The two-week Monastic Teacher Fellowship Program held at the Sager Science Center began on 13th January 2025. It successfully concluded on 24th January 2025 with a closing ceremony in the presence of LTWA General Secretary Mr. Ngawang Yeshi and LTWA Deputy Secretary Mr. Tenzin Lhawang.
The Monastic Fellowship program was first introduced in 2019. It supports monastic science teachers in taking the initiative to lead educational development with innovative pedagogical approaches. The program is initiated and sustained by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in collaboration with Science for Monks and Nuns, which is funded by the Sager Family Foundation and Templeton Foundation.
This year, there were 15 monastic science teachers from 7 different institutes. The classes were conducted by two outstanding experts Ms. Sonal Thorve, a Scientific Officer from Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park and Planetarium, Pune, and Mrs. Tenzin Pelmo, an English Educationist and Environmental Conservationist, TCV School.
Throughout the program, participants were tutored to engage in creative pedagogical approaches. They were all trained to be equipped with skills in building science-related toys for hands-on activities they could use for their students. Ms. Sonal, an astronomer, and STEM educator made the study of physics very easy and interesting through interactive discussions and practical activities. She opted for basic physics topics such as force, types of motion, air pressure, sound, light, magnetism, buoyancy, etc. Other activities include gamification, learning through simulation, group presentations, etc.
The participants also demonstrated progress in their English skills through interactive English lessons. Mrs. Pelmo, a very passionate educator taught the participants basic English skills and facilitated them with creative pedagogical approaches. She also shed light on environmental education and taught easy ways to protect the environment.
2024-2025 Fellows
Tenzin Yangzom – Jangchup Choeling, Mundgod
Pasang Bhuti – Geden Choeling, Dharamshala
Migmar Tashi – Drepung Gomang , Mundgod
Jamyang – Drepung Gomang , Mundgod
Yeshi Dorjee – Gaden Shartse, Mundgod
Lobsang Namgyal – Gaden Shartse, Mundgod
Ngawang Jorgyal – Ratoe, Mundgod
Legpa Gyatso – Drepung Gomang, Mundgod
Lobsang Tenpa – Drepung Gomang, Mundgod
Palyang Dorjee – Drepung Loseling, Mundgod
Winter Meeting
Sager Science Center, LTWA
January 13 to 24, 2025
Faculty – Mentor:
Ms. Sonal Thorve – A Scientific Officer
Mrs. Tenzin Pelmo – An English Educationist
The ten-day Teacher Fellowship Program commenced from 15th January to 25th January in Sera Mey, Bylakuppe and the fellowship currently supports the cohort of 12 laity participants and all of whom are active science teachers in different monastic setting.
The fellowship intends to support these teachers in their efforts to take the lead in advancing education. Through this project, the participants are inspired to rethink the possibilities of teaching and learning in their classrooms by attending classes taught by renowned teachers from different places.
2023-2024 Fellows
Samdup Dolma – Jangchup Choeling Nunnery, Mundgod
Tashi Lhamo – Drepung Loseling, Mundgod
Dhundup Wangmo – Drepung Loseling, Mundgod
Tenzin Tenkyong – Sera Mey, Bylakuppe
Chemi Dorjee – Sera Mey, Bylakuppe
Tenzin Sonam – Tashi Lhunpo, Bylakuppe
Ngawang Jorgyal – Gaden Shartse,Mundgod
Dorjee Sangpo – Gaden Shartse,Mundgod
Tenzin Phuntsok – Sera Jey, Bylakuppe
Tenzin Jangchup – Sera Jey, Bylakuppe
Tenzin Tsondue – Rato Monastery, Mundgod
Tenzin Ngodup – Ladakh
Winter Meeting
Sera Mey Science Center
January 15 to 25, 2023
Faculty – Mentor:
Jamyang Gyaltsen – An education specialist
The Teacher Fellowship Program currently supports a cohort of 8 laity and monastic teachers, all of whom are active teachers in different monastic settings. Launched in 2019, the fellowship supports these teachers to become leading agents of educational improvement. Through a small stipend, master classes with acclaimed school teachers from the USA, onsite mentorship visits, and a peer community of their fellows, each fellow can re-imagine the possibilities of teaching and learning in their classroom. During their fellowship year, the fellows will film each other practicing new teaching strategies, write about successful lessons, share dilemmas, and mentor one-another.
2019-2020 Fellows
Dawa – Chokyi Gyatso Institute, Bhutan
Tenzing Rabga – Drepung Gomang, India
Tenzin Ngawang – Drepung Loseling, India
Chemi Dorjee – Ser Mey, India
Tenzin Phuntsok – Sera Jey, India
Tenzin Yangzom – Jangchup Choeling Nunnery, India
Lobsang Ngodup – Gaden Jangtse, India
Ngawang Jorgyal – Gaden Shartse, India
Summer Meeting
Gaden Shartse Science Center
August 2 to 7, 2019
Faculty – Mentor:
Scott Stambach – Cuyamaca College, San Diego CA
Winter Meeting
Pondicherry
January 11 to 13, 2020