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200-hour foundations program components

We delve into the multi-dimensional and complex world of yoga through direct instruction, self-study, observation, and contemplation. Participants will be exposed to a wide range of topics, and sample the expert teaching of our roster of guest faculty which include the country’s most prominent teachers.

The 2023-24 program is now underway. Plan ahead to join next year’s cohort by previewing the application here.


I chose Sun & Moon’s teacher training for several reasons. I like that Sun and Moon is a small, local business in the area for 25 years. That’s a huge accomplishment. Looking through the bios on the website of the teachers involved in the training, all have 15+ years teaching experience. I like the feel of the studio... classes don’t feel competitive like I’ve experienced in some studios, and it’s a learning environment.
— Melissa Baker, Class of 2020

Together, the Foundations Cohort attends:

140 hours of live, in-person coursework led by senior Sun & Moon faculty. This is where the bulk of instruction, inspiration, and interaction with the cohort will happen! These sessions will begin in September and finish in June, and include:

  • FIVE weekend immersions (Saturday & Sunday 12:30p - 5:30p) focused on alignment principles, styles of practice, anatomical systems, subtle systems, special populations, and Ayurveda

  • TEN Friday evenings (monthly, 6:30p - 8:30p) of teaching methodology, practice teaching, and posture exploration

  • TWO guest teacher weekends (10 hours total from Friday evening - Sunday afternoon) featuring Theresa Murphy and Baxter Bell

  • FIVE weekday evening mini courses (7:30p - 9:00p) each mini-course lasting either 6 or 7 weeks on the topics of history, philosophy, and yoga culture; Sanskrit, mantra & chanting; meditation; pranayama; and the Yoga Sutras – 3 of the mini-courses will be held in the Arlington studio on Wednesday evenings, and the other 2 will be held in the Fairfax studio on Thursday evenings.

All sessions will be lives-treamed on Zoom and recorded. The program requires participants to attend 75% of these sessions live (whether in-person or on Zoom); 25% may be viewed asynchronously. Those attending live on Zoom will have ample opportunity to interact with those in the room.

Independently, participants attend:

  • 20-hour online ‘Yoga Anatomy Fundamentals Course with acclaimed teachers Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews including pre-recorded video content, transcripts and handouts

  • 1 weekly yoga class (live on Zoom or in-person) at Sun & Moon for the duration of the program

  • 15 observations of Sun & Moon yoga classes (five classes per quarter for three quarters)

  • 2 elective workshops presented by Sun & Moon teachers

Participants receive:

In addition to the live training and components above, Sun & Moon provides students with all the supplemental materials and support they need to be successful, including the resources below.

  • Framework manual of program content, organized by topic, keywords, and specific areas of study, with room for personal notes and additional handouts from presenting faculty

  • Ongoing evaluation of their practice teaching

  • Ongoing mentoring and support

  • Access to large library of alumni student projects

Participants complete:

To cultivate student’s competence and confidence along the learning path, students will complete the following during and at completion of the program.

  • Yoga Anatomy unit quizzes and homework assignments based on the material

  • Sample lesson plans for varying class levels

  • Assigned readings from provided reading list

  • Final culminating project

  • Comprehensive take-home final exam

I’m beyond grateful to have had such a rich and life changing experience with you and the many generous and skilled teachers at Sun & Moon. It is because of this wonderful and loving community that I have found true joy.
— Terri Surabian, Class of 2017