Saturday, February 28, 2026

The Subjective Past: A Narrative of “Me Now”

Masterclass with Sandeep Dutt

To explore Adlerian psychology’s concepts of empathy, teleology, and the subjective nature of the past.

Key Takeaways

  • Empathy is a Skill, Not Sympathy: Empathy is the active skill of imagining another’s life to understand their perspective, distinct from passive agreement (sympathy).

  • Teleology Over Aetiology: Behaviour is driven by present goals, not past causes. The past is a tool used to justify current choices, not a determinant of them.
  • The Past Is Subjective: Memory is a narrative constructed to affirm one’s “self now.” This explains why people recall strict teachers with gratitude (to affirm their current success) or resentment (to justify current dissatisfaction).

  • Respect Is Contagious: Educators must model respect as an equal to students. This practice, like courage, spreads and builds a foundation for all relationships.

Topics

Empathy vs. Sympathy

  • The session began by defining empathy as an active skill rather than a passive feeling.

  • Empathy: The skill of imagining another’s life to understand their perspective.

    • Example: To understand a student who doesn’t study, imagine their specific life circumstances (age, home, friends) to grasp their motivations.

  • Sympathy: Passive agreement with another’s opinions or feelings.

  • Actionable Insight: Educators must “dive in” and show concern for students’ concerns, interacting with them as equals to build respect.

Teleology: The Power of Present Goals

  • Adlerian psychology’s core principle is teleology—the idea that human behaviour is driven by present goals rather than past causes.

  • Contrast:

    • Teleology (Future-focused): We act to achieve goals.

    • Aetiology (Past-focused): We are determined by past events.

  • Example: A person with a “dark personality” isn’t a victim of a bad home environment (aetiology). They chose that personality to achieve the goal of avoiding hurt (teleology).

The Subjective Past: A Narrative of “Me Now”

  • The past is a subjective narrative constructed to affirm one’s “self now.”

  • Mechanism: To justify current choices, people select events from the past and assign meaning to them, while ignoring or erasing contradictory events.

  • Example: A man bitten by a dog initially recalled only the attack, which supported his view of a dangerous world. When his worldview shifted to a safer one, he recalled being helped by a stranger, creating a new, affirming narrative.

  • Application to Education: This explains why students recall strict teachers differently:

    • Gratitude: To affirm their current success.

    • Resentment: To justify current dissatisfaction.

History as a Manipulated Narrative

  • The group discussed how this subjective principle applies to collective history.

  • Insight: History is a “grand story” manipulated by those in power to legitimise their rule.

  • Examples:

    • NCERT textbooks are periodically rewritten to reflect current political sentiment.

    • British history curricula often omit colonialism.

  • Conclusion: The past, both personal and collective, is a tool for the present, not an objective reality.

Next Steps

  • Priyanka Rathore: Share handwritten notes from the session in the WhatsApp group for collective reflection.

  • All Participants: Review the session recording and notes before the next meeting.

  • All Participants: The next masterclass is scheduled for March 7, 2026.

Fathom AI Notes, read with due care.

Reflections for the Month & Defining the Contemporary Teacher

Learning Forward Saturday

Review teacher reflections and demonstrate practical AI tools for professional development.

Key Takeaways

  • Adaptability vs. Collaboration: Adaptability means fitting into a school’s culture (e.g., PYDS’s rural setting), while Collaboration is proactive engagement. Both are essential for contemporary teachers.

  • Reflection vs. Notes: Reflection is personal insight and growth; notes are a factual summary. The blog editing process (using Grammarly, Fathom) helps teachers learn this distinction by seeing their work refined.

  • AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI is a powerful assistant for efficiency (e.g., ChatGPT for drafting, Canva for graphics). The teacher’s “heart and soul” (empathy, creativity) and quality prompts remain indispensable.

  • Inclusivity is a Contemporary Value: Effective teaching requires actively including all students, especially “backbenchers,” by creating psychologically safe environments and recognising effort, not just performance.

Topics

PYDS Reflection: Defining the Contemporary Teacher

  • PYDS’s reflection defined a contemporary teacher with the acronym:

    • Receptive

    • Efficient

    • Humorous

    • Creative

    • Approachable

    • Empathetic

    • Tactful

  • Adaptability was discussed as a key trait, defined as the ability to fit into a school’s unique culture.

    • Example: A teacher moving to PYDS must adapt to its remote, rural environment and students from underprivileged backgrounds.

  • Distinction: Adaptability (fitting in) vs. Collaboration (proactive engagement).

Blog Editing & AI Tools Demo

  • Sandeep demonstrated the blog editing process to show how AI tools refine submissions and provide a learning opportunity.

  • Process:

    1. Platform: Posts are published on the Teachers Academy blog via draft.blogger.com.

    2. Grammar & Style: Grammarly corrects grammar and punctuation, using Indian English conventions.

    3. SEO: Meta tags and a <150-character description are added for searchability.

    4. Learning: Teachers learn by comparing their original submission to the polished, published version.

  • AI Tools Used by Learning Forward:

    • Grammarly: Grammar and style correction.

    • Fathom: Meeting recording and transcription.

    • Apple Intelligence & Zoom Recording: Backup recordings.

    • Gemini: Research and report generation.

    • Canva: Graphic design.

Sunbeam Balia Reflections: Empathy & Inclusivity

  • Reflections from Sunbeam Balia highlighted empathy and inclusivity as core contemporary values.

  • Key Themes:

    • Empathy: Building a strong teacher-student bond and a positive classroom environment.

    • Lifelong Learning: Continuous professional development is essential for teacher relevance.

    • Inclusivity: Actively engaging all students, especially “backbenchers,” by recognising effort and creating psychologically safe spaces.

  • Sunita Tripathi’s Post: A Hindi reflection exploring a backbencher’s thoughts when asked a question, emphasising that a supportive teacher-student relationship builds psychological safety.

Pooja Chauhan’s AI-Generated Post

  • Pooja Chauhan shared a post created using ChatGPT, demonstrating effective AI integration.

  • Process:

    1. Prompt: Input specific requirements for a good teacher.
    2. Edit: Refine the AI-generated text to add personal voice and context.

  • Principle: The quality of the output depends on the quality of the prompt. The teacher’s role is to guide the AI with their expertise.

Next Steps

  • PYDS Team: Post the revised, readable TEACHER graphic to the Learning Forward WhatsApp group.

  • All Teachers:

    • Use AI tools (Grammarly, ChatGPT, Canva) to enhance efficiency and creativity.

    • Focus on reflection (personal insight) over notes (factual summary) in submissions.

    • Avoid time-specific phrases like “yesterday’s session” to ensure content remains relevant over time.

    • Invite colleagues to the Learning Forward WhatsApp group.

Reflections on Teaching with Empathy and Growth - Sunbeam School, Ballia

Teaching: A Journey of Growth

As a teacher, I’m on a mission to empower young minds. I guide my students in academics, values, and life skills, helping them become confident and compassionate individuals. My classroom is a space where curiosity meets creativity, and learning is an adventure. I believe teaching is a journey of growth—for my students and for me. It’s a chance to learn, explore, and evolve together. Let us make learning joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable.

- Ekata Singh

An ideal teacher should have deep subject knowledge and clear, effective communication skills. They must be patient, compassionate, and creative, with the ability to recognise and nurture each child’s potential. A teacher should maintain discipline while creating a positive and inspiring classroom environment. They should not only teach lessons but also build values, confidence, and a bright future for their students. A professional attitude and technical knowledge are also essential.

Neha Pandey

Teaching is not just a job; it is a responsibility to shape the future generation. As a teacher, I guide students not only in academics but also in values, discipline, and confidence. Every day, I create a positive and supportive classroom environment. Learning should be joyful and meaningful. Teaching helps me grow as a person while helping my students grow.

- Jyoti Pandey

In the recent meeting about backbenchers in school sports, I want to share that while our school provides good sports facilities and organises activities well, many backbenchers are not fully involved or encouraged to participate. Some students lack confidence or feel overlooked during team selection, which often favours already skilled players. The management can promote greater inclusivity by organising open trials, beginner-friendly coaching sessions, and mixed teams that combine experienced and new players. Teachers can also play an important role by personally motivating quieter students and recognising effort and improvement, not just winning. These steps can help boost confidence, increase participation, and ensure that every student feels valued and included in school sports activities.

- Ankita Mishra

The session was very fruitful. It emphasised that teachers should not only show sympathy toward students but also build empathy so that students can learn essential life skills. It is also the responsibility of teachers to understand that students should learn in collaborative and creative ways, and that teaching should be student-centred. This approach builds confidence in both students and teachers.

- Mimansha Yadav

The session emphasised that empathy builds a strong teacher–student bond and creates a positive classroom environment. Students enjoy learning when teachers support and guide them with understanding. Most importantly, a teacher should always remain a learner, because growth in teaching begins with continuous self-learning.

- Ada Singh

An ideal teacher is someone who inspires, guides, and supports students with patience and kindness. They focus not only on academics but also on building character, confidence, and values. By leading with honesty and empathy, an ideal teacher leaves a lasting impact on students’ lives.

- Ritu Rai

The discussion highlighted that empathy strengthens the connection between teachers and students, fostering a welcoming and encouraging classroom atmosphere. When educators show care and provide thoughtful guidance, students become more engaged and enthusiastic about learning. Above all, effective teachers recognise that they are lifelong learners, as true professional growth comes from ongoing reflection and self-improvement.

- Abhilasha Singh

An ideal teacher supports all students, including those who sit at the back or struggle academically and are sometimes overlooked, yet have unique potential waiting to be tapped. As a teacher, this reminds me to pay closer attention to every learner, not just the ones who raise their hands first. It also challenges me to rethink my teaching methods to make lessons more inclusive, engaging, and supportive for all students, regardless of where they sit or how they perform. The biggest takeaway is that every child matters, and a teacher’s role is to bring out the best in even the quietest or most struggling learner.

- Kajal Singh

In the session, we were reminded that learning is a lifelong process and that there is no age limit to gaining knowledge. We were encouraged to learn something new every day, because the moment we believe we know everything, our learning truly stops. True learning requires continuous curiosity and growth. The session also emphasised the importance of empathy for our students, teaching them good values and behaviour, and building a strong, positive teacher–student relationship. Yesterday’s session was truly insightful and fruitful for all of us.

- Sana Parveen

The session was truly insightful. It reminded us that learning is a lifelong process and that the moment we think we know everything, our growth stops. As teachers, we must continue to learn every day so we can better guide our students. The session also made me reflect on giving equal attention to every child, especially those who sit quietly or struggle academically. Every student has unique potential, and it is our responsibility to nurture it with empathy, patience, and the right guidance. Building strong teacher–student relationships and instilling good values are just as important as academic learning.

- Arpita Verma

The session was truly enlightening. It highlighted the importance of teachers not just showing sympathy, but building empathy with students. By teaching collaboratively and creatively, while keeping students at the centre, we can equip them with essential life skills. This approach boosts confidence in both students and teachers, making learning a fulfilling experience.

- Pooja Choubey

The session was very affirmative for us. In the session, sir and ma’am described the difference between empathy and sympathy. They also focused on developing a range of qualities in our students and on becoming model teachers for them.

- Shivangini Gupta

A good teacher not only teaches lessons but also guides students toward a bright future and understands that every child learns differently. I believe in maintaining discipline with kindness and continuously improving myself through new teaching methods. I strive to create a positive and supportive learning environment where every child can grow confidently and develop their full potential.

- Nidhi Singh

The session made me think about my role as a teacher. The focus on empathy, adaptability, and strong subject knowledge reminded me that teaching is not just about finishing the syllabus but also about understanding children.

I liked the idea that a good teacher should be a good listener and observer. It made me realise that I should pay closer attention to every child, especially the quiet students in my class.

The discussion of adaptability is also relevant to my classroom, because every child learns in a different way and at a different pace.

My takeaway: I will pause more in my class, observe my students carefully, and teach with more care so that every child feels understood.

- Pooja Chauhan

The role of a teacher has evolved from a “sage on the stage” to a “guide on the side,” encompassing a wide range of academic, emotional, and social responsibilities. Beyond simply delivering a curriculum, modern educators act as mentors, facilitators, and role models who shape the future of their students and society at large.

- Monika

On February 21, the session, led by Sandeep Sir and Brinda Ma’am, opened with the objective of “to shift teachers to be more relatable with students.” We discussed the difference between sympathy and empathy. Ma’am also discussed an important point: teachers should put themselves in students’ shoes to understand their needs and feelings, which I think is very helpful for getting to know our students better.

They also asked us what qualities schools look for in a teacher at the time of hiring, and showed us an unusual advertisement from a school. Ma’am also shared a teaching method: when a child graphically visualises a situation, their understanding improves, which I think will be very helpful when teaching.

We also discussed the difference between notes and reflection. At the end of the session, Ma’am gave a very important tip: “A teacher should reflect on how they have taught a class after every class.” That will help us improve ourselves. Overall, the session was insightful and helpful, though it could have been even better.

- Vishal Singh

Chapter 1 made me reflect on how we often label students as backbenchers or last rankers without understanding their true potential. It highlighted that every child has unique abilities, and as teachers, our role is to guide, encourage, and believe in them rather than judge them by marks.

This chapter inspired me to create a more inclusive and supportive classroom where every student feels valued and motivated to grow. It reminded me that true teaching is about transforming mindsets, not just improving scores.

- Reema Keshari

When a teacher asks a question in class, it is not just about checking knowledge but also about building trust and confidence. A student’s response depends on how safe, valued, and encouraged they feel. Positive teacher-student relationships turn questions into opportunities for learning rather than moments of fear.

- Neha Pandey 

Hiring teachers who shape the classroom means, a school wants to appoint teachers who do more than just teach subjects. It means hiring teachers who can:
  • Create a positive learning environment.
  • Maintain discipline and respect in class.
  • Encourage student participation.
  • Build confidence and character in students. 
  • Use creative and effective teaching methods.
  • Inspire students to learn and grow.
Such teachers shape the classroom by making it:
• Organised
• Friendly
• Motivating
• Safe
• Productive 

Sunita Gupta

Hiring Teachers Who Shape Classrooms - PYDS

Hiring good teachers is essential because they shape both learning and the emotional environment of classrooms. Schools should look beyond qualifications to qualities like empathy, patience, communication, and a genuine connection with children. Demonstration lessons and thoughtful interviews help reveal how teachers engage with students and approach learning.

Good teachers are lifelong learners who reflect, adapt, and collaborate. Hiring should align with the school’s values and culture to ensure long-term commitment. Careful teacher selection is not just recruitment—it is an investment in students’ growth and well-being. 

PYDS Learning Academy
Pratiksha & Sheetal

Selecting Teachers for Lasting Student Impact - Sunita Tripathi

चिंतनशील दृष्टिकोण: जब शिक्षक सवाल पूछते हैं तो एक बैकबेंचर के मन में क्या चलता है — शिक्षक-छात्र संबंध के संदर्भ में 
कक्षा में जब शिक्षक कोई प्रश्न पूछते हैं, तो यह केवल पढ़ाई की समझ ही नहीं दिखाता, बल्कि शिक्षक और छात्रों — खासकर पीछे बैठने वाले छात्रों — के बीच के संबंध को भी दर्शाता है। बैकबेंचर के दृष्टिकोण से, ऐसे क्षणों में सोच-विचार और भावनाएँ दोनों सक्रिय हो जाती हैं, जो पिछले अनुभवों, कक्षा के माहौल और शिक्षक की अपेक्षाओं से प्रभावित होती हैं। 

जब शिक्षक प्रश्न पूछते हैं, तो बैकबेंचर सबसे पहले अपने आप का आकलन करता है — क्या उसे विषय समझ में आया है और क्या वह ध्यान दे रहा था। लेकिन इसके साथ-साथ एक रिश्ते से जुड़ा पहलू भी होता है। छात्र सोच सकता है कि शिक्षक उसे सक्षम मानते हैं, अनदेखा करते हैं या कम ध्यान देते हैं। यदि शिक्षक पहले प्रोत्साहन और सम्मान दिखा चुके हैं, तो छात्र को जवाब देने में सुरक्षित महसूस होता है। लेकिन यदि अनुभव आलोचनात्मक या दूरी भरा रहा हो, तो झिझक या चिंता हो सकती है। यह क्षण भरोसे को भी दर्शाता है। एक सहायक शिक्षक-छात्र संबंध मनोवैज्ञानिक सुरक्षा देता है, जिससे बैकबेंचर प्रश्न को खतरे की बजाय अवसर के रूप में देखता है। छात्र यह भी सोचता है कि अगर वह गलती करेगा तो शिक्षक कैसे प्रतिक्रिया देंगे — क्या गलती को सीखने का हिस्सा माना जाएगा या नकारात्मक रूप से देखा जाएगा। यही सोच उसकी भागीदारी को प्रभावित करती है।

इसके अलावा, प्रश्न पूछना “अपनापन” महसूस कराने से भी जुड़ा है। बैकबेंचर देखते हैं कि शिक्षक कक्षा में ध्यान कैसे बाँटते हैं। जब शिक्षक जानबूझकर सभी जगह बैठे छात्रों को शामिल करते हैं, तो यह निष्पक्षता और देखभाल का संकेत देता है। इससे छात्र खुद को महत्वपूर्ण और पहचाना हुआ महसूस करता है।

सुनीता त्रिपाठी 
सनबीम ग्रामीण स्कूल।

Friday, February 27, 2026

We Are Hiring a Learning Architect- Pooja Chauhan

This session shifted my thinking from “Who is qualified?” to “Who is truly teachable and child-ready?” I realised that while degrees open the door, dispositions sustain the classroom. When a school hires a teacher, it is actually hiring the emotional climate of future classrooms. Therefore, along with content knowledge, we must look for curiosity in the teacher’s eyes, warmth in their language, and flexibility in their approach. 

I believe a strong hiring process should intentionally create moments where the candidate has to think aloud, respond to an unexpected classroom situation, and demonstrate how they would include a hesitant learner. 

The real question is not, Can this person teach the lesson? But can this person notice the child who is not learning? Going forward, I will sharpen my own reflective practice and advocate for interview processes that reveal mindset, not just merit. This learning has made me more conscious that every teacher we select silently shapes hundreds of learning journeys.

🌱 WE ARE NOT JUST HIRING A TEACHER — WE ARE INVITING A LEARNING ARCHITECT 🌱

Position: Primary Teacher (English)

At Sunbeam School Ballia, we believe classrooms should feel alive with curiosity, care, and conversation. We are looking for an educator who sees beyond marks and notices the child behind the notebook.

We are searching for someone who:

• Builds emotional safety before academic success
• Listens as deeply as they teach
• Designs joyful, child-centric learning experiences
• Reflects on their practice and adapts with purpose
• Believes every back-bencher carries untapped potential

What matters more than years of experience:
✔ Warmth in interaction
✔ Clarity in communication
✔ Creativity in pedagogy
✔ Commitment to continuous learning

Preferred Qualification:
Graduate/Postgraduate with B.Ed.

Experience: Passionate freshers are welcome

📩 Apply: @sunbeamschoolballia.edu

📍 Location: Ballia

✨ We don’t just fill vacancies. We carefully choose the adults who will shape childhood.

Pooja Chauhan

Delightfully Different Teacher Wanted - Minakshi Prasad

WE ARE HIRING:

Do you walk with a spring in your step and speak with a lilt in your voice?
Can you turn a classroom into a world of wonder — yet hold it steady with quiet strength and care?

We are looking for a delightfully different teacher.

• Someone who believes learning is not just delivered — it is experienced.
• Someone whose laughter is contagious, but whose presence commands respect.
• Someone who sees the shy child in the corner and the restless dreamer at the back.
• Someone who can hold thirty young minds together — not with fear, but with warmth, structure, and attention.

You might be unconventional —

 You might teach fractions through stories.
 Grammar through theatre.
 Science is through questions that have no easy answers.

You may hum while you write on the board.

You may believe curiosity is more powerful than control. But make no mistake —
You can hold a class together.
You can anchor chaos into curiosity.
You notice when a child’s silence means something.
You care deeply, deliberately, consistently.

We value:

• Emotional intelligence is as important as academic excellence.
• Creativity alongside curriculum.
• Firmness wrapped in kindness.
• Attention to each student’s growth — mind and heart.

If you believe classrooms should have energy, empathy, and excellence in equal measure,
If you are ready to nurture not just toppers, but thinkers, feelers, and future leaders,
We would love to meet you.

Send your application to: mp@learningforward.org.in
Location: Greater Noida
Start Date: 15th March 2026

Come as you are.
Bring your spark.

Minakshi Prasad

Saturday, February 21, 2026

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

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