Teacher Training

Teacher training at Bonnie's Yoga Shala is unlike most programs you see today, in fact it is the way Yoga was originally taught, when the teachings were passed down directly from Teacher to Student through ongoing practice.  There is no set schedule. (Ex: Start on 9/24-4/25) Tues. 7:15-8:45 Thurs. 7:15-8:45 Saturday. 9:30-11.  If you came to every class it would be 185 hours of training, with payment up front of $3,600. No intensive weekends where you put your life on hold and study Yoga for 18 hours a day until you are exhausted and fatigued and your brain is so overloaded it ceases to function. You start anytime, and finish when your study is complete. You simply declare your intention to become a Yoga teacher, and then you practice with Bonnie at any of her scheduled yoga classes. On your own time,  you study from a prescribed list of books. You keep a diary, log your classes, and review all studies. There is a physical evaluation of teaching classes with postures, pranayama, etc. and a reading / written exam with a passing score required.  Bonnie gives you everything you need to learn and become a yoga teacher in her regular classes. Its right there for everyone, every class, every day. It sounds almost too simple, too good to be true, but really it is this simple and easy. Its the way Yoga teachers learned for centuries. Actually, a student stayed with their teacher for at minimum of seven years. It was considered an apprenticeship. Then with his or her's teacher blessings and permission went forward to teach. It is only recently with Yoga becoming "careers" that Yoga Teacher Training's became an intensive, expensive, rushed process. By taking the apprenticeship method of yoga teacher training with Bonnie, You will get more information than any other program out there, with the time to really learn the process and let it become part of your personal practice. You will have the opportunity to assist Bonnie as your skills increase, and you will get to teach classes. It is a unique opportunity to learn from a 35 year & beyond Yogini.  Your study is in accordance with recognized 200, 300, and 500 hour programs. Bonnie keeps an eye on your practice, and makes sure you get exactly the attention you need and when you are ready, she bestows upon you the teacher's blessing to go forward and share yoga with the masses.

Yoga Teacher Training will first and foremost change your personal practice and guide you deeper into the teachings of yoga. Give you all the tools needed, and a much greater understanding of the teachings, to be of service to others. Study Hatha Yoga technique, Raja Yoga technique, Tibetan Japa Mantra, Yogic diet, Pranayama, teaching methodology, Yoga philosophy and Meditation. Open up to group discussions, journaling, life reflection, self-assessment practice teachings (no judgments) and so much more! It is her goal to share all of her lifelong teachings of yoga, and Buddhist experiences, to guide, nurture, support, and transform each instructor towards their authentic true self. Igniting life changing practices in each new instructor, who in return is empowered to help others find their way to self realization. We are Divine Beings, on a Spiritual Journey, Housed in a Physical Body.....

Our Ongoing Program: 

Applicant information: 

Interested students are invited to ask me questions anytime or call the number below to learn more about Bonnie's Yoga Shala Ongoing Yoga Teacher Training. It is best, but not limited too, if applicants have taken class prior with Rev. Yogini Bonnie Ringer Me-Tso

Please call me at 845-405-3348

 See what the past Teacher Trainee's had witnessed     

Yoga and Bonnie's Yoga Shala Teacher Training made me a much more confident person. It has made me stronger and I know I can move forward and share my knowledge. My practice has improved greatly. I get deeper and more properly aligned in my poses, I get deeper in my Meditation, I feel the power of my OMs and enjoy it all! I have learned so much information that people ask me questions about and I know the answers. I do not force myself, my opinions, or my information on anyone, but have the information and so much love for what I do that if I get the opportunity, I share it! I truly feel and believe that what I have accomplished on the mat really does translate to off the mat. 

If I knew someone who was interested in a teacher training I would absolutely recommend Bonnie, the same as I do when I talk about Yoga. I always recommend Bonnie! I love what I do there (Bonnie’s Yoga Shala) I love what I learn and what I continue to learn and would want others to get the same.   I hope that I make a good teacher and I’m very grateful for all I’ve learned and all the information I have gained to bring forward. - Carolyn Meda, Registered Bonnie’s Yoga Shala Teacher

Bonnie's Yoga Shala Teacher Training has changed me in many ways. It made me see what Karma yoga is and how good it feels to do good deeds and to go beyond what I normally do and would consider as good deeds. To look for good deeds and notice how these opportunities just have a way of showing up; and Karma Yoga feels good! I have a much greater appreciation for the job as a yoga teacher ~ It’s not easy! I now have a better understanding of partner yoga and adjusting students. One must know how to treat them (the student) with care. 

I would recommend Bonnie’s Yoga Shala teacher training for anyone who is really serious about learning yoga from an excellent teacher and not just the asanas (poses). It is so much more with Bonnie!  My biggest learning lesson was compassion. Compassion for people who need our help. Compassion for your students and for your children and your husband. Not always easy, but it’s important to practice it. - Susan Chindemi, Registered Bonnie’s Yoga Shala Teacher 

Bonnie’s Teacher Training improved my practice greatly! I was able to find my headstand over to backbend, which was a very over whelming task for prior to training with Bonnie. I also have almost found my forearm stand in the middle of the room and handstands against the wall. This is hug for me, since I came to the practice with a lot of fears. My knowledge on teaching traditional Hatha yoga, Meditation and Pranayama has also improved greatly.

What I really liked about the training was the required reading list, and Bonnie having us become vegetarian during the six months. I had always wanted to become one, but it would have taken me another five years if she didn’t push me. The training had all the teachings I was searching for. Spiritual, advanced poses, and how I would go about teaching it. If someone wanted a quick fix short-term yoga teacher training, I would say go somewhere else. But if you are really serious about learning from a Master Yogi; Bonnie is it! She is the real thing and she has been practicing since 1986!  My biggest accomplishment was removing fear from my practice, my life and my teachings. I want to thank you so much Bonnie for all that you did for us!  - Carrie Mackey, Registered Bonnie’s Yoga Shala Teacher

Bonnie’s Yoga Shala teacher training has impacted my life in numerous ways. One thing that immediately comes to mind is the discipline that was required and thus cultivated as part of my daily life. During this training many things have “clicked”. So many of the ideas, philosophies and even postures that I “knew” on an intellectual level have now come to me on a deeper, spiritual level. For example, of course I knew that what we experience in life, we have attracted. I’ve experienced proof of this many times in my life. I however, over the last 48 hours, my experiences have proven this irrefutably. Yesterday, seemingly inexplicably, I had teaching opportunities (multiple) “find me”. I know that I attracted this. Likewise, today I was thinking and saying that I wish I didn’t have to teach my class today. Sure enough, I was stuck in traffic and had to cancel it! 

The point is that previous to this training, I don’t know that this correlation would have been crystal clear to me. I am so much more aware now. My teaching and personal practice have grown in so many ways. My practice has gone to places I didn’t know it could go to in this short amount of time.  I would certainly recommend this teacher training to a friend or a loved one. However, I would only recommend it to someone who had the mental, emotional and physical fortitude to do so. I would definitely consider doing a 500-hour Bonnie’s Yoga Shala Teacher Training!  - Amy Kovatis, Registered Bonnie’s Yoga Shala Teacher 

Bonnie’s Yoga Shala teacher training has educated me in ways physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually that all my thirty-two years of stuffing dance has not! I have learned more about my body through the training, informing me of ways I could never move before coming to the practice with Bonnie. My practice has significantly deepened and advances as a result of Bonnie’s style of teaching as well as her vast knowledge and extensive yogic experience. I have become more self-realized through the practice. 

I would recommend Bonnie’s teacher training to a friend or a loved one because Bonnie is so unique and so passionate about her teachings. I feel more open, more confident, more secure and less fearful as a result of practicing with Bonnie. 

If asked to be a part of the 500-hour teacher training with Bonnie. I would be honored. I would be happy to assist in any way that I could in future 200-hours teacher trainings with her. My experience with the teacher training and my practice with Bonnie have altered my life quite positively! I am so grateful for the opportunities that have presented themselves to me during this journey in becoming a yoga teacher.   I feel so lucky to have been a part of this adventure. Thank you (Bonnie) for every hour, every word, every smile and every tear! I am so thrilled to have reconnected with you. I am so thankful for all of your teaching. I learned so much.  You are so dynamic, so special, so Amazing! I only hope to be as learned as you!  Om Shanti! Namaste! - MichelleDana Shafran, Registered Bonnie’s Yoga Shala Teacher