I run a 200-hour YTT. My trainee was practice-teaching a community class. She adjusted a student awkwardly, causing a neck injury. The injured student sued the trainee and me. My insurance covered me, but denied coverage for the trainee, leaving her personally exposed.
Key Takeaways
- Vicarious Liability: You (the school) are liable for your students’ actions while they are under your supervision.
- “Who Is An Insured”: Does your policy cover “Student Teachers” or “Volunteers”? If not, the trainee is uninsured.
- YTT Extension: You usually need to buy a specific “School / Teacher Training” policy, not just an “Instructor” policy.
- Waiver: The waiver must explicitly list “Student Teachers” as released parties.
The “Why”: The Student Gap
The Trap:
A standard policy covers your negligence.
A student teacher is not you. They are also not an employee.
They are a “Volunteer” or “Trainee.”
If your policy doesn’t define “Insured” to include “Students while acting within the scope of their training,” the carrier will deny their defense.
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. Yoga Journal (RPG) / Teachers Plus
- My Analysis: They advise that students should buy their own “Student Policy” (usually deeply discounted, like $25). This is the safest route—every trainee buys their own.
2. beYogi
- My Analysis: They offer a $25 student rate. As a school owner, you should mandate this in your tuition.
3. PHLY (School Policy)
- My Analysis: Their commercial package for schools covers the liability of the school for the acts of students, but it doesn’t necessarily defend the student personally.
[IMAGE: Checklist for YTT Risk Management]
Comparison Table: YTT Coverage
| Strategy | School Protected? | Student Protected? | Cost |
| School Policy Only | Yes | Maybe (Check Defs) | |
| Student Buys Policy | Yes | Yes | $ (Student pays) |
| No Coverage | No | No | Free (Unsafe) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Mandate Student Insurance: Add $25 to your tuition and buy a student policy for everyone on Day 1.
- Update Waiver: “I understand classes may be taught by trainees.”
- Supervision: Never leave a trainee alone in the room. You must be present to override bad cues.
- School Policy: Ensure your activity code is “Yoga Teacher Training,” not just “Yoga Instruction.”
FAQ
Are students employees?
No. Do not pay them.
Can they teach outside the YTT?
Not under your supervision/insurance. Only within the program hours.
What if they get hurt?
That is a General Liability claim against you (or they signed a waiver). Not Workers Comp.