115: The Case For Teaching Leveled Classes
The thinking behind this episode has been a long time in the making. I haven't talked about this much publicly, but If you've done 1x1 mentoring with me, if you’ve taken my group classes, if you're in The Mentor Session Sangha, or if you’ve taken a teacher training with me, then you’ve heard me talk about it....
...and today I’m publicly making The Case for Teaching Leveled Classes.
I haven't talked about it publicly because it's nuanced and complex and challenging to present in a one-sided conversation. So what I hope to share today are some questions to help you reflect on your teaching as an individual, some questions to help you reflect on the institutions you are teaching at, and some questions for us as a wider yoga community.
In this episode you’ll hear:
why I think leveled classes can be helpful for both teachers and students
how to create leveled classes and still dismantle the notion of hierarchical progress in yoga
the different language we use to talk about “Open Level” classes, and what actually happens most often
what I think belongs in an “advanced” yoga class
how leveled classes have the opportunity to be more accessible, not less
why a beginner’s class is not the same things as a gentle class
how to support a student who has been in a Level 1 class for many years
the difference between something being taught or “offered”
where to take this conversation deeper!
Resources Mentioned:
Join The Mentor Sessions Sangha here: yogateachercommunity.com
My virtual studio Stillness + Movement
Thank you to OfferingTree for sponsoring this episode! Visit OfferingTree at www.offeringtree.com/mentorand you’ll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan). OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up and I’m proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.