Finding Teacher Training

I fell in love with yoga about a year and a half ago. Now I'm trying to take it to the next level and start teaching. My problem is that I live in a small town in the middle of Tennessee, and I can't find a nearby school or teacher to learn from. I have found a few websites offering online yoga trainer certifications, but I wonder if they are worth the money. If so, are there any that you would recommend?
—Lisa

Read John Friend's response:

Dear Lisa,

Although there is no proper substitute for learning in person from a teacher, it is still possible to learn to teach yoga through a correspondence or online course. I cannot say which online yoga teacher trainings are worthwhile or legitimate, however.

Thoroughly check the references and backgrounds of the teachers before registering. Check what philosophical view they ascribe to: classical, Vedanta, Tantra, and so on. Check how much asana alignment technique is provided in the course. Investigate the emphasis on the breath in asana, postural sequencing, observation techniques, adjustments and modifications, and integrating inspirational philosophy into asana instruction.

In addition to online trainings, continue to practice and study the art of yoga daily, and take an outing periodically to a weekend workshop in Nashville or Memphis. If you need help finding a qualified yoga teacher close to you, or locating a nearby regional yoga workshop, call the Anusara office for guidance. You can also search Yoga Journal's online directory of teachers at http://www.yogajournal.com/directory.

John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga, has practiced a variety of hatha yoga styles since the early '70s. Today, he is widely considered one of the most charismatic and highly respected yoga teachers in the world. Blending an uplifting Tantric yoga philosophy with Universal Principles of Alignment, John's teaching style guides each student to fully live every moment from the heart. In 1997, John founded Anusara Yoga to promote his innovative vision. Today, Anusara Yoga is one of the most popular and fastest growing schools of hatha yoga in the world.