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.
Monthly Guidance from Jack and Tara: Receive encouraging messages throughout the program, offering wisdom and support for your journey.
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.
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.