Teacher Becomes Student In Upper School Yoga Class
The Hindu scripture the Bhagavad Gita says that yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. Upper School science teacher Amanda Pierman is indeed on that inward journey of self-discovery and lifelong learning this year as she meditates, twists and bends her way through World Language teacher Lei Deng Cohen’s yoga class.
“I have been interested in yoga but never had the time or courage to go to a studio and try it out. Last year Lei was asking me anatomical questions to help her to explain poses to her students and so we decided to do a combined lesson of her yoga class and my HSB. It was a huge success . . . So, this semester my planning period happened to coincide with Lei's yoga class and I thought I could take the entire class to improve my own knowledge as well as provide her with any additional anatomical information that might better her and her students,” says Pierman.
Pierman says while she was “super excited” on her first day of yoga class, the students were slightly shocked and surprised to see her as a fellow student.
“They have since come to accept me as a student and it works well. I am now just another member of the class,” Pierman says.
Pierman says she’s interested in alternative medicines and the body’s ability to heal itself.
“ I teach a unit in HSB about relaxing and why it is so important for your heart and brain. Yoga is continuing my knowledge and teaching me more tricks that I can then pass on to my classes. I have certainly learned a lot about yoga, energy centers, breathing and I have bettered myself. I feel better - calmer, more positive, more relaxed, more able to handle stressors, and my body is becoming more flexible and stronger. All over I am reaping LOTS of benefits from this class,” Pierman says.
World Language techer Lei Cohen, who leads the yoga class, says Pierman has served as a helper in class.
"When I explain about alignment in poses, she adds on more explanation from anatomic point of view. Also, with her experience, she understands yoga philosophies right away. Her gratitude list touched me to tears. We are lucky to have Amanda in this class. It's nice to have such a passionate yogi in my class. She is a great influence to my students," says Cohen.
World Language techer Lei Cohen, who leads the yoga class, says Pierman has served as a helper in class.
"When I explain about alignment in poses, she adds on more explanation from anatomic point of view. Also, with her experience, she understands yoga philosophies right away. Her gratitude list touched me to tears. We are lucky to have Amanda in this class. It's nice to have such a passionate yogi in my class. She is a great influence to my students," says Cohen.
Pierman says she would love to take Cohen’s yoga class every semester and she highly encourages other teachers to jump on board.
“I talk about the benefits of yoga and Lei's amazing teaching to anyone that will listen to me. It was truly a blessing to be able to take Lei's class and learn so much from her. I am in awe of Lei that she is teaching in a second language and teaching not only yoga but the traditions, sanskrit (another language) and philosophies. It is truly a fantastic class that everyone should take!”
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