GOYA-CRYS

GOYA-CRYS Standards

OUR VISION INCLUDES VALUE

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School Benefits

Vote: Schools are empowered with the right to vote on proposals, standards, and suggestions, playing an integral role in sculpting the future of our dynamic profession.
Business of Yoga Module: Schools are granted access to a comprehensive 5-hour "Business of Yoga" curriculum, tailored for their yoga teacher trainings. Save the hassle of content creation and editing – we've got it covered. This curriculum is designed for online delivery, but is equally effective for group viewings in person. We are committed to keeping this updated annually. Simplify your process with our ready-made content.
Private School Community Forum: Empower your school's voice: Create and lead your own complimentary, private school community forum.
2 Annual Yoga Conferences: All members enjoy complimentary access to 2 of our annual, online GOYA yoga conferences, held in the Spring and Fall.
Annual WELLness Retreat: All members enjoy complimentary access to our annual, online WELLness Retreat, held late spring.
CommUNITY Connection: Connect with other teachers and schools through our community forum.
Monthly Yoga Class Scripts: Discover fresh scripts for classes ranging from Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin to Restorative, Prenatal, Children's Yoga, and Meditation.
Monthly Playlists: Find inspiration from fresh playlists curated by our members.
Monthly Dharma Talk: Every month, we organize a special online, Dharma session exclusively for our members.
GOYA Academy: Elevate your journey as an educator by tapping into complimentary offerings at GOYA's online learning academy. Dive into an array of workshops, yoga classes, and beyond.
Conscious Collaborator Discounts: All members enjoy exclusive discounts with all of our partners.
Value Add for your Students: All members may provide a discounted registration code to their students to become a member of GOYA.
Offer Discounts: All school members may offer exclusive discounts to our membership, through our Conscious Collaborators program.
Share Opportunities: List your teaching vacancies on our global platform.
Principal Trainer Offerings: Elevate the collective knowledge of the GOYA Academy by contributing your expertise as a Principal Trainer, crafting transformative content, and sharing your wisdom.
List Your Events: School members may feature up to 6 events monthly for our global membership to view.
Featured as a School: Showcase your school to a worldwide audience.
Financial Aid: In especially trying times, unforeseen challenges can arise. Through our GOYA Giving Tree initiative, we've set aside funds to assist in these moments. Members have the privilege to apply to access these funds for themselves or nominate someone they know who's navigating through such adversities. The availability of funds depends on the current balance of our GOYA Giving Tree funding pool, but our commitment remains unwavering in supporting our community through thick and thin.

GOYA Expectations

Uphold the principles of the GOYA Code of Ethics.
Uphold the principles of the GOYA Code of Conduct.
Adherence to GOYA curriculum standards and guidelines set by GOYA for the respective certification level.
Participate in community engagement in the broader GOYA community, sharing insights, ideas and more.
Maintain transparent communication with both students and the GOYA organization.
Remain updated with renewal & compliance.
You school possess a compassionate spirit, and even in moments of imperfection, you continuously endeavour to embody kindness, humility, and care for your fellow humans.

Embracing Authenticity, Diversity & Evolution

Restore & Renew: Restorative Healing Education

The standards set for the 50 Hour, GOYA-CRYS (GOYA - Certified Restorative Yoga School) designation aim to weave the soothing and rejuvenating practices of Restorative Yoga seamlessly with the innate healing powers of the human spirit.
The beauty of Restorative Yoga lies in its profound ability to renew both body and mind, serving as a refuge from the chaos of everyday life. By immersing students in the gentle, supported postures and therapeutic aspects of Restorative practices, we not only aid in their physical relaxation but also foster mental tranquility, emotional release, and a renewed sense of balance. By choosing to become a Certified Restorative Yoga School with GOYA, you're not just following a set curriculum; you're guiding students on a healing odyssey, creating spaces of calm and recovery, and nurturing a deep reservoir of inner serenity.

GOYA-CRYS Standards

Curriculum Standards

Trainer Standards

Delivery Standards

GOYA-CRYS (50 Hours)

Curriculum Standards

Anatomy & Physiology - 8 hours

Anatomy & Physiology are crucial in a restorative yoga teacher program because they provide a foundational understanding of the human body's structure and functions, allowing teachers to design practices that support natural body mechanics and promote healing. Grasping the intricacies of the musculoskeletal, nervous, and respiratory systems, among others, enables teachers to offer postures and modifications that cater to individual needs, ensuring optimal relaxation and rejuvenation. This knowledge not only enhances the safety and effectiveness of the restorative practice but also empowers teachers to guide students towards a deeper connection between their physical body and mindful presence.

Anatomy & Physiology

Purpose:

This curriculum provides teachers with a comprehensive understanding of the human body, allowing them to design and guide restorative yoga sequences that are not only relaxing but also physiologically beneficial.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

Basic Human Anatomy
Overview of the skeletal system, including major bones and joints.
Muscular system: Major muscle groups, their functions, and relevance in restorative postures.
Overview of the respiratory system and the importance of breath in relaxation.
Nervous System
Understanding the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) responses, and how restorative yoga promotes balance between the two.
The role of the vagus nerve in relaxation and stress response.
Spinal Anatomy
Detailed look at the spine, intervertebral discs, and the importance of spinal health.
Common spinal issues like lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis, and how restorative yoga can assist.
Endocrine System
How restorative yoga can influence hormonal balance and stress hormones like cortisol.
Digestive System
The connection between relaxation and improved digestion.
How certain postures can aid in digestion and alleviate issues like bloating or constipation.
Circulatory System
The benefits of restorative yoga on blood circulation and heart health.
Physiology of Stress and Relaxation
Understanding how chronic stress impacts the body and how restorative yoga counters these effects.
Study of Common Ailments
How restorative yoga can support conditions like chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Prop Use and Body Mechanics
Using props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks to support the body and understanding the physiological benefits of each posture.
Breathing Physiology
Deep dive into the diaphragm, lung capacity, and various pranayama techniques to promote relaxation.

Yoga Studies: Philosophy & Ethics - 5 hours

Philosophy and ethics are vital in restorative yoga, as they provide a deeper context and purpose to the practice beyond just physical postures. Rooted in ancient wisdom, the philosophy offers insights into the mind-body-soul connection, emphasizing balance, introspection, and rejuvenation. Ethics, on the other hand, ensure that practitioners approach yoga with respect, integrity, and a genuine intention to heal and nurture. Together, they shape a holistic practice where restorative yoga becomes not just a series of relaxing poses, but a transformative journey towards inner peace, self-awareness, and a harmonious existence.

Yoga Studies: Philosophy & Ethics

Purpose:

This curriculum ensures that trainees not only grasp the physical and therapeutic aspects of the practice, but also the deeper philosophical and ethical foundations that make yoga a holistic and transformative journey.

Curriculum:

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

Historical Overview of Restorative Yoga: Tracing the roots and evolution of restorative yoga, examining how ancient practices have informed its modern incarnation.
Core Philosophical Principles: Delving into foundational yogic texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita, and exploring their relevance and application to restorative practices.
The Ethical Responsibility of a Restorative Yoga Teacher: Understanding the deep sense of responsibility that comes with guiding individuals through a restorative practice, especially given its therapeutic nature.
Yamas and Niyamas: Studying these ethical guidelines, as outlined in yogic philosophy, and discussing how they apply specifically to restorative yoga. For instance, the concept of "Ahimsa" (non-violence) can be directly related to ensuring safety and comfort during poses.
The Teacher-Student Relationship: Exploring the dynamics, boundaries, and ethical considerations unique to the restorative yoga setting, given its intimate and nurturing nature.
Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation: Addressing the importance of respecting the cultural roots of yoga, understanding the difference between appropriation and appreciation, and discussing ways to honour yoga's origins while teaching.
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Restorative Yoga: Engaging with questions of how to make restorative yoga available and welcoming to diverse populations, regardless of age, ability, gender, or background.
The Ethics of Touch and Adjustments: Given the supportive nature of restorative yoga with props and potential hands-on adjustments, understanding when, how, and if to touch or adjust a student, always prioritizing consent and comfort.
Business Ethics: Addressing ethical considerations related to charging for classes, marketing, and promoting oneself in the realm of restorative yoga.
Continuous Learning and Humility: The importance of recognizing that the journey of learning never ends, and the ethical imperative for teachers to continue their education and self-reflection.

Asana: Teaching Methodology & Techniques - 25 hours

In restorative yoga teacher training, the inclusion of asana technique, methodology, and teaching is paramount because it forms the bedrock of the practice. Restorative yoga is not merely about relaxation; it's a precision-oriented practice where specific poses are tailored to individual needs, often using props to support the body in positions of comfort and ease, which facilitates deep relaxation. Understanding the intricacies of each asana, its anatomical focus, and its physiological effects ensures that teachers can provide the maximum benefit to their students. The methodology offers a framework for sequencing these asanas, considering factors like the student's energy level, physical limitations, and intended outcomes. This knowledge enables teachers to craft classes that can address specific needs, whether it's stress relief, recovery from illness or injury, or general well-being. Furthermore, effective teaching techniques are vital as they ensure the safe and effective communication of these practices. It's through the blend of technique, methodology, and teaching skills that restorative yoga instructors can truly make a positive difference in their students' lives, guiding them into deeper layers of relaxation, healing, and self-awareness.

Asana: Teaching Methodology & Techniques

Purpose:

This portion of the curriculum ensures that the restorative yoga teacher trainee will be well-equipped to design and conduct restorative sessions that cater to the diverse needs of their students while maintaining the integrity and essence of the practice.

Required:

A minimum of 12 restorative asana are required to be taught in a Restorative Yoga Teacher Training.

Curriculum:

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

Asana Technique

Foundational Restorative Poses: Detailed exploration of key restorative asanas, their benefits, contraindications, and modifications.
Use of Props: Understanding the role of bolsters, blankets, straps, blocks, eye pillows, sandbags, chairs, and walls to support and enhance the restorative experience.
Anatomical Focus: Study of the skeletal and muscular systems in relation to restorative poses.
Breath Awareness: Techniques to deepen relaxation and enhance the parasympathetic response.
Energetic Aspects: Understanding the chakras, nadis, and meridians as they relate to restorative poses.

Methodology

Sequencing for Restorative Yoga: How to structure a class from beginning to end, considering factors like duration, student needs, and energetic effects.
Addressing Specific Needs: Tailoring restorative sequences for various conditions, e.g., stress, insomnia, back pain, anxiety, menstrual discomfort, recovery from illness, etc.
Integration of Pranayama: Incorporating breath work techniques to complement the restorative practice.
Transition Techniques: Ensuring smooth transitions between poses to maintain a state of relaxation and introspection.

Teaching Techniques

Creating a Safe and Calming Environment: Techniques for setting up the room, choosing appropriate music, lighting, and aromatherapy.
Effective Communication: Utilizing clear, calming, and reassuring verbal cues.
Observation and Adjustment: Learning to observe students and offer gentle adjustments or modifications to deepen their relaxation.
Teaching Diverse Groups: Adapting classes for different groups such as seniors, pregnant women, or those with specific medical conditions.
Feedback and Reflection: Encouraging students to share their experiences and reflecting on one's teaching approach for continuous improvement.
Managing Challenges: Handling situations like students who are restless, emotional, or facing difficulty in finding comfort in a pose.

Practice Teaching - 4 hours

While the significance of practice teaching is universally acknowledged, the way in which they are integrated into the training curriculum may vary from one school to another. Schools are granted the autonomy to tailor these practices based on their philosophy, resources, and the specific needs of their trainee cohort. This flexibility ensures that the teaching methodologies remain organic, innovative, and resonate with the unique ethos of each institution.

This curriculum component ensures that yoga teachers emerge not just as instructors of poses but as guides, mentors, and lifelong students of this ancient practice. As each school navigates this journey, their discretion in integrating this component ensures that the essence of yoga remains fluid, vibrant, and ever-evolving.

Bespoke Content - 8 hours

In a globalized world, where standardization often dilutes uniqueness, school-specific, bespoke content in yoga teacher training offers an avenue for schools to uphold their unique values, methodologies, and expertise. This not only ensures that the teachings are relevant to modern-day challenges but also provides students with a holistic, comprehensive, and unique learning experience.

Tailoring Content for Unique Yoga Teacher Training Experiences

Unique Identity and Differentiation

Branding: In a vast market of yoga schools, a unique, curated curriculum can help a school stand out, offering a signature approach that attracts students.
Specialization: Schools can hone in on specific yoga styles, methodologies, or philosophies, becoming recognized experts in that niche.

Catering to Modern Needs

Relevance: The challenges and needs of today's society differ from the past. A curriculum addressing modern-day stressors, mental health concerns, and lifestyle habits ensures that the teachings are pertinent and beneficial.
Integration with Technology: Curated content can incorporate the use of modern tools, apps, and online platforms, making the training more accessible and adaptable to digital natives.

Quality Assurance

Depth over Breadth: By curating content, schools can delve deeper into specific topics, ensuring comprehensive understanding rather than a superficial overview of many areas.
Consistency: Custom content ensures that there's a consistent teaching standard and approach across all classes and sessions.

Responsive & Adaptive Learning

Feedback Loop: School-specific content allows for regular feedback and iteration, ensuring that the curriculum remains up-to-date and meets students' needs.
Cultural Sensitivity: Curated content can be adapted to respect and reflect cultural, regional, or community specifics, making the teachings more relatable.

Enhanced Student Engagement

Interactive Learning: Curated content can integrate multimedia, workshops, and practical sessions tailored to the school's ethos, making learning more engaging.
Personalized Approach: Schools can create content addressing varied learning styles, ensuring all students can grasp concepts effectively.

Preservation & Innovation

Tradition Meets Modernity: While honouring the ancient wisdom of yoga, curated content can introduce innovative practices, techniques, or scientific research, bridging the old and the new.
Research-Based: With a specific focus, schools can incorporate the latest studies and findings related to yoga, anatomy, psychology, and more into their curriculum.

Community Building

Shared Philosophy: Curated content can foster a strong sense of community among students, as they align with the school's specific vision and ethos.
Collaborations & Partnerships: Schools can collaborate with experts or other institutions, bringing diverse voices and expertise into their unique curriculum.

Ethical & Sustainable Practices

Mindful Business Practices: Curated content can emphasize ethical business practices in yoga, from fair pricing to sustainability.
Empowerment: By offering content that is rooted in empowerment and inclusivity, schools can foster a generation of teachers who champion these values.

Assessment Requirements

In yoga teacher training, both written or verbal and practical assessments serve a pivotal role. The written or verbal evaluations ensure that students have a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical concepts, philosophy, and foundational knowledge of yoga. On the other hand, the practical assessments gauge the practical skills, teaching methodologies, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life scenarios. Together, these evaluations ensure a holistic development of aspiring yoga teachers, equipping them with the necessary tools to guide and inspire their future students effectively and safely.

Embracing flexibility in assessment allows schools to craft methods that resonate deeply with their core educational principles, teaching strategies, and the varied needs of their students.

Requirements for Certified Yoga Schools

Written or Verbal Assessment

Learners will engage in either a written or verbal evaluation.
The specific format, whether it be multiple choice, module quizzes, short answer, or others, is at the discretion of each school.
Schools are encouraged to offer accessible alternatives to accommodate all learners, particularly those facing challenges. For instance, provisions should be made for learners with visual impairments or other diverse needs to ensure an inclusive and equitable assessment experience for all.

Practical Assessment

Learners will engage in a practical teaching experience or undergo an evaluation reflecting the program's core components.
The specific format is at the discretion of the school's unique approach and preferences. Assessment methods span a broad spectrum, including live teaching demonstrations, video submissions, peer evaluations, self-reflections on teaching sessions, observational feedback, and group-based discussions or feedback rounds. This list isn't exhaustive; many other possibilities exist. Schools are urged to explore innovative methods to meet this requirement.

GOYA-CRYS

Trainer Standards

Principal Trainer & Assistant Trainer Requirements

principal Trainers

Required to possess a minimum CRYT credential.
Required to deliver a minimum of 10 hours.

Assistant Trainers

Required to possess a minimum CRYT credential.
May co-facilitate all sessions in partnership with Principal Trainer(s).
Professionals with specialized expertise, such as Therapists, may be designated as Assistant Trainers upon the endorsement of the Principal Trainer(s).

Program Structure

If the program is being taught by a team, 1 educator is required to meet the criteria of a Principal Trainer, with the remaining being Assistant Trainers.

GOYA-CRYS

Delivery Standards

Delivery of Content

The manner in which content is delivered can take various forms, either being a singular approach or an amalgamation of multiple methods, ensuring versatility and adaptability for diverse learning preferences. This inclusive model ensures that all students can engage and benefit, irrespective of their circumstances. Additionally, it offers schools an economical method for content distribution, reducing conventional financial barriers and broadening the spectrum of available choices.

From hybrid learning models that combine both online and in-person sessions, to entirely face-to-face environments, and even to fully on-demand digital platforms, our experience post-pandemic has shown that each of these methods is effective. The mode of delivery does not compromise the program's quality. Rather, it offers flexibility and caters to diverse learning preferences, ensuring that the essence of the curriculum remains robust and impactful, regardless of the medium.

Online - Live

Real-time sessions where participants can engage directly with the instructor and fellow learners.
Offers instant feedback, interactive discussions, and immediate query resolution.

Online - On Demand

Pre-recorded sessions or modules accessible anytime, providing flexibility for learners to progress at their own pace.
Convenient for those with varied schedules or time zones.

In Person

Classroom setting where participants and teachers share a physical space.
Fosters direct human interaction, kinesthetic learning, and a tangible sense of community.

Hybrid

A combination of online and in-person methods, blending the best of both worlds.
Provides the flexibility of online access with the interpersonal advantages of in-person sessions.

Investing in Your SCHOOL, IS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Understanding the Costs of a CRYS

Venturing into the realm of yoga education as a school requires dedication, vision, and resources. At GOYA, our commitment to clarity and fairness is reflected in the comprehensive breakdown of the obligations linked with each level of certification. While there is a modest financial aspect to consider, view it as an investment towards refining your institution's offerings and extending your outreach. Every penny you invest goes straight into fortifying resources and tools that uplift every school in our network. Your contribution amplifies not just your school's potential but also elevates the shared experiences and prospects for our entire community. Together, we're building a brighter, more inclusive, future for yoga education.

Initial Fee

ANNUAL FEE

Certified School

Initial Fee ALL DESIGNATIONS

Registration Fee: $99
This is a one-time registration fee. After which there is an annual fee of $40 for each school designation. To ensure affordability, we have implemented a cap where the maximum annual fee is limited to $240. Therefore, schools are charged for a maximum of six designations per year, with any additional designations included at no further charge.
Refund Policy: All payments are final.

$99 one time

Taxes included. PRICING IN USD.

You are becoming a part of a transformative movement!
Register now to immerse your school in a worldwide network, amplify your influence, establish valuable relationships, and elevate the standard of your yoga education. Be a beacon of progress and innovation in the yoga teaching landscape

Register

Certified School

Annual Fee ALL DESIGNATIONS

Annual Fee: $40
This is an annual fee of $40 for each school designation. To ensure affordability, we have implemented a cap where the maximum annual fee is limited to $240. Therefore, schools are charged for a maximum of six designations per year, with any additional designations included at no further charge.
Refund Policy: All payments are final.

$40 per year

Taxes included. PRICING IN USD.

Let's Get Started

Certified School Application Request

Please make sure to thoroughly review this section, and watch the instructional video before initiating your request.

All schools interested in beginning the application process or grandfathering of existing credentials, start here at step one, which involves submitting a request for the full application.
It's important that this request is made by either the Owner, who must also be a Principal Trainer, or an authourized Principal Trainer of the school. Additionally, the person making this request must be an active, GOYA Certified Teacher who also qualifies as a Principal Trainer. This requirement ensures that the application process is initiated by someone with the appropriate qualifications and authourity.
Our goal is to make this process as smooth and seamless as possible for you. We are excited about the prospect of welcoming you and are committed to assisting you throughout the process.

Please make sure to thoroughly review this section, and watch the instructional video before initiating your request.

All schools interested in beginning the application process or grandfathering of existing credentials, start here at step one, which involves submitting a request for the full application.
It's important that this request is made by either the Owner, who must also be a Principal Trainer, or an authourized Principal Trainer of the school. Additionally, the person making this request must be an active, GOYA Certified Teacher who also qualifies as a Principal Trainer. This requirement ensures that the application process is initiated by someone with the appropriate qualifications and authourity.
Our goal is to make this process as smooth and seamless as possible for you. We are excited about the prospect of welcoming you and are committed to assisting you throughout the process.

Certified School Application Request Form

requirements

Qualify as a Principal (Teacher) Trainer

Principal (Teacher) Trainer Requirements

A Teacher with the GOYA-PT designation has met GOYA's standards of education and teaching expertise, as detailed below.

A Principal Trainer is a role held by a GOYA Certified Teacher who is either an existing owner of a Certified School or is in the process of registering one. This individual serves as the lead educator for the programs offered at their school.

There is NO fee associated with adding the Principal Trainer status.

Only those who have the qualification criteria as Principal Trainers may register schools with GOYA.

GOYA Designation Principal Trainer V1 RED

requirements

Qualify as a Principal (Teacher) Trainer

Principal (Teacher) Trainer Requirements

A Teacher with the GOYA-PT designation has met GOYA's standards of education and teaching expertise, as detailed below.

There is NO fee associated with adding the Principal Trainer status.

During the Certified School registration review process, eligible individuals who meet the criteria as Principal Trainers will be granted the GOYA-PT designation, which will be featured on their profiles.

Only those who have the qualification criteria as Principal Trainers may register schools with GOYA.

requirements