Reading My Good School - 14th March 2025

My Good School: Where Passion Meets Education, by Sandeep Dutt and published by Rupa Publications Pvt Ltd. Read with us every Friday afternoon.

Quick recap

Sandeep led a discussion on the importance of continuous learning and leadership in education, emphasizing the role of principals and teachers as chief learning leaders. He highlighted essential qualities for educators, including integrity, empathy, and the ability to inspire, while stressing the need for a balanced approach to teaching and administrative responsibilities. The session also covered the significance of mentorship, effective communication, and relationship-building in creating a positive learning environment, with Sandeep encouraging participants to engage in regular reading, reflection, and professional development activities.

Next steps

• Minakshi will note down and remind Sandeep about discussing the book "Schools That Learn" in a future session.

• All participants are encouraged to subscribe to the GSI (Good Schools of India) Journal at gsi. in for weekly updates and session recaps.

• Vidyotma will share the registration information for the Friday session with teachers in her school.

• All participants are to plan to attend the Friday sessions at 5:30 PM for reading and reflection.

• All participants are to look out for the addition of art sessions on Fridays in the future.

Summary

Teacher Proficiencies and Life Purpose

Sandeep discusses the importance of teachers developing proficiencies in reading, art, poetry, and music to become better educators. He emphasizes the need for teachers to continually learn and reflect, comparing it to a daily necessity like eating. Sandeep also shared a passage about the importance of understanding one's purpose in life and the value of the human soul, encouraging the participants to consider why they were present at the session.

Principal's Role in School Leadership

Sandeep discussed the role of a principal as the chief learning leader in schools. He emphasized that the principal should lead by example, motivate, coach, inspire, teach, mentor, be a visionary, ensure teamwork, and lead by example. Sandeep also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and the need for a systems approach. He mentioned the book "Schools that Learn" by Peter Senge, which they plan to read after finishing "My Good School". Sandeep also discussed the limitations of the current schooling system, which Sandeep believes has commoditized education. He suggested that education should be viewed as an intangible wealth rather than a commodity.

Leading by Example in Education

Sandeep emphasized the importance of a chief learning leader being a learner, having good governance, and having active participation from all stakeholders. He highlighted the need for a leader to lead by example for teachers, students, and the community. Minakshi shared her teacher experience and the importance of leading by example, emphasizing the need for virtues and humility. Sandeep also mentioned the need for a leader to fulfill their purpose, otherwise they have done nothing.

Teacher's Role in School Leadership

Sandeep discussed the role of a teacher and principal in a school setting, emphasizing the importance of leadership, mentorship, and creating a positive learning environment. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach encompassing teaching and administrative responsibilities. Sandeep also stressed the significance of effective communication and relationship-building with parents and the community. He concluded by encouraging continuous learning and setting higher standards for oneself, which he believes is essential for a successful learning leader.

Choosing the Right Mentor for Success

Sandeep discussed the importance of choosing a mentor rather than a monitor for a class. He emphasized that a mentor should be someone who can inspire, value their position, and commit to being disciplined. Sandeep also highlighted the challenges of finding the right mentor, such as peer pressure, physical strength, and academic performance. He suggested that a compassionate and loving individual would make the best mentor. Minakshi agreed, emphasizing the importance of empathy in a mentor. Sandeep concluded by mentioning a trophy for love and compassion at his school, suggesting that this quality is crucial for a good mentor.

School Leader Qualities and Student Mentors

Sandeep discussed the essential qualities of a school leader, emphasizing integrity, autonomy, group dynamics, human relations, positioning, and task effectiveness. He highlighted the importance of self-direction, trust, and valuing all individuals in creating a positive organizational environment. Sandeep also mentioned the role of student mentors in promoting a safer school environment and advancing the school's mission.

Introducing Right Side Story and Taurian World School

Sandeep introduced a new partner, Right Side Story, and welcomed Taurian World School. He encouraged participants to subscribe to the weekly newsletter featuring news, reflections, and relationship-building opportunities. He also mentioned that the newsletter will include links to the chapters they've read and the blog where these chapters come from. Sandeep emphasized the importance of reading, reflection, and relationship-building for teachers. He also mentioned that they will start doing art on Fridays and focus on becoming a teacher. Vidyotma agreed to share the session with her teachers and expressed her appreciation for the session.

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Reflections: Masterclass - Saturday 30th November 2024

Chapter 3: Not Another Brick In The Wall

Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing the structure of an upcoming book, welcoming new team members, and exploring educational philosophies centred on student-centric approaches and the importance of reflection. The team delved into the teachings of renowned educator Shomie Das, emphasizing the significance of creating nurturing environments for students and the role of effective school leadership. They also discussed communication strategies, including using WhatsApp groups and social media for learning opportunities, and planned to share chapter summaries on www.HappyTeacher.in to encourage engagement and reflection.

Next steps

Here are the essential action items from the meeting:

Gurdeep will prepare reflection questions for the chapter and send them to Sandeep Dutt.

Sandeep Dutt will write a chapter summary and post it on happyteacher.in.

If teachers missed the session or didn't have the book, they should read the chapter summary on "Happy Teacher."

Teachers are to send reflections on the chapter after reading the summary.

Teachers are to share relevant pictures related to the chapter topic in the WhatsApp group for discussion.

Teachers should focus on interactions and conversations in the WhatsApp group rather than just sharing greetings.

Summary

Book Structure, Reflection, and AI

In the meeting, Sandeep Dutt and Gurdeep discussed the upcoming book and its structure, focusing on the importance of reflection and AI. They also discussed the need for bilingual conversations to accommodate participants from different regions. Sandeep Dutt introduced Minakshi, who will manage the Afzal Khan Foundation and the Arthur Foot Academy. We need to focus on the teacher's blog and then proceed to read the book, intending to complete a chapter. We discussed the use of WhatsApp for community structure and the transition from Telegram.

New Members and School Partnerships

Sandeep Dutt welcomed new members to the team, including Sneha Singh from Sunbeam Bhagwanpur, Minakshi Prasad from Arthur Foot Academy, and Jugiv Singh. Sandeep expressed the team's commitment to the philosophy of inclusion and the goal of improving partnerships with schools. He also mentioned a forthcoming visit to Sun City and Shangrila, where he will host a school function. The team also welcomed Sunbeam School Sarnath to the group.

Treehouse in Education: Reflections and Philosophy

In the meeting, Gurdeep discussed the last chapter's reflections, focusing on whether education should be student-centric or teacher-centric and the need for a treehouse in education. He shared his thoughts on how a treehouse could provide a magical space for holistic development, including physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Sandeep Dutt then read a comment from Suman about the importance of a treehouse in education, emphasizing its role in fostering a special bond between students and nature. The team then discussed the chapter, with Jugjiv reading from it and highlighting the importance of the child being at the centre of education, a philosophy that Shomie, the distinguished gentleman they were discussing, firmly believed in.

Shomie Das' Educational Philosophy Discussed

Jugjiv discussed the educational philosophy of Shomie Das, a renowned educator. Shomie believed in each child's comfort and individuality, centring his approach around these principles. He rejected traditional methods of discipline, such as humiliation, and instead focused on creating a safe and nurturing environment for students. Shomie's recruitment criteria for teachers also reflected his emphasis on the importance of character and genuine concern for students. He believed that a teacher's role was not just to impart knowledge but to create good citizens.

Student-Centric Teaching and Leadership

Sandeep Dutt and Jugjiv discussed the importance of student-centric teaching and leadership. Sandeep shared the story of Shomie Das, who grew from a teacher to a headmaster in three places, emphasizing the difference between teaching in a classroom and leading a school. He also highlighted the importance of a teacher's ability to see potential in students, using examples of former students who succeeded in their careers. Jugjiv agreed with Sandeep's points and suggested some edits to the text.

Principal's Role in Child-Centered Environment

Sandeep Dutt discussed the importance of appointing a principal who is well-versed in their subject and has a good reputation in the classroom. He emphasized the need for a child-centred environment where the principal can make time for children and create a nurturing atmosphere. Sandeep also highlighted the significance of the principal's involvement in the school's daily activities, such as playing games with children and ensuring their safety. He shared an example of a principal who adopted a rickshaw as his desk to move around the school and interact with children. Sandeep also discussed the importance of separating administrative responsibilities from academic delivery and how the principal should ensure the school's safety and cleanliness. He concluded by emphasizing that a good administrator should be present at the school gate to ensure children's safety and well-being.

Sandeep's Experiences With Shomie

Sandeep Dutt shared his experiences and insights about his time under the mentorship of Shomi, also known as Captain Bajaj. He highlighted the importance of experiential learning, connecting with children outside the classroom, and the significance of outdoor activities for children. He also shared a story about a challenging trek experience with Shomi, emphasizing the importance of leadership, decision-making, and maintaining morale under pressure. The group agreed to continue the discussion, with only a few pages left in the book.

Shomie Das's Education Impact and Legacy

Sandeep Dutt discussed the significant role of Shomie Das in developing high-quality and globally comparable schools. He praised Shomi's unique balance of traditional values, forward-thinking approach, and commitment to creating a safe learning environment. Sandeep also mentioned Shomi's induction into the Hall of Fame of Indian Education and his receipt of the Education World Lifetime Achievement in Education Leadership Award. The team decided to post a summary of each chapter on Happy Teacher.in, rather than asking questions, to encourage reflection and engagement. They also considered sharing pictures related to the chapter for further discussion.

Enhancing Communication With Whatsapp Groups

Sandeep Dutt and Gurdeep discussed using WhatsApp groups to communicate and share information. They agreed that the WhatsApp group should be a platform for conversations and sharing and be used more frequently. Sandeep also highlighted the importance of social media in learning opportunities and encouraged the use of technology for learning. The conversation ended with Sandeep promising to post details on a link to happyteacher.in blog in the next half an hour.

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Thank You Note for JDS School

Dear Principal Sir and Staff at JDS School

Thank you for joining us for the orientation, and for more do visit www.SchoolEducation.com

Meeting Purpose

Introduce JDS School teachers to the Learning Forward Foundation's programs and initiatives for enhancing reading, reflection, and relationships in education.

Key Takeaways

• Learning Forward Foundation offers programs focused on fostering joy in reading, reflection, and relationship-building for teachers and students

• Key initiatives include My Good School (for students), The Teacher’s Academy (for teachers), and an Annual Retreat at Dehradun

• Participation is free for Good School Alliance members, with optional certification available for a fee

• Resources include open-source materials, podcasts, YouTube channel, and blog posts for continuous learning

Topics

Introduction to the Good Schools Alliance

• Founded in 2012, initially working with a school in Rajasthan

• Transitioned to online format in 2019 due to challenges in physical school visits

• Focus on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, character, and citizenship

• Emphasis on reading, reflection, and relationship-building

My Good School Program

• Flagship program held every Sunday at 10:30 AM

• Involves reading and discussing books from various genres

• Students write reflections and blog posts based on readings

• Encourages creative expression through writing, drawing, podcasts, and videos

Teachers Academy Program

• Held every Saturday at 5:30 PM for 45 minutes

• Teachers read and discuss chapters, then create reflections

• Blog posts by "Happy Teachers" shared on the platform

• Recent example: discussion on "Heart Versus Mind" in classroom management

Annual My Good School Retreat

• Upcoming retreat from November 13-16 in Dehradun

• Opportunity for students and teachers to participate in person

• Program details to be finalized in the coming days

Continuous Professional Development

• Option to earn a certificate by submitting 11 articles in a year

• Exam fee of 1100 rupees for certification

• Affiliated with an international agency for accreditation

Resources and Support

• Open-source materials available on the website

• Podcast and YouTube channel with educational content

• Blog posts searchable by topic for teacher reference

• Support available from coaches, interns, and fellows

Next Steps

• Teachers to explore the Learning Forward Foundation website www.SchoolEducation.com

• Consider participation in upcoming Sunday and Saturday sessions

• Evaluate student participation in My Good School program

• Explore possibility of attending the November Retreat in Dehradun

• Review certification options for continuous professional development

Kind regards

Sandeep Dutt

Founder Good Schools Alliance

Jhamku Devi Secondary School, is situated in the state of Punjab at a distance of 24 Kms. from Abohar on the Malout-Ganganagar Defence road at Dhora Mehrajpur Village. It has an Eco-Friendly noise free and Salubrious environment.

The school aims to provide an atmosphere to develop the individual personality of each student and to inculcate in the students, an awareness of the rich cultural heritage. It imparts education which is a happy blend of the traditional and western values, an education which nurtures the best traditions of our culture and also absorbs the finer western influences. The institution endeavours to provide the climate for a wholesome and integrated upbringing, seeking to provide well adjusted, dynamic students equipped with valuable qualities of leadership and alertness. Jhamkudevi Sr. Sen. School also aims to develop in the students, an awareness of social responsibility and moral values. It offers myriad opportunities for extra-curricular activities and game for the growth of sound physical and mental health in them.

Find out more: https://jhamkudevischool.in/

Video recording of the session:

The Man Who Saw Tomorrow

May we carry forward the light he ignited and strive to create a kinder and more compassionate world. Ironically, "The Man Who Saw Tomorrow" by Naga Tummala was published only ten days before he departed from us; the book beautifully honours his legacy and the joy he brought to others. Let's join together in offering our thoughts and prayers for Shomie and providing comfort to his family and loved ones. #JoyOfLiving

The podcast will be available on 27th of September 2024 at www.LearningForwardPodcast.com

Opening For Principal @ Dehradun

You have 48 hours to go, closing on 31st October 2022.
PRINCIPAL FOR A NEW EARLY YEARS SCHOOL AT DEHRADUN. #school #Principal Lady with the lamp, please apply ASAP.

We don't need any prior experience as principals; we prefer first-timers who would like to lead a new school in a new way. Just so you know, no phone calls, emails, or other communication will be accepted—no CV or references from you. Send us a Video Message by Whatsapp at +91 9811133900. 
#experience #communication #like #video #cv #references

Chance of a lifetime to spread the joy of learning and working with young children. #JoyOfLearning

Humility and Appreciation - Laxmi Kant Bhatt

Children feel encouraged and confident when they are appreciated; in fact, every person feels encouraged when appreciated. To boost their confidence, I decided to perform a task which could contribute to my subject at school. I came up with an idea to make an activity related to maths which could also be fun for the students.

With humility, I walked up to the principal and explained that we should provide a maths challenge every week and divide the students into junior and senior groups. Each group gets one question. The student who comes first with the correct solution will be the winner of the challenge. For appreciation, we will announce the child's name in the assembly, and the child will be rewarded. 

My principal was very supportive of the idea and suggested that you take the winner child out for coffee, and we can call it coffee with the coach. 

Cheered when ma'am accepted my idea, we announced the challenge in the assembly the next day and put the challenge on the notice board. Good response from the children, and we did get winners of the challenge. The winners were taken out for a coffee. The children felt obliged to go out for a coffee. They were full of excitement and felt appreciated for being awarded this way. The other children were encouraged by this and were discussing and excited about the new challenge. They approached me and continuously asked for a new challenge.

I am glad that the children enjoyed my activity. This way, we found a good way to appreciate the children for their excellent work.

Laxmi Kant Bhatt

The Doon Girls' School Dehradun

JOL Cohort 2022

Wanted a Primary School Principal!

FOLLOW YOUR HEART
Lady with the lamp, where art thou?

Primary years are your first 💕.
You love a breath of fresh 💨.

Want to settle at Dehradun?

We have a job to involve you for 10+ years, and the school will grow with you from Primary to K12.

Prior experience is welcome; if you want this to be your first shot as a principal, give it a try!

Image courtesy: Primary School Clipart, Png Download - Reading Cartoon, Free clipartkey.com

With passionate educators, EBD is setting up a school at Dehradun. Amidst a legacy campus that opened its doors in 1947 to give newfound freedom to young people. 

This is the new India; we decided to re-invent the wheel, building on a solid foundation with a sense of service to the community and a commitment to values.

Verdant greens, sounds of silence, birds chirping, water body, tree house, blue skies,  amphitheatre, pick-up from home...and even an area for parents to lounge in!

My Good School welcomes you with an open heart! No CV is needed; email LF@ebd.in and tell us why you are best suited.

OFFER CLOSES 31st July 2022

#mygoodschool #education #job #experience #love #jobalert #school #email #email #art #sing #dance #explore #walk #woods #magic

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