Social Emotional Learning Comes Alive When Teachers Learn Together
Discover the power of social emotional learning as educators strengthen self-awareness, build empathy, and create classrooms where learning and mental health thrive side by side.
UMANG Fellowship at Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai
Embark on a deeply meaningful journey as a teacher attending the offline session of the UMANG Fellowship at the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai in January 2026. This experience transcends professional achievement to fulfill a personal dream, providing clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose in the field of education.
UMANG, which stands for Uplifting Minds and Nurturing Growth, unites educators from various corners of India who share a common belief in the holistic approach to education that nurtures both the mind and the heart. The fellowship’s offline session at TISS Mumbai creates a unique space for teachers to pause, reflect, and learn collectively. Around fifty educators from diverse backgrounds join forces with the shared goal of delving deep into social emotional learning and applying it meaningfully in educational settings.
Creating a Transformative Learning Environment
Step into the campus of TISS Mumbai and feel the blend of seriousness and warmth that permeates the space. The campus itself embodies openness and inclusivity, fostering an environment where ideas flow freely. This setting sets the stage for meaningful dialogue, active listening, and honest reflection, shaping a transformative learning experience during the fellowship session.
The sessions on social emotional learning are meticulously crafted and impactful, emphasizing the crucial role of emotional skills in students’ well-being. Acknowledging the often-overlooked aspect of teacher well-being, UMANG addresses this gap directly. By nurturing emotionally healthy teachers, the sessions highlight the ripple effect of creating emotionally safe classrooms, supported by research indicating that emotionally supported teachers are more effective in building relationships, managing classrooms with empathy, and reducing stress.
Inspiring Facilitators and Practical Learning
Engage with experienced and inspirational facilitators such as Ms. Anju Joy, Ms. Lata Das, and Ms. Simone Morarka, who lead practical sessions grounded in real experiences. The facilitators prioritize active listening, engagement, and respect for the diverse contexts in which teachers operate, ensuring that the sessions are impactful and relevant.
Delve into self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and reflective practice as core teaching competencies during the fellowship sessions. Explore how simple strategies like active listening, check-in circles, emotion naming, and mindful pauses can seamlessly integrate social emotional learning into daily classroom practices, fostering lasting change in school culture.
Embracing Teacher Well-Being
Realize the importance of prioritizing teacher well-being, as the fellowship encourages educators to look inward, acknowledge stress, accept vulnerability, and seek support without shame. By emphasizing mental health care for teachers as a necessity rather than a luxury, the message resonates strongly with all participants.
A Diverse and Collaborative Community
Experience the unique camaraderie within the UMANG cohort, comprising fifty dedicated educators representing a diverse tapestry of experiences and perspectives from across India. Despite the varied backgrounds, there is a sense of shared learning, devoid of hierarchy or competition, fostering a strong collective purpose.
Special gratitude is extended to individuals like Mr. Indrajeet Chatterjee, Sister Munawara Shaikh, and Mr. Altaf Ahmad, whose unwavering support and gestures of kindness exemplify true human values and strengthen professional relationships.
Empowering Educators for Collective Growth
Reinforce the key lesson learned during the UMANG offline session: social emotional learning is not optional but essential for educators. While the focus on curriculum and learning outcomes is paramount, emotional well-being, connection, and self-care play a pivotal role in nurturing both teachers and students, leading to healing classrooms that benefit society at large.
Immerse yourself in the unforgettable experience of UMANG at TISS Mumbai, where learning, connections, and shared moments redefine the essence of teaching as a profession. The journey of growth and collaboration continues as educators unite to learn, grow, and inspire each other.
(Connect with the writer, a dedicated teacher, author, and columnist, at mukhtar.qur@gmail.com)
