Written by:
Jess Rose
Read time:
3
min
Key Takeaways
Effective cues and creative sequences are the two fundamental elements that distinguish exceptional yoga teachers from average ones
A really good yoga teacher checks 6-8 boxes on this scorecard; very few will check all 11, and that's perfectly fine
Use this framework to understand what you're receiving from a teacher, not to judge them as 'good' or 'bad'
Finding a really good yoga teacher can transform your practice. But it can be tricky to put into words what you're looking for in a teacher, what you're missing, or what you really appreciate. This scorecard will help you with that. I created it based on what I've observed in truly outstanding yoga teachers over years of practice and training. It give you 11 concrete criteria to evaluate a yoga teacher. Alright, here we go:
1. Multiple Styles
Do they teach more than one style of yoga? Different styles serve different purposes. Vinyasa builds heat. Yin targets connective tissue. Restorative supports recovery. Versatile teachers can meet you where you are on any given day.
2. Yoga Beyond Stretching
Do they offer meditation, breathwork, chanting, or other yogic practices? This shows they understand yoga as a comprehensive system, not just physical exercise.
3. Effective Cues
Do they give clear, specific instructions you can actually follow? Compare "relax your shoulders" (vague) to "slide your shoulder blades down your back like they're melting toward your hips" (actionable). Great cues make the difference between confusion and confidence.
4. Helpful Advice
Do they offer specific solutions to specific questions? When you ask about wrist pain in downward dog, do you get generic platitudes or actionable guidance?
5. Pose Modifications
Do they cue multiple ways to perform poses from easier to more advanced? Bodies are different. Hip sockets vary in depth. Proportions differ. Flexibility ranges widely based on bone structure, not just how much you stretch. Good teachers make yoga accessible for every body.
6. Use of Props
Do they teach you how to use blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets? Props aren't training wheels you graduate from. They're intelligent adaptations that help every body access proper alignment.
7. Creative Sequences
Do they surprise you with flows you've never done before? Great sequencing is like composing music. Each pose is a note, and skilled teachers arrange them into something that builds, peaks, and resolves beautifully.
8. Knowledge Love-Bombs
Do you learn new things in their classes about the yoga tradition, anatomy, the subtle body, or other interesting subjects? You should leave every class having learned something valuable, not just completed a workout.
9. Yogic Worldview
Do they translate personal experiences into themes that help you live a more meaningful life? Teachers who genuinely live yogic principles and connect ancient teachings to modern challenges offer rare wisdom.
10. Good Explanations
Can they explain difficult concepts simply? The best teachers make complex anatomy and philosophy understandable without oversimplifying. This reveals both deep knowledge and teaching talent.
11. Inspiration
Do they inspire you to deepen your practice and evolve as a human? Exceptional teachers embody what they teach. Their presence creates transformation, not just a good workout.
How To Use This Scorecard
You can use the scorecard in three ways:
A) For Choosing A YTT Leader: Take their classes, watch their videos, see how many boxes they check. Your training leader's approach will deeply influence your own teaching style. B) For Evaluating Your Current Teacher: This helps you understand what you're receiving and whether it aligns with what you're looking for. It's not about judging them as 'good' or 'bad.' It's about clarity. C) For Self-Assessment: If you teach, evaluate yourself honestly. Where do you excel? Where could you grow? This helps you focus your continuing education.
I hope this helps you!
FAQ
Should I expect my yoga teacher to check all 11 boxes?
Very few teachers will check all 11 boxes. This represents an exceptionally comprehensive skill set. More important to understand what you're receiving and whether it aligns with your current needs. A teacher who checks 6-8 boxes is really good already. Different stages of practice may require different teacher strengths: beginners need clear cues and modifications, while advanced students might prioritize creative sequencing and philosophy.
What are the most important criteria if I'm choosing a yoga teacher training leader?
Versatility, effective cues and creative sequences are the fundamental elements that distinguish amazing teachers. Multiple styles and yoga beyond stretching show breadth of knowledge you'll learn from. Good explanations and helpful advice indicate they can actually teach, not just practice, yoga. Yogic worldview matters because you'll be spending 200+ hours with this person and their values will influence your development.
As a new yoga teacher, how do I develop skills in areas where I'm weak?
Figure out if you're missing knowledge, or if you just need to practice to get better at bringing what you know into your classes. If you're missing knowledge, decide if you want to invest in specialty programs to boost knowledge in certain areas, or if you want to take another yoga teacher training. Depending on how much you're missing it might make sense (and be cheaper) to join another 200 or 300 Hour YTT.
