2025 Victoria Teachers’ Intensive & Level 3 Assessment

A Historic Milestone for Our Community.
The recent Teacher Intensive and the very first Level 3 Teacher Assessment ever held in Canada was a truly special occasion for Iyengar Yoga in our country, and we’re proud to celebrate this achievement with you. First ever in Canada event – held at our Iyengar Yoga Centre in Victoria, BC

Reflections

by Sarah Bertucci, Toronto

As I settle back home from a week in Victoria, B.C., I’ve been reflecting on this year’s Teachers’ Intensive, which also included the first-ever Level 3 Assessment in Canada under the new RIMYI guidelines, introduced by Prashantji and Abhijata Iyengar in December 2019.

What an inspiring milestone for our community!

My gratitude goes to Leslie Hogya, Ann Kilbertus, and Louie Ettling, who planned and guided the event, supported by senior teachers from across the country, who formed the “observer team.” Together, they embodied the theme of the week: Courage in Practice. When planning this assessment, the assessors consulted with Marlene Mawhinney, one of very few “first wave” teachers in Canada who are still actively engaged and they appreciated her input.

A special thank you as well to IYAC/ACYI Board of Directors, whose support made it possible to bring the Level 3 Assessment and Teachers’ Intensive together for a creative learning opportunity.

With five candidates undergoing the assessment and seventeen serving as their assessment students (six per assessment class) we were 29 in the room. We all participated in the intensive and not only in the assessment aspect. Each person contributed in their own way to the success of the week.

Our five days began with invocation and a shared “Pune practice,” followed by a rich variety of activities: conducted practices, candidate-led classes, case study presentations, “target group” practice planning, sequencing and adjustment sessions, and even a lively community dinner. The atmosphere throughout was one of support, learning, and genuine collegiality.

For me, the highlight was witnessing the first Level 3 assessment in Canada. It was carried out in the spirit envisioned by Geetaji, Prashantiji and Abhijata; rooted in tradition, yet forward-looking. This moment reminded me how courageous our community has been: honoring the path that has brought us here, while continuing to shape the future of Iyengar Yoga in Canada.

This year’s event also gave us a taste of how valuable guided, hands-on practice can be for teachers. That thread will be picked up and deepened next year, when the Teachers’ Intensive will focus on hands-on adjustments and learning through direct experience. There will not be an assessment component again.

If this year was any indication, next year promises to be a uniquely enriching opportunity for teachers across Canada to refine their skills together.

I left feeling inspired and hopeful. The future of Iyengar Yoga in Canada is indeed bright, and I encourage everyone to consider joining next year’s Victoria Teachers’ Intensive.

Sarah Bertucci