Training Teachers Since 2011
We’ve been training meditation teachers since 2011. Our esteemed Mindfulness Teacher Training is the only International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA) accredited program in New York. Our graduates include leaders in the dharma and mindfulness communities, social justice advocates, and professionals in many fields. We incorporate multi-lineage practices, western psychology, and practical philosophy, to enable students of many traditions to learn to offer traditional techniques to adults and children with wisdom and integrity.
We have two training programs:
- Mindfulness Teacher Training (MTT)
- Teaching Mindfulness to Children (TMTC)
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Mindfulness Teacher Training (MTT)
MTT runs from: Dec. 2024 to June 2025
Deadline to apply is Nov. 15th, 2024
Our nine-month 200-hour immersive training is among the most highly regarded meditation and mindfulness teacher training programs in the Buddhist tradition. This program is an accredited training program with the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA), developed and led by our talented teacher-practitioners. Upon completion of this training, you can become an IMTA Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Professional Level (CMT-P).
This program includes:
- This 200-hour program provides qualified aspiring contemplative teachers and guides with a comprehensive immersion in the practices and principles of contemporary mindfulness practice, while incorporating the psychological and ethical principles of the secular Buddhist tradition.
- Participants learn specific techniques for effectively leading individual and group mindfulness and compassion meditation, are directed on a path of study to clarify the function of contemplative practice and mindfulness in the development of wisdom and compassion, and receive individualized support & the support of a weekly cohort meeting to develop their professional skill set in preparation for a career in the mindfulness field or to bring mindfulness techniques to other fields.
Applicants should have:
- 3 years practice
-
Will attend/ plan to attend one silent retreat of five days with a qualified teacher or lineage
-
Attendance in an introductory mindfulness course, or equivalent (e.g. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs))
-
2 letters of recommendation sent to nandini.naik@theidproject.org
Schedule:
Weekends – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat) and 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sun)
- Weekend 1: December 7 & 8
- Weekend 2: January 11 & 12
- Weekend 3: Feb. 8 & 9
- Weekend 4: March 8 & 9
- Weekend 5: April 19 & 20
- Weekend 6: May 17 & 18
- Weekend 7: Final: June 7 & 8
Practice Days – 10:00 to 3:00
(Dharma Talk Topics: Worldly Winds, Paramitas, Sangha, Embodiment)
- Practice Day 1: December 14th
- Practice Day 2: Jan. 25th
- Practice Day 3: Feb. 22nd
- Practice Day 4: March 15th
- Practice Day 5: April 26th
- Practice Day 6: May 31st
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Mindfulness Teacher Training (MTT)
MTT runs from: Dec. 2024 to June 2025
Deadline to apply is Nov. 15th, 2024
Our nine-month 200-hour immersive training is among the most highly regarded meditation and mindfulness teacher training programs in the Buddhist tradition. This program is an accredited training program with the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA), developed and led by our talented teacher-practitioners. Upon completion of this training, you can become an IMTA Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Professional Level (CMT-P).
This program includes:
- This 200-hour program provides qualified aspiring contemplative teachers and guides with a comprehensive immersion in the practices and principles of contemporary mindfulness practice, while incorporating the psychological and ethical principles of the secular Buddhist tradition.
- Participants learn specific techniques for effectively leading individual and group mindfulness and compassion meditation, are directed on a path of study to clarify the function of contemplative practice and mindfulness in the development of wisdom and compassion, and receive individualized support & the support of a weekly cohort meeting to develop their professional skill set in preparation for a career in the mindfulness field or to bring mindfulness techniques to other fields.
Applicants should have:
- 3 years practice
-
Will attend/ plan to attend one silent retreat of five days with a qualified teacher or lineage
-
Attendance in an introductory mindfulness course, or equivalent (e.g. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs))
-
2 letters of recommendation sent to nandini.naik@theidproject.org
Schedule
Weekends – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat) and 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sun)
- Weekend 1: December 7 & 8
- Weekend 2: January 11 & 12
- Weekend 3: Feb. 8 & 9
- Weekend 4: March 8 & 9
- Weekend 5: April 19 & 20
- Weekend 6: May 17 & 18
- Weekend 7: Final: June 7 & 8
Practice Days – 10:00 to 3:00
(Dharma Talk Topics: Worldly Winds, Paramitas, Sangha, Embodiment)
- Practice Day 1: December 14th
- Practice Day 2: Jan. 25th
- Practice Day 3: Feb. 22nd
- Practice Day 4: March 15th
- Practice Day 5: April 26th
- Practice Day 6: May 31st
Teaching Mindfulness to Children (TMTC)
Please check back for information on the 2025 program.
Facilitated by:
Learn to cultivate an environment where children can build resilience and reduce stress, while promoting stronger relationships through better communication, patience, self-compassion and kindness!
This six-month intensive training provides educators, therapists, counselors and other youth professionals including parents, with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to effectively teach mindfulness and compassion techniques to children aged 3-19. This program was created by former IDP Board Member and child psychologist Heidi Marben, PsyD.
This program includes:
- Rigorous personal mindfulness instruction and practice, including an exploration of texts and techniques from different traditions and teachers
- An understanding of self-compassion and equanimity to prevent teacher burnout and discouragement
- Experiential learning and practice of age-appropriate mindfulness techniques
- Ways to create a mindful classroom and home environment
- Discussion of research on mindfulness and compassion and child development
- Detailed instruction and assistance in designing a curriculum relevant to your needs and the needs of your program/situation
- A copy of Dr. Marben’s Mindfulness Curriculum for Lower School, which contains teaching guidelines and detailed lesson plans for children
- 55 hours of class time over six months
- Peer group support
Applicant recommendations:
- Experience working with children is recommended.
- A commitment to establishing a daily mindfulness meditation practice. The foundation for creating a mindful environment for children is your own personal practice.
- Weekly participation with a study group.
- Attendance at all weekends and study group meetings is strongly recommended. If you have concerns about your ability to participate, please email us to discuss.
- Students must attend at least five weekends to receive a certificate.
Teaching Mindfulness to Children (TMTC)
Please check back for information on the 2025 program.
Learn to cultivate an environment where children can build resilience and reduce stress, while promoting stronger relationships through better communication, patience, self-compassion and kindness!
This six-month intensive training provides educators, therapists, counselors and other youth professionals including parents, with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to effectively teach mindfulness and compassion techniques to children aged 3-19. This program was created by former IDP Board Member and child psychologist Heidi Marben, PsyD.
This program includes:
- Rigorous personal mindfulness instruction and practice, including an exploration of texts and techniques from different traditions and teachers
- An understanding of self-compassion and equanimity to prevent teacher burnout and discouragement
- Experiential learning and practice of age-appropriate mindfulness techniques
- Ways to create a mindful classroom and home environment
- Discussion of research on mindfulness and compassion and child development
- Detailed instruction and assistance in designing a curriculum relevant to your needs and the needs of your program/situation
- A copy of Dr. Marben’s Mindfulness Curriculum for Lower School, which contains teaching guidelines and detailed lesson plans for children
- 55 hours of class time over six months
- Peer group support
Applicant recommendations:
- Experience working with children is recommended.
- A commitment to establishing a daily mindfulness meditation practice. The foundation for creating a mindful environment for children is your own personal practice.
- Weekly participation with a study group.
- Attendance at all weekends and study group meetings is strongly recommended. If you have concerns about your ability to participate, please email us to discuss.
- Students must attend at least five weekends to receive a certificate.