Associate Teacher Membership Breaks Down Boundaries
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The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) launched its Associate Teacher Membership in October at the Om Yoga Show, sending a powerful message that people from diverse training backgrounds are welcome.
Pauline Steenbergen, a Scottish-trained yoga teacher living and teaching in Cumbria, became BWY’s first Associate Teacher Member. Her journey reflects the spirit of acceptance, parity and inclusivity that sits at the heart of this new pathway.
“It feels so authentic,” says Pauline, who qualified with Yoga Scotland in 2018 and has taught yoga in England for over eight years. “I’m Scottish, I live in England and I wanted professional recognition and parity in the country where I actually teach. This membership finally brings those threads together, bridging nationality and geography.”
The pathway welcomes qualified, experienced teachers from respected training schools beyond BWY, a route to professional recognition, flexible CPD options, community connection and greater marketing visibility.
Pauline, a former hospice chaplain who discovered yoga in 2008 for a knee injury, now blends classical hatha with Pilates and other movement disciplines to support a wide range of students. Following in the footsteps of fellow BWY teacher, Christine Pickering, she is also committed to bringing yoga into Christian settings.
“This shows BWY walking the talk of equity, inclusion and acceptance,” she adds, “opening doors for collaboration with Yoga Scotland, Yoga Alliance and others.”
Learn more and apply here.
About BWY
The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is committed to sharing yoga’s transformative power and rich heritage through events and education. Guided by yoga’s principles and traditions, BWY’s mission is to enrich lives through yoga, increasing accessibility and inclusivity. Established as a registered charity in 1965 and recognised as the National Governing Body for Yoga by Sport England and Sport Wales, BWY serves more than 5000 members and is supported by a 100-strong local volunteer network and a small central team.
For all media inquiries
Natalie Lyndon, BWY PR & Communications Officer
