Fellowships For Teachers

Initially, joining the Good Schools Alliance focused on enhancing my teaching through professional development for teachers and exploring various educator training opportunities. However, it transformed my journey into one that encompassed both personal and professional growth.

The Alliance deepened my understanding of teaching, challenged my assumptions, and fostered self-awareness, thoughtfulness, and intentionality in my interactions with students and colleagues. A valuable aspect of this experience was learning critical thinking, which strengthened my decision-making and problem-solving skills while encouraging experimentation and continuous learning.

As a teacher, I have become more reflective and confident, recognising that meaningful education relies on building relationships, creating a safe environment, listening to students, and empowering them to think independently. My participation in the Alliance’s teacher fellowship programs significantly contributed to my growth, providing new perspectives, renewing my purpose, and inspiring continuous improvement.

I’m grateful to be part of this community, reminded that exceptional teaching is a continuous journey of learning, reflection, and growth. I look forward to applying these insights and making a meaningful impact on my students.

Manisha Khanna is the long-serving GSA Ambassador, our host for the Sunday My Good School, Blog Editor, and is always happy to support us whenever we reach out to her.

The Good Schools Alliance has been around since 2012, but my active involvement with GSA really began during the pandemic. The online platform for teachers and students proved to be a significant boon. Personally, I was excited to access an online platform that allowed me to share my passion for reading with both students and teachers. We not only read together, but we also created one of the best training grounds where students could read, reflect, lead, and build relationships.

Students as young as 10 years old showcased remarkable leadership traits, and guiding them as they evolved into interns and managed portals was truly invigorating! As an educator, I felt challenged to present reading activities in ways that would keep participants engaged and eager to return to our sessions each week.

Through The Teachers Academy, I have discovered numerous educator training opportunities that allow me to explore new situations and prepare sessions tailored to trainers’ needs. Our unique professional development for teachers through reading has introduced me to thought-provoking material, further enriching my collection of pedagogical resources. Each book we select to read supports our educational intentions. I am grateful for the Saturday afternoon sessions that enable me to connect with teachers in remote and rural areas who are eager to improve their practice and grow.

Anchoring the MAP - Music, Art, and Poetry sessions on Thursdays has been the most joyful experience I’ve had with GSA. When passion aligns with duty, the rewards are profound.

As an individual, I have learned a valuable lesson: to remain relevant, I must become tech-savvy, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend Sandeep Dutt for encouraging me to develop my skills. Furthermore, the teacher fellowship programs I have participated in have enhanced my ability to adapt and thrive in this digital age.

Making the sessions available on YouTube is benefiting thousands of people. I am certain that this is a unique venture that has spread the love of reading and books to many youngsters! 

Brinda Ghosh is the second winner of the Snehlata Prize 2026 and a lifetime teacher.

We often tell our children to read. One day, I asked myself, “Where am I reading?” I realized that, despite urging children to engage with reading, I wasn’t setting aside enough time for myself. This realization prompted me to search for a space to read regularly, which ultimately led me to GSA.  

I joined GSA as a teacher, and as the years have gone by, my role has transitioned into school leadership. Reflecting on this journey, I feel that my involvement with GSA has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth, particularly through various educator training opportunities.  

What I cherish most about the Masterclass is the reflective practice that the books inspire. We have explored numerous texts—like The Man Who Saw Tomorrow, Productive Failure, The Courage to Be Happy, and The Courage to Be Disliked—each prompting me to pause and contemplate education, learning, and our perspectives on life.  

I particularly enjoyed co-hosting discussions on The Courage to Be Disliked and The Courage to Be Happy. After our readings, we share reflections that are showcased on the Happy Teachers Blog. I find it enlightening to read these responses, as they reveal the varied ways individuals interpret the same material. These diverse viewpoints often enrich my own understanding.  

Reading was my gateway to GSA, but the relationships I've forged have truly defined my experience. I have learned immensely from my mentor, Mr. Sandeep Dutt, and from the many individuals I've encountered through GSA's teacher fellowship programs. Each interaction has contributed uniquely to my learning journey.  

As my role has progressed, this commitment to reading and reflection has become integral to my professional development as a teacher. It fosters my curiosity, encourages me to challenge my assumptions, and allows me to view my work from multiple angles.  

Sandeep Sir often says, “Read and Lead.” Looking back at my own journey, I realize these words resonate deeply. I joined GSA to enhance my reading habits. Somewhere along this path, I learned to reflect, and that reflection has empowered me as a leader.