Code of Conduct & Studio Etiquette

At The Teal Yogi, we are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and professional environment for both students and staff. The following guidelines help maintain our studio’s values and ensure a respectful and positive atmosphere for all.

1. Professional Standards & Behavioral Expectations

• Adhere to Applicable Laws: All instructors and staff must comply with local, state, national, and federal laws, ensuring that all activities conducted within the studio are legally sound and ethical.
• Follow Yoga Alliance’s Scope of Practice: All team members must conduct themselves according to the Yoga Alliance Scope of Practice, ensuring that teachings and interactions remain within the guidelines of our profession.
• Harassment-Free Environment: Harassment in any form, whether in person or online, is strictly prohibited. This includes trolling, intimidation, hate speech, and manipulation. Staff and instructors are expected to foster an atmosphere of kindness and respect.
• Sexual Misconduct Prohibited: All forms of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate verbal, physical, or non-verbal conduct, are strictly prohibited. Instructors must maintain professional boundaries with students and avoid any actions that may cause harm or discomfort.
• Do No Harm: All staff must commit to the principle of non-harm. This includes avoiding any behavior that could cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm to students, colleagues, or the community.
• Inclusivity and Respect: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, body type, physical/mental ability, or socioeconomic status will not be tolerated. We actively include all individuals and accommodate people with disabilities to the best of our ability.
• Student-Teacher Relationships: Physical adjustments should only be offered with explicit and informed consent. Instructors must ask for consent each time, as previous consent does not imply ongoing permission. Romantic relationships with students are discouraged and should be avoided while the student-teacher dynamic is in place.

2. Communication Standards

• With Students: All communication with students, whether in person or via email or social media, should be respectful, clear, and professional. Instructors should offer support and guidance without crossing personal boundaries. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or making medical claims.
• With Team Members: Open, honest, and respectful communication is essential to our work environment. Team members should address concerns or conflicts professionally, seeking to resolve any issues in a timely and constructive manner. Gossip and divisive behavior are not tolerated.
• Consent to Record: No photographs, video recordings, or other images should be taken without the express consent of the individuals involved. Any use of a student’s likeness for marketing or promotional purposes must be approved in writing by the student.

3. Dress Code & Appearance

• Attire: All instructors and staff should wear comfortable, professional, and modest yoga attire that allows for ease of movement while maintaining professionalism. Clothing should reflect the welcoming and inclusive nature of our studio, avoiding anything overly revealing or inappropriate for a classroom setting.
• Personal Presentation: Instructors should be clean, well-groomed, and mindful of personal hygiene to create a comfortable environment for students.

4. Studio Arrival & Attendance

• Instructor Arrival: Instructors should arrive at least 15-20 minutes before class begins to prepare the space, check in with students, and address any last-minute concerns. This ensures a smooth transition between classes and helps create a welcoming atmosphere for students as they arrive.
• Class Setup: It is the instructor’s responsibility to ensure the space is clean, props are neatly organized, and the environment is safe and conducive to practice. After each class, instructors should tidy up and ensure the studio is ready for the next class or event.
• Substitute Teaching: If an instructor cannot attend a scheduled class, they must arrange for a substitute teacher from the approved staff list as soon as possible. All substitutions must be communicated to studio management.

5. Boundaries & Student Interaction

• Respecting Boundaries: Instructors should always maintain appropriate boundaries with students. While building rapport and offering guidance are key aspects of teaching, it’s important to respect personal boundaries and avoid relationships or actions that could be perceived as inappropriate or uncomfortable.
• Physical Adjustments: Always ask for explicit consent before offering physical adjustments during class. Use clear communication (e.g., through consent cards or verbal confirmation) to ensure that students feel safe and respected.
• Emotional Boundaries: Instructors should offer emotional support when appropriate but should refrain from providing therapy or advice that extends beyond the scope of yoga teaching. When necessary, refer students to mental health professionals or other resources.

6. Substance-Free Workplace

• Drug & Alcohol Policy: Teaching while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Exceptions are made only for prescription medications that do not impair teaching abilities. It is important to be fully present and capable of ensuring student safety during every session.

7. Honesty & Integrity in Teaching

• Transparency in Credentials: Instructors must be honest about their training, qualifications, and experience. Exaggerating credentials or falsely representing professional history is not permitted.
• Respecting Lineage & Cultural Appropriation: Instructors should educate themselves on the origins of yoga and respect the cultural context from which it comes. Be mindful of not appropriating or misrepresenting yoga’s history or practices.

8. Accountability and Feedback

• Open to Feedback: Both instructors and staff are encouraged to be open to feedback from peers, students, and management. Constructive criticism is a tool for growth and maintaining the high standards of The Teal Yogi.
• Continuous Learning: Instructors are encouraged to seek continued education, peer mentoring, and self-reflection to improve their practice and teaching. Staying updated on trauma-sensitive practices and other professional development is an ongoing expectation.

Contributing to a Positive and Supportive Environment

At The Teal Yogi, our mission is to create a welcoming, safe, and healing space for all. To achieve this, every team member must:

• Lead with compassion and kindness.
• Communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully.
• Respect personal and professional boundaries.
• Create an environment of safety, acceptance, and inclusion.
• Be accountable for their actions and decisions.

This Code of Conduct is designed to uphold the values of The Teal Yogi and to guide all staff and instructors in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and care.