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.
To launch a book reading on teacher development and assign the first reflection.
Key Takeaways
New Book: Launched a monthly book club using Wanted Backbencher 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.