I travel to different studios to teach workshops and business boot camps for yoga teachers (my next one is in April in Owen Sound) and the big mystery for many instructors is how to get their foot in the door at a yoga studio.
While many use the path of their YTT program to get to know the owner or director at the studio they are hoping to work at, it is not financially responsible to go through teacher training with the sole focus of teaching at that one space exclusively.
Most full and part time teachers need to build a schedule that includes studio classes, private groups, workshops or longer trainings to make a sustainable income.
So how do you approach a studio owner or director for a teaching job?
I asked my friend Katie McClelland for some honest insight.
As the owner of the successful De La Sol brand of studios Katie has interviewed a small army of teachers to fill her bustling studios over the past ten years. She also runs a popular teacher training program that helps prepare would-be instructors with the skills they need to thrive in this industry.
She has seen it all and at this stage in the game as a business owner she is the perfect person to ask for ideas on how teachers can approach a studio when they are looking for a new class.
Her advice is incredbily helpful whether you are a brand new teacher or a seasoned instructor looking to branch out. Thanks Katie!
Q: When a teacher you don't know approaches you hoping to teach a class at your studio, what are you looking for (this might include certification, experience, attitude or anything else you find important)?
A: When I am interviewing a teacher I am unfamiliar with, I want to hear that they are passionate about a certain point of view or approach to yoga.
I don't want generic, 'one size fits all' as there are so many teachers out there these days.
I also don't want someone who is concerned with pleasing everyone. When a teacher tells me that they have a specific approach that they are committed to (for the time being - I also like to hear that a teacher's perspective has changed over the years and is open to continued change) and passionate about, my ears perk up!
I also ask that they sign up for a 30 day intro special at my studio (which is extremely affordable) and immerse themselves in the studio culture and community. I ask this of them so that they can ensure they feel De La Sol is a good fit for them, and also for me to see that they are willing to invest some time and energy into getting to know the staff and students here.
Q: What was the most creative or innovative way a teacher has applied to teach in your space?
A: I don't know if it's hands-down the most creative way but my favorite/most effective way to interview a teacher is to receive a video of them teaching.
This allows me to observe their teaching style at a time that is convenient for me, as well as in a context that is natural and comfortable for them and allows them to showcase their best teaching around their regular students.
I get more out of five minutes of viewing then I do from reading a resume or chatting with someone.
Q: As a studio owner what is a red flag or a definite "no-no" when you are in the process of interviewing and hiring?
A: I remember a time when a teacher was teaching me an 'audition' class (I used to have time for these kinds of things before I had a baby!).
The teacher did the whole sequence with me and did not look over at me once throughout the whole class. Eventually, I started wildly misaligning myself in the hopes she would correct me but she didn't catch any of it.
I didn't feel like I could hire someone who wasn't 'seeing' their students.
Another pet peeve of mine is when a teacher "bad mouths" another studio during the interview or mispronounces the word 'asana' or other sanskrit words. It makes me think they are still in the early stages of exploring yoga.
Q: Beyond teaching a great class what qualities do your most professional teachers possess (aka why do you want to work with some instructors over others)?
A: As a studio owner it's hard not to be partial to the teachers who are positive, enthusiastic, drama free (for the most part) and just happy to be at the studio and to see their students!
I also appreciate teachers who do their part in following the rules (they are present and ready to teach 15min before class starts, getting to know students etc..) and who make an effort to attend staff meetings and workshops/events of mine.
Q: Any advice to new teachers trying to land a studio gig?
A: Be prepared to invest some time in becoming a familiar face around the studio! This will help your chances immensely in working there.
What questions do you have for studio owners and directors? Share them in the comments below and I will ask during my next interview with another amazing yoga studio owner.
Photo by Kendell