TREE OF INDIA SCHOOL OF YOGA
300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training
AMERICAN YOGA COUNCIL LEVEL 2
How does this compare to the Yoga Alliance 500-Hour credential?
The 300-Hour Advanced Studies in Yoga program is credentialed through the American Yoga Council (AYC) as a Level 2 advanced yoga teacher training. AYC and Yoga Alliance are independent credentialing organizations, and their designations are not interchangeable.
For teachers familiar with the Yoga Alliance system, the 300-hour program represents the next level of yoga teacher education, building upon foundational teacher training through 300 hours of advanced study, practice, teaching, and integration. As with the Yoga Alliance credentialing system, students who have already completed a 200-hour teacher training will have completed 500 hours of yoga teacher education upon completing this program.
Our decision to credential through the American Yoga Council reflects our commitment to an educational model that prioritizes depth of study, personal practice, teaching skill, and authentic engagement with the yoga tradition. The curriculum is designed first around the formation of thoughtful, skillful, grounded yoga practitioners and teachers, with AYC standards providing an important framework for the program.
Deepen Your Practice.
Deepen Your Understanding.
300-Hours of Advanced Studies in Yoga
The 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training at the Tree of India School of Yoga is designed for experienced yoga teachers and serious practitioners who are ready to take their understanding and practice of yoga to a deeper level. Building on the foundations of a regular studio practice or previous teacher training, the program creates space to explore yoga more fully as a tradition, a personal path, a practice, and a way of life.
What to expect
The Tree of India School of Yoga offers an immersive advanced study experience rooted in the living tradition of yoga as taught through the lineage of Swami Kripalvananda. Our approach is grounded in the Kripalu tradition of tantric hatha yoga, emphasizing self-observation, compassionate awareness, and the awakening of prana through disciplined practice. Classical hatha yoga, mindful movement, breathwork, meditation, and introspective awareness come together throughout the program.
Across 15 weekend intensives, students will explore yoga philosophy and sacred texts, Haṭha Yoga and Tantra, asana, subtle-body practices, pranayama, meditation, mantra, sādhanā, and the art of teaching. The training also includes intelligent sequencing, theme weaving, adaptive and inclusive practices, Yin and Restorative Yoga, private yoga, ethics, and the teacher-student relationship.
The program goes beyond what is possible in a typical one-hour studio class. There is time to slow down, study, practice, ask questions, observe, reflect, and experience yoga from multiple dimensions. Teachers will refine their skills and develop greater depth, discernment, and authenticity in their teaching, while serious practitioners can immerse themselves more fully in the study and practice of yoga.
Through weekend immersions, guided personal practice, teaching labs, group discussion, mentorship, independent study, and personal sādhanā, students are encouraged to approach yoga as a living inquiry—to observe, to feel, to question, and to discover. Rather than defining “advanced” by increasingly difficult physical practices, the program invites students to explore what becomes possible when knowledge, practice, teaching, and lived experience come together.
The 15 Modules
The 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training is organized into 15 distinct modules, each offering 20 hours of focused study, practice, and application. The modules may be completed in any order and are offered on a rotating basis, allowing students to enter the program at any point and progress at a pace that fits their lives.
1. Foundations: History, Philosophy & Sāṃkhya
Explore the roots and evolution of yoga, from its Vedic and philosophical foundations through contemporary practice. This module introduces Sāṃkhya, Pātañjala Yoga, and the changing purposes and expressions of yoga throughout history.
2. Asana as a Path to Awareness
Explore asana as a spiritual practice and a doorway into deeper awareness, rather than as a pursuit of physical achievement. Drawing from the teachings of Swami Kripalu, explore the body as a container for prāṇa and the practice of asana as a means of cultivating, directing, and integrating energy.
Through sustained practice, breath, inner awareness, and attention to sensation, students investigate what arises beneath the surface of the physical practice—including tension, emotion, habitual patterns, and resistance. Study the principles of building a strong and stable container, meeting experience without judgment or suppression, and allowing practice to become a pathway toward greater integration, healing, and freedom.
3. Gentle Yoga & Chair Yoga
Explore gentle yoga and chair yoga as intentional, skillful methodologies rather than simply modified versions of a more vigorous practice. Study pacing, breath-centered movement, props, functional variation, accessibility, and the art of teaching with greater subtlety and awareness.
4. Dynamic Vinyasa
Deepen your understanding of intelligent sequencing and dynamic movement. Explore class architecture, breath-centered movement, transitions, pacing, cueing, observation, voice, presence, adaptation, and the integration of theme and intention.
5. Haṭha Yoga, Tantra & the Subtle Body
Explore the origins and development of Haṭha Yoga and its relationship to Tantra, Nātha traditions, and Śaiva philosophy. Study traditional models of the subtle body, including prāṇa, nāḍīs, cakras, kuṇḍalinī, and the pañca kośas, while learning to distinguish traditional teachings from contemporary interpretations.
6. Working with the Subtle Body: Breath, Energy & Practice
Deepen your understanding of prāṇa and the energetic dimensions of yoga through pranayama, vāyus, nāḍī practices, bandha, mudrā, kriyā, cakra practices, mantra, and concentration. Emphasis is placed on experiential practice, traditional context, and responsible teaching.
7. Meditation, Mantra & Sādhanā
Explore meditation, mantra, japa, Sanskrit terminology and pronunciation, Yoga Nidra, and the development of personal sādhanā. Learn to cultivate a sustained personal practice and thoughtfully guide others in inner practices.
8. The Yoga Sūtra
Study Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra as both a philosophical text and a practical guide to the path of yoga. Explore citta, the kleśas, karma and saṃskāra, abhyāsa and vairāgya, meditation, samādhi, and the pursuit of discernment and liberation.
9. Bhagavad Gītā & Living Yoga
Study the Bhagavad Gītā and its teachings on dharma, karma yoga, bhakti, jñāna, meditation, action, renunciation, and devotion. Consider how these teachings can move beyond philosophy and become part of everyday life and practice.
10. The Art of Theme Weaving
Learn to bring yoga philosophy and sacred teachings into the classroom through theme, metaphor, poetry, storytelling, and personal insight. Explore how to make philosophy experiential and authentic rather than simply delivering a lecture, and develop the ability to weave a meaningful theme throughout a class.
11. Yin & Restorative Yoga
Study Yin and Restorative Yoga as distinct methodologies, each with its own purpose and approach. Explore sustained shapes, sensation, functional variation, supported postures, rest, breath, nervous-system regulation, props, and adaptive teaching.
12. Private Yoga
Learn the skills needed to work with students in an individualized setting. Explore intake, listening, observation, assessment, planning, communication, boundaries, adaptation, evaluation, and creating practices that respond to the person who is actually in front of you.
13. The Teacher as Guide
Explore the responsibilities and relationships that come with being a yoga teacher. Topics include ethics, consent, boundaries, trauma-aware teaching, student agency, accessibility, inclusive language, scope of practice, communication, and professional responsibility.
14. Independent Study, Teaching Practicum & Integration
Students present their independent study work, teach a portion of a class or practice related to their area of inquiry, receive peer and faculty feedback, and participate in facilitated discussion around integrating their learning into their teaching.
This culminating module is for students completing the full 300-hour program toward their AYC advanced teacher credential. It brings together the independent study, teaching practicum, and learning developed throughout the program in a final experience of presentation, reflection, feedback, and integration.
15. Integration & Professional Path
Bring together the knowledge, practices, and teaching skills developed throughout the program. Reflect on your personal sādhanā, teaching, relationship to the tradition, and growth as a practitioner and teacher while identifying meaningful next steps and developing an authentic professional path with mentorship from the Lead Teacher.
This culminating module is for students completing the full 300-hour program toward their AYC advanced teacher credential. Students integrate their learning across the program, reflect on their development as practitioners and teachers, and explore meaningful next steps for their continued practice and professional path.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions?
What will you learn?
Our curriculum is designed to meet the competency requirements of American Yoga Council Level 2 while going beyond minimum credentialing requirements to reflect the educational philosophy of Tree of India School of Yoga.
By the end of this program, graduates will be able to:
-
Design and teach integrated yoga classes that weave asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy, and thematic intention through purposeful sequencing.
-
Create and teach thematic yoga classes that integrate philosophy, sacred texts, metaphor, poetry, storytelling, or personal insight into the practice.
-
Teach and guide students using verbal cueing, observation, communication, and appropriate assisting skills that support safety, agency, understanding, and inner awareness.
-
Demonstrate proficiency in asana by applying breath, awareness, functional alignment, energetic principles, transitions, and appropriate adaptation.
-
Demonstrate and perform pranayama, meditation, kriya, mudra, bandha, and chanting practices from the program curriculum.
-
Practice and demonstrate a consistent personal sadhana incorporating asana, pranayama, meditation, svadhyaya, reflection, and other appropriate practices.
-
Describe and compare the historical and philosophical development of yoga across Vedic, Upanishadic, Sankhya, Patanjala, Hatha, and Tantric traditions and apply this understanding to contemporary yoga practice.
-
Explain and discuss foundational teachings from the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and selected Tantric texts and apply their teachings to yoga practice and teaching.
-
Describe, compare, and contrast foundational principles of Tantra, including relevant Shaiva and Hatha perspectives, and apply this understanding appropriately to yoga practice and teaching.
-
Apply functional anatomy, biomechanics, skeletal variation, connective tissue principles, pain science, and knowledge of the nervous and respiratory systems to the analysis and adaptation of yoga practices.
-
Discuss and apply ethical principles, healthy boundaries, consent, communication, scope of practice, and trauma-aware teaching principles in relationships with students.
-
Create and apply inclusive and adaptive yoga practices that respond appropriately to differences in age, ability, body, experience, and individual needs.
-
Apply an appropriate intake, observation, and planning process to private yoga sessions and create individualized practices within the teacher's scope of practice.
-
Discuss and apply principles of mentorship, self-reflection, continuing education, and professional development to the ongoing evolution of personal practice and teaching.
-
Describe and apply principles of sustainable professional practice and develop an authentic professional path that reflects ethical communication, professional boundaries, continuing education, and basic financial considerations.
India Immersion
Take Your Studies Deeper in India
Every one to two years, Tree of India School of Yoga offers an immersive educational journey to India, providing students with the opportunity to experience yoga, culture, history, and spiritual traditions firsthand.
Participation in the India Immersion is completely optional and is not required to complete the 300-hour training. Students enrolled in the 300-hour program will be offered a significant discount on the cost of the immersion.
With approval from the Lead Teacher, participation in an India Immersion may also be incorporated into a student's Independent Study module, allowing the experience to become part of their individual area of study and exploration.
Jessica is currently planning the next Tree of India India Immersion for early 2028.
If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Jessica for more information at oxcomyoga@gmail.com.
Program Tuition
$300 one-time program enrollment fee
$300 per module, paid as you progress
Students who choose to pursue the complete 300-hour program pay a one-time $300 enrollment fee, followed by $300 for each module as they complete it. There is no requirement to pay the full program tuition upfront.
The program is offered through 15 weekend modules of approximately 20 hours each, generally scheduled once a month with intentional breaks throughout the year. Students may begin with any module and complete the curriculum in any order, at a pace that fits their lives and schedules. There is no required cohort start date or completion timeline.
Total cost to complete the full 300-hour program: $4,800
($300 enrollment fee + 15 modules at $300 each)
Individual Modules
Individual modules are also open to students who want to participate for personal study or continuing education without pursuing the full 300-hour completion credential. The $300 enrollment fee does not apply to individual-module participants.
Students pursuing the full 300-hour program toward the American Yoga Council advanced teacher credential will complete Modules 14 and 15 as the culminating portion of their training. These modules include independent study, teaching practicum, integration, mentorship, and exploration of each student's professional path.
Please note: Tuition does not include regular studio classes, workshops, or special events. Students are expected to maintain a consistent personal yoga practice throughout the program.
Typical Weekend Format
Most modules will follow this general format:
Friday | 6:00–9:00 PM
A Friday evening Zoom session when appropriate
Saturday | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Oxford Community Yoga
Sunday | 12:00–8:00 PM
Hamilton Yoga Center
Some modules may use a different format or schedule when that better serves the learning experience. Specific dates, locations, and schedules will be provided in advance for each module.
The Independent Study, Teaching Practicum & Integration module, for example, will be structured differently to accommodate student projects, presentations, teaching practice, mentoring, and feedback.
Program Schedule
1. Foundations: History, Philosophy & Sāṃkhya
October 24–25, 2026
2. Asana as a Path to Awareness
November 21–22, 2026
December 2026 — Winter Break
3. Gentle Yoga & Chair Yoga
January 9–10, 2027
4. Dynamic Vinyasa
February 6–7, 2027
5. Haṭha Yoga, Tantra & the Subtle Body
March 13–14, 2027
6. Working with the Subtle Body: Breath, Energy & Practice
April 17–18, 2027
7. Meditation, Mantra & Sādhanā
May 15–16, 2027
8. The Yoga Sūtra
June 2027
July 2027 — Summer Break
9. Bhagavad Gītā & Living Yoga
August 2027
10. The Art of Theme Weaving
September 2027
11. Yin & Restorative Yoga
October 2027
12. Private Yoga
November 2027
December 2027 — Winter Break
13. The Teacher as Guide
January 2028
14. Independent Study, Teaching Practicum & Integration
February 2028
15. Integration & Professional Path
March 2028
Future module dates will be announced well in advance so students have ample time to plan their schedules. Dates may be adjusted as needed, with any changes communicated to enrolled students in advance.
Registration & Cancellation Policy
Students enrolling in the complete 300-hour training will pay the one-time program registration fee upon acceptance into the program. This fee reserves the student’s place in the 300-hour program and establishes their enrollment toward the completion credential.
Because the program is offered on a flexible, module-by-module basis, students may pause their progress or take longer to complete the required modules as their schedules and circumstances require. There is no required completion timeline.
If a student decides not to continue in the program, the registration fee is non-refundable. Tuition for modules that have already been completed is also non-refundable. Students are not responsible for payment for modules they have not yet taken.
If Tree of India School of Yoga is unable to complete the 300-hour program, the program registration fee will be refunded, along with any tuition paid for modules that have not yet been delivered.
Tree of India School of Yoga reserves the right to modify module dates, locations, or formats when necessary to best serve the educational needs of the program. Students will be notified of significant changes in advance whenever possible.
Thinking about Teacher Training? Read what our recent graduates have to say...
I’m honored, grateful, and proud to have graduated as a certified yoga teacher today. Jessica is an immensely kind, knowledgeable, thorough mentor who’s created a welcoming space to learn, grow, and unfurl into the truest version of myself yet! When I took the leap to sign up for training, I knew that I wanted to expand my knowledge and understand more about traditional yoga. I did not comprehend the growth I would undergo in every other area of my life: most of all, my compassion and understanding for myself and others. It’s been a beautiful start to a long journey. Jai Bhagwan!
~Shelby Ashcraft
Yoga Teacher Training at Tree of India School of Yoga has been a challenging, fun learning experience. I have learned so much in a variety of areas, including self awareness/growth, effort, frustration, ease, as well as in-depth yoga history, philosophy, poses, movement, meditation, friendship, community, the list goes on! I highly recommend this program, it is more than just becoming a teacher. It is about self study, expansion with loving awareness.
~Piper
Tree of India School of Yoga's program is rooted in the teachings of Swami Kripalvanandji. I'm so proud to be a part of this lineage and honor the knowledge that has been handed down. Special thank you to my teacher and program director, Jessica Lohrey, who is a lovely spirit and holds an abundance of knowledge, experience, and perspective. Her tremendous dedication to her students and to the path of yoga is truly inspiring. I also had the joy of learning alongside a cohort of strong, intelligent, and grounded women. Many thanks to all who supported the journey!
~Stephany Plantz
Ready to get started?
There are two ways to participate in the Tree of India School of Yoga 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training.
Take Individual Modules
You can enroll in any available module at any time, whether you’re interested in a particular subject, looking for continuing education, or simply want to deepen your own practice and understanding of yoga.
There is no application or enrollment fee for individual modules. Each module is $300, and you can take as many or as few as you like.
Pursue the Full 300-Hour Program
If your goal is to complete the full 300-hour program and earn the American Yoga Council Level 2 advanced teacher credential, you’ll enroll in the complete program by paying a one-time $300 program enrollment fee.
This enrollment marks the beginning of your journey toward completing the full program. It also begins a more individualized relationship with the Lead Teacher, including out-of-class mentoring, advising, guidance with independent study, and support as you work toward becoming a program graduate.
You do not need to pay the full $4,500 in module tuition upfront. After enrolling in the full program, you pay for each $300 module as you progress through the curriculum.
The modules can still be completed in any order and at a pace that fits your life. There is no required cohort start date or completion timeline.
If you're not sure which path is right for you, reach out to Jessica. She's happy to talk with you about your goals, answer questions, and help you decide how you might want to approach the program. oxcomyoga@gmail.com