FPMT Teacher Development Service Seminar
(please read in english below)
Intégralement en anglais, le séminaire TDSS marque une nouvelle étape enthousiasmante dans la formation et l’accompagnement des enseignants du dharma, qu’ils soient déjà en activité ou en devenir. En combinant quatre modules en ligne à suivre à son rythme (disponibles à partir du 20 août), hébergés sur la plateforme LearnWorlds, avec un séminaire résidentiel (du 23 au 26 septembre 2026) au Centre de Saint-Cosme-en-Vairais, ce programme propose un parcours d’apprentissage immersif.
Guidés par des enseignants expérimentés, Andy Wistreich et Annelies van der Heijden, les participants exploreront les qualités d’un enseignant du dharma, approfondiront leur compréhension des différents profils d’étudiants et développeront des compétences pratiques d’animation, ancrées dans l’authenticité de la lignée. Le TDSS établit un équilibre entre tradition et accessibilité, en intégrant des approches pédagogiques contemporaines afin de répondre aux besoins des étudiants d’aujourd’hui. Un module d’intégration après le séminaire vient compléter ce parcours, permettant aux participants de repartir équipés, confiants et prêts à enseigner avec clarté et compassion.
Vous avez un bon niveau d’anglais et êtes intéressé ? Veuillez noter que pour participer, un accord écrit est impératif, sauf pour les enseignants déjà certifiés par la FPMT. Veuillez présenter votre motivation et votre parcours par e-mail : info@centre-kalachakra.net
Découvrez davantage d’infos sur le séminaire ci-dessous ; le processus d’inscription est en anglais.
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FPMT Teacher Development Service Seminar (TDSS)
Contemplative Pedagogy for Dharma Teachers and Prospective Teachers.
with Andy Wistreich & Annelies van der Heijden. In English only.
This Teacher Development Service Seminar (TDSS) marks a new stage in training and support for FPMT Dharma teachers and prospective teachers. Rooted in nearly a decade of collaborative development —beginning with the first TDSS in 2017—this iteration builds on refined pedagogy, flexible delivery formats, and emerging best practices. The 2026 TDSS incorporates fresh feedback and evolving priorities, including strong support for emerging teachers, contemporary educational approaches, and a thoughtful balance between lineage fidelity and accessibility.
This TDSS combines online and in-person learning. A blend of self-paced online modules (optional) and residential sessions provides an innovative learning pathway which preserves the integrity of the Dharma and the value of in-person learning.
Both Annelies and Andy are senior FPMT teachers who have undertaken extensive study, practice and retreat. They are known for their commitment to preserving authentic lineage while making the teachings relevant to contemporary life.
Schedule:
Pre-Seminar Online Modules - available from 20 August. These optional self-paced online modules are highly recommended. They take approximately 6 hours to complete, depending on your pace, level of reflection, and familiarity with the material. They provide foundational teachings, reflective activities, and preparatory content to enrich your learning before the live seminar.
Live Seminar - In-person at Kalachakra Retreat Center.
Wed 23 September 7.00-8.00pm Introduction
Thursday 24 September 9.00-6.00 Foundations of the Teacher
Friday 25 September 9.00-6.00 Pedagogy in Practice
Saturday 26 September 9.00-12.30 Integration, Community & Relevance
Post-Seminar Module - available from 26 September.
Integrative follow-up to support reflection, deepen understanding and help translate insights into your teaching practice.
The costs are all inclusive (they include accommodation and 3 meals per day). All meals are vegetarian. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies when registering and we will do our best to accommodate them. Bed linen is provided. Bath towels and soap are not provided.
We can arrange pickup and drop-off from La Ferté-Bernard station at the beginning and end of the TDSS. Please request this when registering.
Wish to register ? First, please check you are reading the english version of this page. Then, click on the "Register" button and follow the process.
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Schedule of TDSS 2026 Europe
Pre-Seminar Online Modules - available from 20 August. The online modules are optional and highly recommended. They can be completed with a time investment of about 6 hours depending on your pace, the depth of reflection, and familiarity with the material. They are self-paced foundational teachings, reflections, and preparatory materials to ground your learning ahead of the live seminar.
Module 1 Introduction to the TDSS
Explore the purpose, structure and lineage foundations of the seminar, identifying the key themes and practices to guide learning. Reflect on motivations, intentions and aspirations for sharing the Dharma.
Module 2 Qualities of a Dharma Teacher
Focus on what it means to be a Dharma teacher. Examine the foundational qualities that support ethical and effective teaching, including ethical conduct, personal practice, humility, discipline, readiness, and motivation. Reflect on traditional and contemporary perspectives on the role of a Dharma teacher, and how these inform your teaching journey.
Module 3 Understanding Learners
Explore how adults learn by examining principles of adult learning, growth mindset, learning styles, trauma-informed pedagogy, and the diverse backgrounds and experiences learners bring to a class. Develop practical strategies for designing inclusive, sequenced and accessible teachings that recognise learner diversity and support meaningful learning and transformation.
Module 4 Facilitation Foundations
Understand the roles of facilitators and Dharma teachers, and explore inclusive, psychologically safe, and contemplative approaches that foster active participation, equity, and meaningful learning. Examine safe and brave spaces, power, identity, and group dynamics, while developing practical facilitation skills and reflecting on presence, assumptions, and emerging facilitation style.
Live Seminar - In-person at Kalachakra Retreat Center. Starts with evening meal at 6pm on 23 September. Ends with lunch at 12.30 on 26 September. An immersive, community-based learning experience featuring teachings, discussions, hands-on practice sessions, and reflective practice.
Wednesday 23 September Introduction 7.00-8.00pm
Thursday 24 September Foundations of the Teacher 9.00-10.30; 11-12.30; 2.30-4.00; 4.30-6.00
Friday 25 September Pedagogy in Practice 9.00-10.30; 11-12.30; 2.30-4.00; 4.30-6.00
Saturday 26 September Integration, Community and Relevance 9.00-10.30; 11-12.30
Post-Seminar Module - available from 26 September. Integrative follow-up to support reflection, deepen understanding and help translate insights from the TDSS into your teaching practice. Module 5 Reflections: Reflect on your teaching journey and integrate learning from the TDSS through journalling, revisiting your teaching aspirations, and exploring how your understanding of yourself as someone who shares the Dharma has evolved. Consolidate your key insights, identify priorities for continued growth, and cultivate reflective practice as a lifelong foundation for ethical and effective Dharma teaching.