sutras, HYP), and willingness to engage deeply with reading assignments each week.
Time Commitment : Minimum 8–10 hours per week across live sessions, self-study, and practicum preparation over the 6-month period.