Choosing the Perfect Yoga Teacher for Your Yoga Studio

As a studio owner, one of your biggest business decisions is who to hire as a teacher. The right instructor can become the heart of your studio, attracting tons of devoted students who rave about their classes. But the wrong hire can influence your studio’s reputation. So, finding an experienced teacher with the perfect personality for your studio is key.

While there are so many talented teachers, you need someone who aligns with your mission and teaching style. Taking the time upfront to evaluate candidates carefully will pay off if you find that dream fit. Follow these steps to find extraordinary teachers who will take your studio to the next level!

Discover what you want in a teacher

Before looking at resumes, get super clear on the qualities, credentials, and traits your ideal teacher has. Outline the must-haves versus nice-to-haves so you can effectively evaluate applicants.

Personality and characteristics‍

A teacher's personality goes such a long way! Since they'll interact with students a ton, consider what traits would fit best:

• An outgoing, charismatic teacher who connects personally with students?
• A calm, grounded presence providing a relaxing vibe?
• Someone strict about proper form with hands-on adjustments?
• A light-hearted teacher who brings humor to class?

List the top personality traits that embody your dream yoga teacher. This helps you see who would blend well with your studio's style and community.

Experience and qualifications‍

Outline what level of experience, training, and qualifications you require:

• Minimum years teaching specific styles
• Specific trainings or certifications
• Continuing ed requirements
• Ability to teach gentle, flow, hot yoga, etc.
• Background in meditation, pranayama, philosophy

Think about what competencies teachers need to rock the classes on your schedule. Define the credentials and skills you need.

Comfort and fit‍

A teacher's style should fit your studio's mission and class offerings. Before hiring, figure out:

• What yoga style or focus do you want them to have expertise in?
• Do they emphasize spiritual, fitness, or therapeutic aspects that match your approach?
• Do they teach at an appropriate pace and level for your students?
• Does their class structure and sequencing align with your flow?

Reflecting on the ideal traits, credentials, and style will make it much easier to assess whether candidates are a good match.

Research potential candidates

Once you're clear on your perfect teacher, start researching and connecting with promising prospects. Ways to find qualified candidates:

Online presence and reviews

• Search local teachers online and browse their sites, social media, and reviews. Evaluate their qualifications, personality, style, and feedback.
• Look for teachers visibly promoting continuing education and development. Shows commitment to improving their craft.
• Reach out to promising fits to share your interest and invite them to apply.

Evaluation methods

• Have candidates submit an application outlining qualifications, experience, style, and development goals.
• Request video of them teaching so you can directly observe their skills in action.
• If possible, take an in-person class with the teacher before hiring them. Experience their abilities first-hand.
• Do phone or video interviews to assess teaching philosophy, communication skills, and overall fit.

Vetting instructors thoroughly beforehand using these methods helps ensure you select the very best for your student's needs!

Interview and hire your yoga teacher

Once you've identified promising candidates through research and evaluations, it's time to interview further. Use these meetings to gain deeper insight into whether the teacher is truly the right match.

Ask key questions‍

Prepare questions that dive into important areas like:

• Their full teaching background includes years of experience, training, specialized skills, and development goals. Look for commitment to continuous improvement!
• How they plan classes, sequence postures, and accommodate different levels.
• Examples of how they provide alignment cues, adjustments, motivation, and spiritual guidance.
• How they interact with students and build community outside of class.
• Their teaching philosophy and what motivates them. How it aligns with your studio.
• Scenarios about challenging students/situations to gauge their judgment, ethics, and maturity.

Let natural discussion flow while covering these key topics. Listen closely for any red flags.

Outline agreements‍

Before officially bringing a teacher onto your team, outline compensation, benefits, schedule, policies, etc., in a detailed contract. Key points to cover include:

• Hourly or class rate
• Perks like free membership, retreat discounts, and continuing education funding—make it attractive!
• Expected weekly schedule and minimum commitment
• Substitute teacher policies
• Training on studio policies and procedures
• Safety and ethics guidelines
• Probationary period and performance metrics

Reviewing all expectations thoroughly means you start working together seamlessly! 

Maintaining a positive relationship

Once you've found an amazing teacher, you want to keep them long-term! Follow these best practices for retaining top talent:

Open communication

• Regularly check in on what's going well and where they may need support. Maintain an open door!
• Provide regular, constructive feedback so they can continue improving their skills.
• Recognize achievements like welcoming new students or nailing workshops. Positive reinforcement is motivating!

Competitive compensation and benefits

• Benchmark and adjust pay rates yearly to keep compensation competitive.
• Reward loyalty by incrementally increasing pay and bonuses over time.
• Offer perks like paid retreats, continuing education funding, leadership opportunities. Investing in their growth shows value!
• Measure rankings with Walla's teacher ranking report to get insights on their performance!

Keeping your teachers satisfied, growing, and progressing reduces turnover and retains gifted instructors. This continuity benefits students and your studio significantly!

Finding exceptional yoga teachers starts with identifying the specific qualifications, characteristics, and teaching styles your studio needs. Vet candidates thoroughly through research, interviews, and observing them in action. Once hired, maintain positive relationships by providing excellent compensation, professional development, open communication, and recognition. Taking the time upfront and continuing to support your teachers will build an incredible, loyal staff. Your students will totally feel the difference, keeping your schedules full and your fitness community vibrant.