4 answers
Lillian
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
410 views
What kinds of majors/minors would be best for my passion for teaching psychology and yoga?
Hi ! I'm a junior in highschool and I want to incorporate my interests into what I will end up doing for a career. I want to be able to teach wellness classes that use psychological sciences, along with yoga, breath work, art, and other tools, to help students in school release energy and learn about their emotions in a more structured setting. I'm not sure if this is something that exists in elementary schools or anywhere else, but I'd like to know if anyone out there is a teacher of this sort of class. What classes or internships should I start looking for in colleges to help me decide on what one I want to commit to? Thank you!
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4 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Lillian,
What you're describing indeed exists; it’s a really meaningful and growing space. In essence, you are talking about blending psychology, social-emotional learning, and wellness techniques like yoga and mindfulness into the classroom. These kinds of positions are becoming more and more common in schools, wellness initiatives, and even local organisations.
Depending on whether you want to focus more on teaching or mental health, majoring in psychology, education, or human development would be a wise choice. After that, you can add a minor or certifications that complement your interests in wellness, including yoga training, mindfulness, health and wellness studies, or even courses linked to art therapy if they are offered.
Combining psychology and education is particularly effective if your career goal is to work in schools. This may lead to positions such as a wellness-focused classroom teacher, a school counsellor (with additional training), or someone who assists in the creation and management of social-emotional learning initiatives. You might also get credentials in psychology and wellness and work in private seminars, community initiatives, or on your own initiative if you're more interested in flexible or unconventional settings.
As you look at colleges, try to find ones that offer:
- Courses in child development, educational psychology, or social-emotional learning
- Opportunities for internships in schools, youth programs, or wellness centers
- Clubs or programs related to mental health, mindfulness, or student well-being
Participating in activities like peer mentorship, volunteering with children, or even beginning yoga or mindfulness training are some ways you can begin your exploration right now. You'll be able to affirm through these interactions that you appreciate leading others in this manner.
What makes your idea special is that it’s interdisciplinary, you’re not choosing one box, you’re creating a combination. That’s exactly how many modern careers are built.
You're thinking with great intention and creativity. You can definitely make this a career that truly and permanently benefits people if you continue to expand both your understanding of psychology and your wellness abilities.
Best wishes!
What you're describing indeed exists; it’s a really meaningful and growing space. In essence, you are talking about blending psychology, social-emotional learning, and wellness techniques like yoga and mindfulness into the classroom. These kinds of positions are becoming more and more common in schools, wellness initiatives, and even local organisations.
Depending on whether you want to focus more on teaching or mental health, majoring in psychology, education, or human development would be a wise choice. After that, you can add a minor or certifications that complement your interests in wellness, including yoga training, mindfulness, health and wellness studies, or even courses linked to art therapy if they are offered.
Combining psychology and education is particularly effective if your career goal is to work in schools. This may lead to positions such as a wellness-focused classroom teacher, a school counsellor (with additional training), or someone who assists in the creation and management of social-emotional learning initiatives. You might also get credentials in psychology and wellness and work in private seminars, community initiatives, or on your own initiative if you're more interested in flexible or unconventional settings.
As you look at colleges, try to find ones that offer:
- Courses in child development, educational psychology, or social-emotional learning
- Opportunities for internships in schools, youth programs, or wellness centers
- Clubs or programs related to mental health, mindfulness, or student well-being
Participating in activities like peer mentorship, volunteering with children, or even beginning yoga or mindfulness training are some ways you can begin your exploration right now. You'll be able to affirm through these interactions that you appreciate leading others in this manner.
What makes your idea special is that it’s interdisciplinary, you’re not choosing one box, you’re creating a combination. That’s exactly how many modern careers are built.
You're thinking with great intention and creativity. You can definitely make this a career that truly and permanently benefits people if you continue to expand both your understanding of psychology and your wellness abilities.
Best wishes!
Srinivas Rao Routhu
Business Consultant
40
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Srinivas Rao’s Answer
Hello Lillian,
You’re describing a beautiful, real‑world‑needed career: someone who teaches emotional‑regulation and wellness through psychology, yoga, breath, and art inside schools or youth programs. Roles like this already exist—often in mindfulness coaches, school‑based yoga instructors, wellness coordinators, or creative‑arts therapists—and evidence shows school yoga and mindfulness programs measurably improve student mental health and classroom behavior.
1. Majors that fit your dream
- Psychology (especially developmental, educational, or counseling) + a wellbeing / mindfulness / yoga minor or certification.
- Education (primary or secondary) with a psychology or art minor; you can then add a mindfulness or yoga‑based wellness specialization later.
- Art Education, Drama, or Creative Arts Therapies if you want to lean more into art, movement, and expressive modalities.
2. Minors or certificates that help
- Mindfulness / meditation or yoga (200‑hour yoga‑therapy or school‑based yoga training).
- Counselling / mental‑health counseling or educational wellbeing (some universities now offer “educational wellbeing” or “mental health in education” tracks).
3. What to look for in college
- Courses in developmental psychology, child & adolescent mental health, educational psychology, mindfulness, and movement‑based or expressive‑arts therapies.
- Internships or practicums in school‑based yoga, mindfulness, art, or counseling programs for students.
Additionally, I would strongly recommend you read this book for a holistic mindset. Check out the Amazon link below.
Explore the descriptions and read only if this is affordable and strongly resonate with you.
1. EXTRAORDINARY MIND OF AN ORDINARY MONK - https://a.co/d/02TEnohw
You’re describing a beautiful, real‑world‑needed career: someone who teaches emotional‑regulation and wellness through psychology, yoga, breath, and art inside schools or youth programs. Roles like this already exist—often in mindfulness coaches, school‑based yoga instructors, wellness coordinators, or creative‑arts therapists—and evidence shows school yoga and mindfulness programs measurably improve student mental health and classroom behavior.
1. Majors that fit your dream
- Psychology (especially developmental, educational, or counseling) + a wellbeing / mindfulness / yoga minor or certification.
- Education (primary or secondary) with a psychology or art minor; you can then add a mindfulness or yoga‑based wellness specialization later.
- Art Education, Drama, or Creative Arts Therapies if you want to lean more into art, movement, and expressive modalities.
2. Minors or certificates that help
- Mindfulness / meditation or yoga (200‑hour yoga‑therapy or school‑based yoga training).
- Counselling / mental‑health counseling or educational wellbeing (some universities now offer “educational wellbeing” or “mental health in education” tracks).
3. What to look for in college
- Courses in developmental psychology, child & adolescent mental health, educational psychology, mindfulness, and movement‑based or expressive‑arts therapies.
- Internships or practicums in school‑based yoga, mindfulness, art, or counseling programs for students.
Additionally, I would strongly recommend you read this book for a holistic mindset. Check out the Amazon link below.
Explore the descriptions and read only if this is affordable and strongly resonate with you.
1. EXTRAORDINARY MIND OF AN ORDINARY MONK - https://a.co/d/02TEnohw
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
194
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, I'd start with Chinyere's answer.
Secondly, I would visit some elementary schools in your area, both public and private, if possible, Just walk in and make an appointment to talk to some teachers. They are the ones with the experience to help guide you. With a little luck one or two may ask you to observe a class and/or participate in some way or other.
Third, you live in an excellent area with regard to higher education. And it is not that difficult to go on-line and do some exploration to find a college or university that fits your ambitions.
Lastly, you make no mention of counselors at your school. Have you talked to them?
Secondly, I would visit some elementary schools in your area, both public and private, if possible, Just walk in and make an appointment to talk to some teachers. They are the ones with the experience to help guide you. With a little luck one or two may ask you to observe a class and/or participate in some way or other.
Third, you live in an excellent area with regard to higher education. And it is not that difficult to go on-line and do some exploration to find a college or university that fits your ambitions.
Lastly, you make no mention of counselors at your school. Have you talked to them?
Karissa Helton
Teacher
220
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
I am not sure about the breath work. I'm a former Social Studies teacher and can answer the psychology part of your question. To teach Psychology you will need a 7-12 Social Studies teaching license. There is probably an option to just get a 7-12 Psychology endorsement but no principal will hire you. The principal will want you to be available to teach a history or government class if needed. You can probably get a bachelors degree but some states require a Masters for high school teacher.