How to Get Your First Reviews (Even Before Teaching Your First Class)

The Challenge

You’ve just finished training. You’re excited, inspired, and ready to teach.

But then you look at your profile.
No classes. No reviews. Just a blank space where your professional story should be.

And the question hits: How will anyone trust me if I haven’t even taught a paid class yet?

This single barrier holds countless teachers back from stepping into opportunities.

Inside our community, we’ve seen it clearly: teachers with at least one review are chosen for cover classes far more often than those with none. Reviews don’t just fill a space on your profile—they’re the first signal of professionalism, readiness, and character. They’re proof you belong here, even before your first paycheck.

Why This Matters

Your first reviews tell studios, employers, and fellow teachers that you are:

• Serious about your teaching career.
• Reliable in how you show up.
• Trusted by people who know your practice.

And here’s the bigger truth: reviews don’t just build confidence for others. They build confidence for you. Every time someone puts their belief in you in writing, it becomes easier to take that next step. And confidence leads to opportunities.

A Clear Path Forward

Here’s the secret: you don’t need to wait until your first official class to get reviews. You already have people who know your dedication and potential:

• Ask Your Trainer → They can highlight your commitment, passion for yoga, and presence on the mat.
• Ask Your Peers → Fellow trainees can share what it was like to learn, practice, and teach alongside you. Their words add authenticity and credibility.

✨ Pro Tip: When you ask for a review, offer to return the favor. It strengthens your own profile while supporting your peers—and that’s the heart of this community.

Your Next Step

Reach out today to your trainer and two peers. Don’t overthink it. These first reviews aren’t just words on a profile—they’re the foundation of your teaching journey. Each one becomes a brick in the story you’re building: that you are ready, prepared, and worth trusting.

Every review you gather strengthens your profile, boosts your Opportunity Score, and increases your chances of being chosen for cover classes. Think of it as momentum: the more you gather, the easier it becomes to step into real opportunities.

Here are templates to make it simple and professional:

Template for Asking Your Trainer

Subject: Request for a Professional Review

Hi [Trainer’s Name],

I hope you are doing well!

I am reaching out because I am starting to build my professional profile on Yoga Alliance Professionals, and I would be truly honored if you would consider leaving me a short review.

Even though I am just beginning my teaching journey, your perspective on my work ethic, passion, and commitment during the foundation course would mean a lot, especially as I start applying for cover teaching opportunities.

Of course, if there is anything I can do to support you in return (like leaving a review for your school), I would be more than happy to.

Thank you so much for your time and support!

Warmly,
[Your Name]

Template for Asking a Peer

Subject: Would You Be Open to Swapping Reviews?

Hi [Peer’s Name],

I hope you are doing great!

As I am setting up my Yoga Alliance Professionals profile, I am trying to gather a few peer reviews to help studios and teachers feel confident when considering me for cover classes.

Would you be willing to leave a short review about your experience teaching and training alongside me during our foundation course?
I would be more than happy to write one for you too. I think it is a great way for us to support each other as we get started.

No worries if you are too busy. Just thought I would ask!

Hope we cross paths again soon,
[Your Name]

A Member’s Story

“One of my first opportunities came because a studio saw a review from my trainer. They told me it gave them the confidence to trust me, even though I was new. That one review led to my first cover class, which led to three more within the month.” – Yoga Pros member

Another teacher shared:
“Honestly, I was nervous asking my peers for reviews—I didn’t want to bother anyone. But when I did, they were excited to support me. Those early reviews made me realize: people already saw me as a teacher before I even taught my first paid class. That belief carried me forward.”

The Bigger Picture

The Yoga Teacher Revolution is about making sure no teacher gets left behind. Reviews are the first building block of your professional story.

• They prove you’re ready.
• They raise your visibility.
• They unlock opportunities

So don’t wait until after your first class. Start today. Each review is a step closer to teaching the yoga you’ve trained for—and building the career you deserve.