Role of a Teacher in School

'Role of a Teacher in School' is an online course that will enable participants to engage with J. Krishnamurti's teachings, their relevance in contemporary times and the educational approach that derives from the teachings. The course will provide:

• An orientation for prospective teachers who wish to teach in schools.
• An opportunity for those starting out in teaching or planning a career change to education.
• A fresh look for teachers with experience.
• A foothold in the ethos of education before taking up full-time responsibilities.
• A brief exposure to life and interactions in a Krishnamurti school.

Selection of participants will be through an interview process. This is a composite program of 4 online modules and 3 short in-person modules. The course involves substantial reading and is conducted in English.

• Fresh Graduates/Postgraduates aspiring to become teachers in schools.
• Teachers (with or without B.Ed) who would like to re-orient their outlook.
• Individuals interested in making a career shift into teaching.
• Age 22–40 (upper age limit can be relaxed for interested individuals).

Participants are expected to have some familiarity with Krishnamurti's work — see the recommended reading below.

• History of Education including critique of modern education
• What is happening in the field of education in the country
• Krishnamurti's departure from modern education
• Krishnamurti's vision of education and the significance of life
• The intent of Krishnamurti Schools
• The themes that emerge from Krishnamurti's vision of education

A 3-week immersion program at the Valley School KFI (Bengaluru) follows the 4-month online program, for interested participants. Participants make their own stay arrangements near the campus.

Additional modules during the campus stay: teaching of the humanities (history and economics), teaching of mathematics and the physical sciences, and introducing Krishnamurti to the young.

Themes are approached through daily life and current events, Krishnamurti's writings and talks, and their connection to the school and classroom.

Two batches in 2027: Summer (April–July) and Winter (September–January, no sessions in November). Sessions are on Saturdays, 3:00–6:00 p.m., in 45-minute sessions with breaks.

The exact dates of the internship program at Valley School KFI will be communicated later.

• Whole group engagement with facilitators during virtual class sessions for each module.
• Course-work using reading and other materials, reflection and writing.

It is hoped participants will encounter key questions in school education, enlarge their vision of education and life, get a sense of enquiring together, and experience the culture of Krishnamurti schools.

Each module is facilitated by one or more experienced senior teachers or administrators drawn from Krishnamurti schools in India.

Note: while all resource people are experienced teachers and role-holders in K schools, they are not authorised interpreters of J. Krishnamurti's teachings.

The statement of purpose should include your intent in choosing teaching as a career and what you expect to learn from this course. Candidates should be available for a virtual meeting as part of selection.

Registered students of Transdisciplinary University Bengaluru (TDU) can take this course as an elective carrying 3 credits; the 3-week immersion adds 2 more (5 total). Credits are optional and relevant only for those who want them.

Under NEP 2023, credits are stored and transferred through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). As per UGC rules, credits require assessment: students opting for credits take an online examination conducted by TDU and assessed by KFI, receive an additional TDU certificate, and have credits uploaded to the National Academic Depository once the course content is approved by the UGC.

J. Krishnamurti (1895–1986) is regarded by many as the most significant voice of our times. Sage, philosopher and religious teacher, he spoke to millions; more than three million copies of his books have sold worldwide. Education that would bring about a radically new consciousness was close to his heart.

The right kind of education begins with the educator, who must understand himself and be free from established patterns of thought; for what he is, that he imparts.

Krishnamurti Foundation India manages six schools:

Rishi Valley School

Madanapalle

Rajghat Besant School

Varanasi

Valley School

Bengaluru

The School – KFI

Chennai

Sahyadri School

Pune

Pathashaala

near Chennai