Instructor school

Learn. Teach. Grow.

Instructor school

Through two different training levels, learn YFFR’s unique and effective Protocol for yourself and how to deliver it to your local first responders and military.

 

Choose to attend a training as an individual, send members of your department to our trainings, or host a training at your facility.

​

Instructor School can be used as Continuing Education for Yoga Alliance International.

upcoming instructor schools

​

Class 014 - Levels 1 & 2

Chicago, IL

January 25-29, 2021

*Registration closed*

​

Class 015 - Levels 1 & 2

Lackland AFB, TX

February 19-24, 2021

*Registration open*

Click here to register now

sign up for instructor school notifications

Instructor school levels

Foundations Training

This 8-hour online course educates participants on:

  • History of YogaShield Yoga For First Responders
  • The original intention of yoga and what yoga is not
  • Functions of the nervous system
  • Neurobiology of stress and trauma
  • Ingredients to Mindfulness
  • The 3 Principles of Resilience
  • What makes YFFR unique - Culture and Methodology
  • Introduction to YFFR Methodology (Yoga Class)
  • Specific techniques to practice immediately
  • Next steps for bringing YFFR to more people and departments
After this training, participants will understand the why and how of yoga and its benefit for public safety and military. Participants will be able to practice the principles of YFFR for themselves, as well as properly educate others in an informal setting on YFFR culture and methodology and why it is a distinct and unique program. Participants who successfully complete Foundations Training will be given access to 1 year of YogaShield's Cyber Academy. Foundations Training is not intended to train someone to be an Instructor, and participants are not certified to teach YFFR Protocol. Participants are qualified to act as a champion for our work and a connector to more opportunities to further the mission. Foundations is perfect for:
  • Clinicians
  • Social workers
  • Command staff
  • Administrators
  • Wellness Coordinator
  • Peer Fitness and Peer Support Trainers
  • First responders
  • Military
  • Family of first responders and military
Anyone who is looking for additional tools in their toolbox, further education and understanding of stress management and resilience, or to arm themselves with language and logistics for buy-in from their department, but may not be ready or desiring to become an Instructor themself. Prerequisites:
  • None
Post Training Requirements:
  • Online Evaluation
Foundation Training is currently only being offered as a part of Level 1 or combined Level 1 and 2 Instructor Schools.



Level 1: Basic Training

This three day Instructor School certifies you to: Teach YFFR Protocol through official programming in a public safety or military environment Participants will receive:

  • Foundations Training
  • Cultural competency classes for Law Enforcement and Fire Service
  • A breakdown of the YFFR protocol
  • Three standardized YFFR classes
  • Best practices and smart teaching tools for yoga instruction
  • A deeper look at the science of yoga as it relates to trauma
  • The Western and Eastern science behind YFFR protocol
  • 4 YFFR Mat Class Workshops
  • Personal Areas of Excellence Practices
  • Professional Areas of Excellence (YFFR Standard Operating Procedures)
  • Squad (small group) Breakout Sessions and Practice Teaching
  • An overview of trauma-specific yoga and cognitive training techniques
  • YFFR Instructor Manual with extensive reference materials
  • Access to 1 year of YogaShield's Cyber Academy (On Demand short yoga classes, workshops, and instructors-only information)
  • Digital Instructor Toolkit to support you after training (must successfully complete practical and written test)
  • Licensing agreement to use YFFR’s trademarked name and material (must successfully complete practical and written test)
After this training attendees will know how to teach the YFFR Protocol to first responders in department settings. By the end of Level 1 Instructor School attendees will have the tools to practice the techniques of YFFR Protocol themselves, speak authentically about yoga and the YFFR mission, and teach the YFFR Protocol with a high level of effectiveness and professionalism. Participants who successfully complete Level 1: Basic Training are known as Instructor 1. Instructors will be expected to uphold YFFR’s Personal and Professional Areas of Excellence including:
  • Code of conduct
  • Internal and external communication protocols
  • Demonstrate tactical and cultural competency
  • Effectively explain the science and methodology behind the YFFR Protocol
*Note:
  • Instructor 1 are not certified to teach YFFR Structured Curriculum in Training Academies or In-Service Training until attending Level 2
  • Outside training requirements must be completed before certification
  • Instructors will sign a licensing agreement to use YFFR’s name, logo, and material upon completion of training requirements
  • An Instructor Agreement is required of all YFFR Instructors in order to track classes
Level 1: Basic Training is perfect for:
  • Anyone who has a desire to teach yoga to first responders using a field-tested and structured approach. This could mean officially within a department setting, informally in a community setting, or adding these techniques to their personal practice such as a clinician or peer support leader.
Prerequisites:
  • Foundations Training (currently included in Level 1)
Post Training Requirements:
  • Online, open book written test
  • Documentation of 5 classes taught



Level 2: Advanced Operations & Tactics

This six day Instructor School (includes Levels 1 & 2) certifies you to:

  • Instruct YFFR Protocol using YFFR’s official and structured curriculum for:
  • Academy Programs
  • Training Demo Workshops
  • In-service Trainings
  • Conference presentations
  • Assist with big events and presentations
  • Possibly lead and manage the YFFR programs for a certain city or region (upon acceptance to position)
Participants will receive:
  • Introduction to Tactical Skills for Law Enforcement and Fire Service
  • Techniques for Optimizing Human Performance
  • Breaking Down YFFR Training Curriculum for Recruit Academies and In-Service Training
  • 8 YFFR Mat Class Workshops
  • Fascia Release Techniques for Optimal Mobility
  • Peak Performance Drills
  • Breakout Sessions and Discussion
  • Practice Teaching
  • Standard Neurological Reset practices (similar to Yoga Nidra)
  • Access to 1 year of YogaShield's Cyber Academy (On Demand short yoga classes, workshops and instructors-only information.)
  • Digital Instructor Toolkit to support you after training (must successfully complete outside training requirements)
  • Licensing agreement to use YFFR’s Structured Training Curriculum (must successfully complete outside training requirements and have a Service Agreement or Instructor Agreement in place.)
After this training, attendees will know how to teach the YFFR Protocol to first responders in official training environments. By the end of Level 2 Instructor School, attendees will have the tools to practice the techniques of YFFR Protocol themselves, speak authentically about yoga and the YFFR mission, and teach the YFFR Protocol with a high level of effectiveness and professionalism. Participants who successfully complete Level 2: Advanced Operations & Tactics are known as Instructor 2. Instructors will be expected to:
  • Represent YFFR at a higher level of professionalism
  • Exemplify YFFR values of professional excellence in training and cultural competency
  • Uphold Standard Operating Procedures for YFFR teaching programs
  • Adhere to structured curriculum while practicing adaptability of curriculum when needed
Prerequisites:
  • Foundations
  • Level 1: Basic Training (included in 6 day trainings)
Post Training Requirements:
  • Ride-alongs (for civilians)
  • Written essay
  • Required reading
Resource Video



 

What people are saying

I work in law enforcement and I practice yoga. Neither seem to fit with each other, yet I knew it would be a good match. My YFFR Teacher Training took a good mix of LE and Yogis and blended them together - each learning from each others experience. The curriculum lended itself to find the common ground we are all after: emotional and physical well being.

-Kortney S., Phoenix, AZ

* YogaShield® Yoga For First Responders® reserves the right to accept or reject the participation of any person in its sole discretion and in accordance with its policies and the law.

© 2020 YogaShield YogaForFirstResponders is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization  |  EIN: 81-2161762

834-F S Perry Street #1191 | Castle Rock, CO 80104

Designed by: Stephanie Wharton

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube