Teachers must respect students unconditionally

Sandeep Dutt’s Masterclass 2026

February 21, 5:20 pm, 51 min

Sandeep Dutt led a masterclass on respect in education, emphasising its role in fostering interpersonal relationships. He stressed the need for teachers to respect students unconditionally, without imposing their own values. Dutt used the analogy of a flower bed to illustrate the diverse growth of students, underscoring that respect is practised, not preached. He also discussed social feeling, advocating concern for others’ concerns. The session featured insights from participants, including Naman and Subham, who shared their experiences and reflections on respect in teaching. The masterclass aimed to encourage respectful interactions and self-reliance in students.

We apologise again for the poor quality; due to unstable bandwidth at our studio in Dehradun this evening.

 

एक अच्छी टीचर की पहचान - सुनीता त्रिपाठी

एक अच्छी टीचर की पहचान जो सिर्फ किताब नहीं बल्कि जीवन की सीख दे अच्छी टीचर बच्चों को सिर्फ पढ़ाई नहीं बल्कि सही गलत, ईमानदारी, अनुशासन और अच्छे संस्कार भी सिखाती है। वह बच्चों को अच्छा इंसान बनने की राह दिखाती है।

जो हर बच्चे को बराबर समझें ,अच्छी टीचर किसी में भेदभाव नहीं करती। वह हर बच्चे की क्षमता को समझकर उसे आगे बढ़ने का मौका देती है। जो धैर्य और सहानुभूति रखें, वह जानती है कि हर बच्चा अलग होता है। इसलिए वह धीरे-धीरे और प्यार से समझता है।

जो प्रेरणा दे बच्चों को आत्मविश्वास बढ़ती है और उन्हें अपने सपनों को पूरा करने के लिए प्रेरित करती है। जो खुद भी सिखाती रहे वह हमेशा नई बातें सिखाती रहती है ताकि बच्चों को बेहतर तरीके से पढ़ सके अच्छी टीचर वह है जो बच्चों को दिल में डर नहीं बल्कि सीखने की खुशी पैदा करें।

सुनीता त्रिपाठी
सनबीम ग्रामीण स्कूल

Reflective Teaching and Relationship Building

Learning Forward Saturday

To define the qualities of an ideal teacher and assign a creative reflection task.

Key Takeaways

• The Task: Create a teacher-hiring ad based on the unconventional one in Wanted Back-bencher & Last-ranker Teacher. The ad must reflect your personal qualities and include a graphic.

• The Goal: Shift from passive “note-taking” (session summaries) to active “reflection” (personal application and insight), which is the core of the 3R methodology (Reading, Reflection, Relationships).

• The Deadline: Submit ads to Manisha via email by February 28. The goal is 50 blog submissions.

• The Rationale: This exercise directly supports the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2022’s focus on application-based learning, ensuring teachers remain relevant in a changing educational landscape.

Topics

The Problem: Passive Engagement

• The 3R methodology (Reading, Reflection, Relationships) was not being fully utilised.

• Most “reflections” were passive session summaries (“note-taking”), not deep personal application.

• This contrasts with the deeper reflections from special projects like Arthur Foot Academy and Sunbeam Grameen School.

• Why it matters: The program’s purpose is to help teachers improve, not just deliver content. This requires active engagement.

The Solution: Active Reflection

• The session clarified the difference between note-taking and reflection.

  • Note-taking: Recording facts and concepts.

  • Reflection: Processing, interpreting, and applying knowledge to one’s own practice.

• A strong reflection example from Sunita Tripathi was shared, demonstrating the desired depth by connecting session insights to personal teaching methods.

• Why it matters: This shift is critical for implementing the NCF 2022, which emphasises application-based learning. Teachers must model this to avoid redundancy.

The Application: Hiring the Ideal Teacher

• The discussion centred on the unconventional teacher ad from “Wanted Back-bencher & Last-tanker Teacher,” which sought qualities such as “superior adaptability,” “guts,” and a “shock-proof temperament.”

• Why it matters: This ad provides a concrete example of thinking beyond traditional CVs to hire for character and relational skills, which the book’s protagonist, Roma, exemplifies.

Next Steps

• All Participants:

  • Draft a teacher-hiring ad highlighting your personal qualities.

  • Include ad text and a graphic (use AI or other tools if needed).

  • Email the ad to Manisha by February 28.

• Sandeep & Brinda:

  • Review submitted ads in the next session to close out the month’s theme.

  • Prepare for March’s theme, which will cover the new teacher’s first classroom experience.

Stories Today, Ideas Tomorrow - Manisha Khanna

"Jodi tor daak shune keu na ashe, tobe ekla cholo re.” — Rabindranath Tagore

There was a time when mornings in school felt unhurried — a quiet assembly of thoughts, curiosity gently waking with the day. Today, our mornings have turned chaotic, rushed by schedules, expectations, and performance. In this haste, somewhere along the way, our learners have begun to resemble careful machines — efficient, instructed, measurable — yet distanced from wonder. The joy of learning has slowly thinned, replaced by the urgency to complete, score, and move ahead.

I often ask myself: when did learning become mechanical? When did knowledge become synonymous with marks, and thinking give way to repetition? Our students are bright, capable, and exposed to vast information, yet their inner dialogue — the questioning, imagining, connecting mind — is rarely invited to speak. Stories, once a natural pedagogy of childhood and adolescence, have receded behind worksheets and assessments.

And yet, joy has a way back. Reading carries us into other worlds without leaving our own. A story opens emotional landscapes, invites empathy, and quietly provokes reflection. When a learner reflects on a story, curiosity awakens; when curiosity awakens, connection begins — with ideas, with self, and with others. It is through this gentle cycle that relationships with knowledge, language, and humanity are built. Reading and writing are not academic acts alone; they are relational acts that shape how we understand life and each other.

At a time when most systems are occupied with outcomes and achievement, Mr Sandeep Dutt paused to think of students — not as performers, but as thinkers and feelers. He recognised that when stories disappear from pedagogy, thinking gradually narrows, and learning risks becoming rote. To restore the joy of learning and the habit of reflection, he initiated the Sunday Joy of Learning sessions — an innovative space where stories return, voices are heard, and ideas are allowed to grow.

These Sundays are not extra classes; they are invitations — to listen, to read, to write, to question, and to connect. They remind us that education is not only preparation for exams, but preparation for meaning.

Come and join us every Sunday to rediscover how stories today can become ideas tomorrow — and how reading, writing, and relationships together shape thoughtful, humane learners.

Manisha Khanna
Where thinking begins with a story, inviting minds back to meaning

Wanted Back-bencher Last-ranker Teachers Chapter 1 - Sunbeam School Ballia

Learning Forward Saturday with Brinda Ghosh and Sandeep Dutt on February 14, 2026.

The session was insightful and well-structured, focusing on continuous learning and self-reflection as educators. It encouraged us to adopt innovative strategies and remain learner-centric in our approach. The learnings will be thoughtfully implemented in classroom practices.

- Pooja Chauhan 

I learned how to maintain discipline in class and to make a good seating arrangement so that no student can see the board or hear the teacher, which helps students understand the lesson properly. The session also taught me that we should be patient and keep working hard to achieve any goal we set.

I also learned that it is not important that giving punishment to any child or student creates fear in them; rather, the punishment could lead them down a path where they do not repeat the same mistake, as in the future they will be thankful to those Teachers who scolded or knocked them for their mistakes.

- Monika 

The session was successful and meaningful. We reflected on changing student mindsets, especially the idea that backbenchers are equal learners. We discussed maintaining classroom decorum before teachers enter, building respect, fostering interaction, and cultivating an eagerness to learn. The session highlighted that today’s classrooms thrive on rotation, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

- Ada Singh

The session reminded me that backbenchers are not behind — they are simply waiting to be discovered. With encouragement and belief, they rise with confidence and shine brightly. Every child has hidden greatness; as teachers, it is our duty to bring it forward.

- Sunita Gupta

The session was very affirming for me as a teacher. This session changed our thinking for backbenchers. Many of them created new things, which we never thought of 🤔, and we recognised the hidden potential of those students.

- Shivangi Gupta

The Learning Forward Saturday session was very informative and inspiring. It helped me understand the importance of continuous learning and reflection in teaching. The session encouraged me to think about improving my daily classroom practices. I learned that small changes in teaching methods can make learning more effective. The ideas shared were practical and easy to apply. Overall, the session motivated me to grow professionally and support my students better.

- Kajol Chauhan

The session motivated me and was inspiring. As a teacher, I see our backbenchers as confident, creative, and full of potential. They bring energy and a unique perspective to the classroom. With proper guidance and encouragement, they actively participate and show wonderful improvement. Their growth reminds me that every child shines in their own special way, no matter where they sit.

- Ritu Rai

The session changed my thoughts about benchwarmers. Backbenchers are frequently labeled as inattentive or less capable, but such assumptions can be misleading. Many of them possess creativity and original thinking that enrich the learning environment. This session reinforced my belief that intelligence and ability are not determined by seating position. As teachers, it is our responsibility to look beyond stereotypes, encourage participation, and recognise the hidden potential in every learner. 🌟

- Abhi Singh

The session truly touched my heart. It gave my thinking a new direction and helped me understand that a child’s value is not determined by where they sit, but by their thoughts and qualities.

I realised I must encourage every child, listen to them, and help them grow with confidence. I will support each student and make them feel special in my class.

 🌟

Gauri Singh

In the session, I loved how intelligence isn't about where you sit but about the ideas you bring to the table. As teachers, we have a huge responsibility to nurture and bring out the best in every child, regardless of their position in the class. 🙌

All words have changed my perspective, and I'll make sure to keep an open mind and give every student a chance to shine! 🌟

- Ekata

The session was equally impactful and inspiring for me. It gave my thinking a new direction and helped me understand that every student is unique. Often, we underestimate some children, even though they may possess remarkable talent and creativity.

As a teacher, this session motivated me to provide equal opportunities to every student and to make a conscious effort to recognise and nurture their hidden potential.

- Neha Pandey

It was an insightful session that changed my perspective on backbenchers. They are often underestimated, but many of them think creatively and have unique, out-of-the-box ideas. This session reminded me that intelligence is not defined by where a student sits, and as teachers, we should recognise every child’s hidden potential.

- Jyoti Pandey

The session was a powerful reminder that a classroom is not defined by its front rows, but by the potential in every corner. It has deeply motivated me to look beyond academic labels and connect with " backbenchers " who often carry the most creative sparks. I am committed to making my classroom a space where every child, regardless of where they sit, feels seen, valued, and empowered to lead.”

- Jyoti Mishra

कन्वेंशनल बनाम कंटेम्पररी स्कूल मैनेजमेंट- सुनीता त्रिपाठी

आज के सेशन में हमने "कन्वेंशनल बनाम कंटेम्पररी स्कूल मैनेजमेंट" पर चर्चा की। संदीप दत्त सर जी ने हमें इनोवेटिव टीचिंग तरीकों और गैर-पारंपरिक टीचरों की नियुक्ति के बारे में बताया। स्टूडेंट्स के व्यवहार से जुड़ी चुनौतियों से निपटने के लिए टीचर्स की काउंसलर के रूप में भूमिका पर भी बात हुई।

मेरे लिए इस सेशन से यह समझ में आया कि शिक्षकों को नए और प्रभावी तरीकों से पढ़ाने के लिए प्रेरित करना और उन्हें टेक्नोलॉजी के उपयोग के लिए प्रोत्साहित करना बहुत जरूरी है। गैर-पारंपरिक तरीकों से पढ़ाने वाले शिक्षकों की नियुक्ति भी एक अच्छा विचार है।

मैंने सीखा कि स्टूडेंट्स के व्यवहार से जुड़ी चुनौतियों से निपटने के लिए टीचर्स को काउंसलर की भूमिका निभानी चाहिए और उन्हें व्यक्तिगत ध्यान देना चाहिए। शिक्षा में टेक्नोलॉजी का प्रभावी ढंग से उपयोग करने से स्टूडेंट्स को और भी प्रभावी तरीके से पढ़ाया जा सकता है।

मैं इस सेशन से मिली जानकारी को अपने शिक्षण में लागू करने की कोशिश करूंगी और स्टूडेंट्स के लिए और भी प्रभावी तरीके खोजूंगी।

सुनीता त्रिपाठी, सनबीम ग्रामीण स्कूल

Philosophy and Religion: A Comparative Analysis

Sandeep Dutt’s Masterclass 2026

February 14, 5:20 pm, 48 min

 

Sandeep Dutt’s Masterclass discussed the book “The Courage to Be Happy,” which explores the concept of courage to be happy in a challenging world. The book features a dialogue between a young person and a philosopher that addresses the youth’s need for courage. The discussion delved into Adlerian psychology, questioning its classification as a science due to its lack of falsifiability. The conversation also explored the distinction between philosophy and religion, emphasising philosophy’s continuous quest for wisdom. The session concluded with a focus on education as self-reliance, highlighting the importance of human knowledge and relationships in the learning process.

Program Relaunch & Book Reading

Learning Forward Saturday February 14, 2026  •  56 mins Action Items  Share WhatsApp no and email in the Learning Forward Saturday group for submissions. Harshita Dalawat Collect teachers’ Chapter 1 reflections; publish on www.happyteacher.in Harshita Dalawat Download chat log w/ names and schools Harshita Dalawat Meeting Summary  Hosts: Brinda Ghosh and Sandeep Dutt To launch a book reading on teacher development and assign the first reflection. Key Takeaways New Book: Launched a monthly book reading using Wanted Back-bencher  & Last-ranker Teacher to explore teacher development. Program Goal: Shift the teacher paradigm from “perfect” to “relatable” by focusing on reading, reflection, and relationships, rather than just training. First Assignment: Teachers must submit a reflection on “What goes into the making of a teacher?” by next Saturday. Resource Hub: www.happyteacher.in It is the central portal for all program content, including session recordings and participant reflections. Topics Program Relaunch & Book Reading Context: The “Staff Leadership Development” program was relaunched to address low school participation, focusing on a new model. New Model: A monthly book club using Wanted Backbencher & LastRanker Teacher to drive teacher development. Rationale: The book’s depth is proven by its having been read with teachers 5 times and by its sales of ~1,000 copies. Format: One chapter per month → discussion → reflection assignment. Program Philosophy: Focus: Reading, reflection, and building relationships. Goal: Shift the teacher paradigm from “perfect” to “relatable.” Output: Create open educational resources (OERs) on happyteacher.in. Chapter 1: Conventional vs. Contemporary Management Theme: The conflict between conventional and contemporary school management, sparked by a CEO’s ad for an “unconventional” teacher. Core Concept: The “backbencher” is an idiom for the “last child in the class”—the one who needs the most engagement. Teacher’s Role: Be smarter than the smartest child to ensure everyone is involved. Engagement Tactic (from book): Teacher Roma disguises herself as a bison or plays basketball with students to build rapport. First Assignment: Reflection Prompt: “What goes into the making of a teacher?” Format: Flexible, allowing for diverse expression: Video Blog post Graphic/image Submission: Method: WhatsApp or email to Harshita Dalawat. File Type: Word document is preferred. Group Posting: Reflections can also be posted directly in the “Learning Forward Saturday” WhatsApp group. Support: Harshita Dalawat is the program coordinator, managing submissions, publishing, and certification. Next Steps All Teachers: Submit a reflection on “What goes into the making of a teacher?” by next Saturday. Post the name and school in the chat for attendance. Harshita Dalawat: Share WhatsApp number and email in the group chat. Collect and organise all reflection submissions.

Good Schools of India #51

Good Schools of India by Sandeep Dutt

Joy of Learning Weekly #51

Read on Substack

The Way and Awakening

Personal and social development for every individual.

Our Programs and how to start?

1. My Good School on Sundays is open to middle school students and teachers of GSA Member Schools #MyGoodSchool. Schools and partners who join the Good Schools Alliance get open access to My Good School.
2. Learning Forward Saturday is for GSA Member schools that sign up and is open to the Whole Faculty Study Group - all teachers of the Member School are most welcome #HappyTeachers.
3. Masterclass on Saturday is for individuals and is limited to 25 passionate educators.
4. Friday @ EBD is free and Open To All, appreciation of literature, art and culture #JoyOfGiving.
5. Thoughtfully Thursday focuses exclusively on Read And Lead and is open to all.
6. My Good School Retreat for GSA Member Schools #JoyOfLearning.
7. Learning Forward Retreat at Fig Tree Cottage - book for a group of five and spend two nights at Dehradun #BrewingKnowledge.

We offer a customised learning experience for every individual #JoyOfLearning.

Learning Forward India Foundation

Founded by Sandeep Dutt of The English Book Depot #BrewingKnowledge, the Foundation aims to reshape school culture by fostering trust, curiosity, and collaboration among stakeholders.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

Stress Impact on Children’s Learning & First-Generation Learners

The Courage to be Happy - an introduction

Learning Forward Saturday

To introduce the Staff Leadership Development Program and its core philosophy. Reading from the book Wanted Back-Bencher & Last-Ranker Teacher by Kavita Ghosh.

Learning Through Stories: Small Efforts, Big Impact- Lotus Petal Foundation

It was very engaging storytelling, and using narratives is a potent communication tool, no matter what you want to communicate.

My Good School, The Teachers Academy and much more in our complete edition on Substack, only at www.GSI.in

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Available from The English Book Depot