Being Tea Teacher Training
What our graduates say
Stories from our graduate community…
Graduates of Being Tea Teacher Training come a wide range of fields of expertise, including tea businesses, tea sommeliers, tea bloggers.
They also hail from fields that intersect with tea, such as writers, higher ed teachers, healthcare workers, yoga and meditation teachers, movement therapists, music teachers, community builders, and more.
Here are just some of their stories…
– Traci Levy | Tea Infusiast
From Traci’s 3-year graduation retrospective, on her blog: “I looked forward to every meeting and every assignment of Being Tea’s Tea Teacher Training! I’m nostalgic about the entire experience. I’m grateful for what I learned there, the mentoring Sooz continues to provide, and how the experience enlarged my community.
In addition to how I’ve applied what I learned to offer my own tea events, I’ve used the insights from Tea Teacher Training in my university teaching. It has helped me think more compassionately and creatively about my students’ range of personalities, stress- and comfort-levels. I do more to give students choices about how they participate in class, for example.
Sooz fostered a wonderful sense of community among class participants. Despite having taught, thought about, and taken many workshops about teaching in my decades working in Higher Ed, I learned so much about teaching!”
Traci Levy
Founder of Tea Infusiast
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2022
– Isha Mehta | Satori Tea, Mumbai, India
“The group sharing allowed me to see and understand that each of us experience similar doubts or fears yet we feel alone in that. The sharing allowed me to see that we are not alone. The more we share, express and communicate it allows for a space to be seen, felt, heard and held in community. We are all walking the path of life together.
This program is so well planned and thought out. The kind of language used, the way it has been presented and the energy and wisdom Sooz brings as a teacher and facilitator. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this program, to each of the participants, for the community we became a part of. I hold this program so close to my heart. It truly was a space to be seen, held and connect with beautiful souls.”
Isha Mehta
Founder of Satori Tea, Mumbai, India
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2025
– Cierra Lober | Cha House Birmingham
“This training was so in alignment with my values as a facilitator of tea & community events. It had exactly what I was looking for & so much more! The focus on being sensitive, trauma informed, empathetic, self aware, equity-centered & present was remarkable. Unlike any training I have ever experienced.
I am forever grateful to Sooz for how she has shaped me, my personal tea practice & how I facilitate experiences for others in all aspects of my life.”
Cierra Lober
Founder of Cha House Birmingham
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2025
– MJ Pham | The Silk Tea Co
“The Being Tea Teacher Program is a rare treasure in the educational landscape, offering tried-and-true teaching methodologies, intellectual depth, and heartfelt community connection thanks to Sooz’s remarkable guidance.
I continuously marvel at how Sooz thoughtfully combines education theory with practical applications — all while encouraging deeper explorations of educational purpose. The program’s equity-centered and psychologically sensitive teaching curriculum immediately resonated with me, and I’m grateful to be immersed in these essential studies alongside my talented cohort mates. I recommend this to anyone seeking to teach and lead workshops with great care and intention.
This transformative experience also offers highly relevant insights across numerous fields and industries. As a former diplomat with an international communications background, I particularly appreciate how our learning environment honors individual journeys while fostering genuine connections and confidence in navigating how we can provide our students with a sense of belonging and trust in gaining new knowledge. Every Being Tea Teacher Training is further enriched by our cohort — everyone has shared inspiring insights, a sense of curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful perspectives that continuously deepen our collective understanding.
I am forever grateful to Sooz and my cohort, and I cannot wait to see how we share our teaching practice with communities worldwide.”
MJ Pham
Founder of The Silk Tea Co
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2025
– Maren Fichter | Leaf & Buds
“Sooz is incredibly perceptive and able to meet students where they’re at, individually and as a group, in a way that makes engaging with challenging material joyful and rewarding. We explored huge topics like trauma, enduring colonial legacies in tea history, and the indigenous wisdom as well as neuroscience of learning – Sooz’s careful guidance and practical resourcing made these topics deeply rewarding to engage with.
This is also a programme where you can clearly see the instructor practicing what they teach. Sooz intentionally draws connections between the class material and their own practices in ways that practically demonstrate the application of the abstract topics we’re discussing in class.
My cohort was full of fascinating folks from quite varied backgrounds, and I learned so much from all of them, too. Our group sessions were full of collective inspiration, validation, and often laughter. These are people whose journeys I will be following far into the future. Our paths all intersect with tea in different ways, but something we have in common is a curiosity and passion for the uniqueness of each person’s experience, with tea and beyond.
I have never been part of a community like this before. I have a lot of varied interests which intersect in nuanced ways, and I’m interested in exploring these deeply and intentionally – but I feel like a lot of spaces don’t have room for this, because it does require a certain level of openness, vulnerability, trust, and the willingness to put aside preconceived ideas about how the world works. That’s not something that’s encouraged in today’s social/political climate.
But Being Tea is full of folks who value this kind of questioning, and the teacher training group sessions were exactly this sort of space. I just can’t overstate how important the validation and inspiration of these sessions was. I have learned so much from my peers in this programme, and their receptiveness to my thoughts and ideas has helped me become so much more comfortable and confident in myself too.”
Maren Fichter
Founder of Leaf & Buds Tea
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2025
– Katelyn Phan | Dear Tea Co and Unfurled
“Since graduating from the Being Tea Teacher program, I’ve been so excited to put what I have learned into practice—creating more inclusive and welcoming tea spaces.
I’ve been lucky enough to lead several informal matcha and gongfu workshops in the last few months. I’ve been more mindful of how I pace myself and take up space, how individuals participate differently, and how to make sure everyone feels seen and heard (all things that Sooz emphasizes!). Each workshop gives me a different perspective on how I can better make my space more inviting so we can all learn from each other.
Along with one of the current Being Tea teachers, I also co-founded Unfurl, a free online tea community where we focus on building connections and sharing tea-related resources. We really believe tea is a way to connect others; we want Unfurl to be that little corner on the Internet where tea people come together, sip tea, and hang out. Unfurl lets me combine my love of tea with my dedication to creating an accessible and safe space.
The workshops and Unfurl—both feel like such a natural extension of everything I learned in the Being Tea program. Thank you, Sooz!”
Katelyn Phan
Founder of Dear Tea Co
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2024
– James Thirlwall | Tiny Teahouse UK
“My background in tea began as a Chinese medicine practitioner, rooted in tea ceremony and the energetics of tea. I then went on to work in hospitality, creating tea programmes for hotels and restaurants. The thread throughout my tea life has been the power of tea to connect people.
My time on the Being Tea Teacher Training was one of the best education experiences I have ever had. From day one we were prompted to think about ‘What calls you to teach?’, a question I regularly return to as my tea teaching practice evolves. The course material was inspiring, edifying and though-provoking without feeling overwhelming. The politics of education, trauma informed education and inclusivity were explored with care, clarity and respect. Sooz is such a gifted facilitator, educator and space holder – I cannot recommend the programme highly enough.
Teaching my student project was the first time I had taught online and the experience of the feedback from Sooz and the group was so positive. I would want for any student of any subject to have such a nurturing experience of compassionate and constructive feedback. It was really powerful.
I’ve been in a lot of educational settings where people are in competition for grades or acclaim. This was a genuinely supportive and caring community of peers. So many perspectives from such a richly diverse cohort. I only wish I lived closer so that I could meet them in person to share a cup of tea.”
James Thirlwall
Founder of Tiny Teahouse UK
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2024
– Anna Ye | Anna Ye Tea
“What drew me to the Being Tea Teacher Training Program was how unique the structure of the curriculum was and how intimate the learning environment was. A few months ago, I was at a point in my tea journey where I was asking myself the question of, “what calls me to teach?”, and to also expand what I had learned over the years with new building blocks and perspectives. So far, 5 months in and the amount of takeaways I’ve gained has way exceeded what I initiated anticipated.
Enrolling in Being Tea’s Teacher Training Program was hands down one of the best decisions I made in my tea journey. The work that Sooz has and is still doing in tea is groundbreaking and the breadth of knowledge she holds is truly impressive. I sign out of our monthly Zoom calls feeling supported, inspired, and just in total awe.
I am in awe because I’m surrounded by the wisdom of my mentor and peers. I’ve further realized the importance of being part of a nurturing learning environment, which is also the best kind. Surround yourself with a community of people that lifts you up, and celebrates your cool, kickass self.
I’ve also developed more awareness of how important it is to exercise emotional intelligence, not just in tea but in our day-to-day life. And then there’s also realizing the importance of continuing to challenge myself, so I can deepen my own tea practice. Never stop learning because living life with a sense of curiosity makes the journey so much more fun.
One of the highlights of this program for me has been our cohort group discussions. To be able to show up for one another in these meetings, with an open heart to listen and the willingness to share is powerful work. Drawing from their varying backgrounds and experiences, each person brings fresh perspectives and wisdom– and for that I’m so grateful.
For anyone that is looking to deepen their understanding of what it means to hold space for others in tea, our role as a tea teacher, and doing so with an open mind and heart, then I strongly urge you to sign up now.”
Anna Ye
Founder of Anna Ye Tea (NYC)
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2021
– Vedika Badlani | Toronto Tea Club and Chaimusafir
“Using the tools to draft flexible lesson plans that Sooz teaches in the program, helped me organize and successfully run a three-part workshop series recently with ease and confidence.
The knowledge of how the human mind works in learning new concepts and also best practices for organizing interactive classes in terms of layout, class size, equipment and so on guided me immensely in designing my in person tea workshops.
I would say if you take this course, you would be able to teach any subject confidently, with skills to make your classes inclusive and trauma informed.”
Vedika Badlani
Founder of Toronto Tea Club
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2024
– Tehmeena Manji | Muthaiga Tea Company, Kenya
“Training wasn’t even something that I thought of. I thought that I would create the blends, and then whoever would be interested would buy the teas. I understand the technicality [of tea]. Doing a sommelier course, I can talk about tea – that’s what we’re trained to do. But what I didn’t know was how to present tea.”
Tehmeena Manji
Founder of Muthaiga Tea, one of East Africa’s first tea sommeliers Nairobi, Kenya
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2021
– Nicole Wilson | Tea For Me Please
From Nicole’s 8-part blog series on her experience in the program:
“In a year that has brought many personal changes, both good and bad, this program guided me in the direction I want to be going. It also gave me a community of like-minded people who are as passionate about teaching tea as I am. I cannot recommend this tea teacher training enough if you are interested in facilitating or teaching about tea in any way.”
Nicole Wilson
Creator of Tea For Me Please, author and educator
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2021
– Freya Corcoran
“As I traveled through the constantly thought-provoking modules, my idea of what I initially wanted to do evolved, and I realized there was a much deeper level to my possibilities with tea which was spiritual, to enhance the human connection.
As well as the practical and logistical elements of teacher training in tea, this program requires you to look inside yourself, to question your own beliefs, your values, and be open to changing the way you view the world.
Given the current climate and the immense amount of work we need to do to understand, be respectful of, inclusive, and create a thoughtful space for our fellow humans, the course content doubles up as a handbook for basic life and interactive skills.”
Freya Corcoran
Founder of Snapdragon & Thistle Tea (Seattle, WA), now starting something new!
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2023
– Taniya Gupta | Yoga Tea Poetry
“It touches more on the emotional connection with tea, and our connection to the world through tea. Also, after seeing how much Sooz’s classes were helping my mental health, I wanted to be able to create spaces where people, especially women, can come together and feel welcome to share about their experiences.
Being Tea’s Teacher Training Program has a huge focus on trauma-informed education.It equips teachers with ways to create more inclusive spaces, as well as requires them to go deeper and ask themselves what it is that they are really trying to offer through tea education.
Inclusive education ties directly to representation.The education system a lot of us have been exposed to relies on exclusivity and competition which as a result creates this idea of scarcity and also worthlessness for certain groups of individuals. Being an immigrant and a person of color, my hope is everyone who wants to learn, finds a space and a teacher to help them grow without money or the color of their skin being a barrier.”
Taniya Gupta
Creator of Yoga Tea Poetry (Toronto, Canada)
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2022
– Emily Morrison | The Steeping Room
“I can think more creatively about how I want to approach certain kinds of groups or topics. I would definitely recommend this program to people who want some help learning how to teach tea thoughtfully.
The program is packed with useful information, is extremely well put together and organized, has impressive workbooks for me to use a reference, has lots of opportunity for real connection with the teacher and the other students, and really ultimately has left me feeling like I am part of a community of people of who share a bit of the same path.”
Emily Morrison
The Steeping Room (Austin, TX)
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2020
– Stephanie Samuels | Sutras Tea & Wellness
“I cannot express enough how fantastic Sooz’s Being Tea Teacher Training Program is.
I was looking for a tea mentor / teacher who approached tea holistically and not just as a commodity and I have found that and much more in the Being Tea Teacher Program.I enjoy the program’s emphasis on really teaching tea and preparing us to embody teaching in any scope that’s suitable for the student as individual.
Sooz’s program has exceeded any expectations I had about tea teacher training. Sooz is a teacher’s teacher. I would recommend the Being Tea Teacher Training Program for anyone who is not only interested in teaching about tea, but also for anyone who would like to deepen their relationship to tea.”
Stephanie Samuels
Founder of Sutras Tea & Wellness (Austin, TX)
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2020
– Sabine Gullatz | UK Tea Academy trainer, Germany
“I got to know Sooz’s highly professional and sensitive teaching style at various tea industry workshops, and when I discovered her online Teacher Training, I was immediately thrilled.
With strong expertise and competence, Sooz leads through her Teacher Training providing comprehensive knowledge and inspiration. The clearly structured modules, which build up the know-how step by step, give me a profound understanding of adult education, essentials for an exceptional course structure and awareness of what is important to me as a tea educator. I am impressed and grateful!”
Sabine Gullatz
UK Tea Academy Sommelier and Trainer, Germany
Being Tea Teacher Training graduate, 2020
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