Teacher
Pooja Singh taught Cognitively Based Compassion Training to Educators and Social Leaders from Rajasthan, Bihar, and Delhi, India.
Pooja is the co-founder of Kshamtalaya Foundation, an organization dedicated to reimagining education by integrating social-emotional learning and well-being practices.
Community Impacted
This program was offered to 52 Government school educators in low-income communities and teacher trainers and leaders from NGOs working in education and child development. The education sector in India faces high dropout rates, teacher absenteeism, and limited mental health support for both teachers and students.
- Government school educators in tribal, rural, and urban low-income communities
- Teacher trainers who support educators in high-stress environments
- Leaders from NGOs working in education and child development
Why compassion is relevant
Teachers and educators play a pivotal role in shaping young minds, but many work under extreme stress, leading to mental fatigue, disillusionment, and high turnover rates. Compassion training provides essential skills to:
- Improve mental and emotional resilience in high-pressure environments
- Build supportive and thriving classrooms
- Strengthen teacher-student relationships by fostering patience and empathy
- Reduce burnout and promote self-care
Motivation to serve this community
Pooja and the Kshamtalaya Foundation believe that thriving teachers create thriving classrooms. The goal of this initiative was to equip educators with the mental tools needed to build sustainable, compassionate learning environments.
How were they impacted
Participants reported significant transformations in both their personal and professional lives:
- Greater self-compassion – Many educators shared that they had been overly critical of themselves, and CBCT helped them practice self-kindness without guilt.
- Improved classroom dynamics – The training led to more patience, understanding, and mindful interactions with students.
- Reduced burnout and stress – Participants learned practical strategies to manage stress and emotional fatigue, helping them sustain their work without feeling overwhelmed.
- A ripple effect on students – Teachers expressed that their improved emotional regulation and well-being had a direct impact on how they interacted with students, fostering more compassionate and inclusive classrooms.
Testimonials
“Through CBCT, we get the opportunity to understand these aspects better. From my experience in the class, I have noticed that no matter how stressed I am, practicing mindfulness in this class makes me feel quite relaxed and happy.”
– Zafreen Neha, Co-Convenor, National Youth Equity Forum
“Compassion for self and others has helped me enhance my emotional resilience and improve mental health. This practice has taught me about self-love and understanding for others. Learning about the time gap between stimulus and response has helped me make better decisions in challenging situations.”
– Sarfaraj, Social Protection Officer, The Hans Foundation
“After joining CBCT, I have gained productivity by improving my focus and motivation, enabling me to perform tasks efficiently and with enthusiasm. I have also noticed an increase in my overall well-being and a greater sense of calmness throughout the day. The techniques taught in class have made a positive impact on my daily life. Thanks to the CBCT team for helping me with clearer thinking and reducing stress.”
– Krishna Singh, Program Manager, Youth Dreamers Foundation