The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) is an 18-month online training designed to prepare compassionate, skilled teachers who can meet the world's growing need for mindfulness practices.
At a Glance
Duration: 18 months (February 2027 – July 2028)
Format: Self-paced online learning combined with live virtual sessions
Location: Fully online and accessible worldwide
Time Commitment: Approximately 8-10 hours per month
Cohort Size: 1,000-2,000 students (recent cohorts have had ~1,800 students from 70 countries)
What You'll Learn
MMTCP combines comprehensive training with deep personal transformation. You'll develop:
Teaching Skills:
- How to guide mindfulness meditation practices with confidence
- Course design and facilitation
- Working with challenging situations and questions
- Trauma-informed teaching approaches
- Cultural sensitivity and inclusive teaching
Personal Development:
- Deepened meditation practice
- Greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- Wisdom from working with your own patterns and struggles
- Compassion born from personal healing
- Your authentic voice as a teacher
Program Structure
The program moves through two connected phases over 18 months, building from foundation to practice.
Year One: Foundation & Development
- Opening virtual gathering with Jack, Tara, mentors, and fellow students (live virtual event, recorded)
- Monthly teachings from Jack and Tara (video/audio lessons)
- Monthly Mentor Group sessions (2 hours)
- Monthly Peer Group sessions (90 minutes)
- Live sessions with guest faculty throughout the year (recorded)
Year Two: Integration & Practice
- Continued monthly teachings from Jack and Tara (video/audio lessons)
- Monthly Mentor Group sessions (2 hours)
- Monthly Peer Group sessions (90 minutes)
- Live sessions with guest faculty throughout the year (recorded)
- Self-guided Practicum: Design and teach your own introductory mindfulness meditation course
- Closing gathering and commencement with Jack, Tara, mentors, and fellow students (live virtual event, recorded)
See Curriculum for more information.
Your Support System
Mentor Groups:
Meet monthly with the same mentor and small group for the entire program. This consistent community becomes a cornerstone of your learning.
Peer Practice Groups:
Practice your developing teaching skills in a supportive environment with fellow students.
Guest Faculty:
Learn from renowned teachers including experts in trauma, neuroscience, social justice, and specialized meditation practices.
Online Platform:
Access all materials, connect with your community, and engage with curriculum wherever you have internet.
Certification
Upon completion, you'll receive certification from:
- UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center
- Sounds True
- Awareness Training Institute
This credential supports you in teaching mindfulness in healthcare settings, schools, therapy practices, workplaces, community organizations, and beyond.
See Certification & Continuing Education for details.
Prerequisites
Before the program begins, you'll complete two foundational experiences (due January 31, 2027):
- The Power of Awareness online course (21 hours, self-paced)
- One qualifying silent meditation retreat (5 days/4 nights, vipassana/Insight tradition)
You can apply before completing these—if accepted, you'll have until January 31, 2027 to fulfill both requirements.
See Program Prerequisites for complete details.