Teacher Training

Over time, the number of students we had at our Institute as well as the number of other institutes catering to those with mental retardation grew. This led to an increase in the demand for trained teachers to work with these special children. So we decided to start a Teacher Training Institute in 1952, the first for mental retardation in India. We offered a

Certificate Course (min qualification Std X)
Diploma in Special Education (min qualification post graduation).

We formulated a curriculum with a panel of experts – psychologists, doctors and educationalist and this was accepted and recognised by the Bombay State Government in 1953.

In 1993 the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) a Human Resource Development Unit under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment brought all the different courses run by the different NGO’s under their umbrella, modified them into a uniform Diploma Course that is being taught all over India. We too are currently running this 2 year Diploma Course. The examinations for this RCI recognized Diploma Course is conducted by the Manipal University (min qualification is HSC or XII std)

For the last 3 years we have also been appointed the Evaluators for the Diploma Course. Some of our faculty have been appointed as exam paper setters as well.

1n 1991 we introduced the B.Ed in Special Education. The curriculum for this 1 year course was formulated by a committee of experts along with representatives of the University of Mumbai including the then Vice Chancellor Dr. Mehroo Bengali. We are still following this and it is today recognized by Mumbai University and RCI.

We have approx. 60 students in this centre. Our training is very comprehensive and exhaustive and so our students are highly sought after by other NGO's

Principals of Special Schools

Mrs. Rashmi Pawar - Jai Vakeel School, Mumbai
Mrs. Radhika Gupte - Astitva Special School- Dombivli
Mrs. Sandhya Phansekar- KMS Dr. Shirodkar Sp. School
Mrs. Veena Bhatt - Sankalp Special School, Mumbai
Mrs. Mary Ann Scott - ST. John the Baptist School , Thane
Mrs. Limaye - Saddichha Mandbudhi Vidyalaya
Mrs. Varsha Kharat - Saibaba Educational Trust, Ulhasnagar, Dist. Thane
Sr. Asuntha - Jivodaya School for the Mentally Handicapped, Nagpur
Sr. Sanjo - Carmel School for the Mentally Retarded
Ms. Hema Joshi - Shashi Mangalyam School , Goregaon.
Sr. Elsy – Asha Sadan
Ms. Manisha Ingle – Navjeevan Arogya Sanstha, Mumbai
Mrs. Surekha Patil – Sumangal Special School, Dist. Raigad

In addition: Co-ordinator D.Ed SE (MR) Course

Mrs. Parinda Kenia - Sir Kikabhai Premchand's Mind's College of Special Education
Mr. Satywan Lokhande-- Yashratna - Teacher's Training

Director:

Ms. Sindhu Varekar : Saurabh Matimand Mulanchi Shala, Kolhapur

Some of our teachers are also working outside India:

Ms. Rashmi Sharma - New York
Ms. Rosmin Noorali - New York
Ms. Jacinta Fernandes - Canada
Ms. Nasima Kanchwala – Dubai
Ms. Kashmira Ranji - New Zealand
Mr. Pauroshasp Pardiwala, U.K.
Ms. Anu Shethi
Ms. Sandhya Rathod
Ms. Sachia D’Sa

The following are Principals of Special Schools

Mrs. Rashmi Pawar - Jai Vakeel School, Mumbai
Mrs. Radhika Gupte - Astitva Special School- Dombivli
Mrs. Sandhya Phansekar- KMS Dr. Shirodkar Sp. School
Mrs. Veena Bhatt - Sankalp Special School, Mumbai
Mrs. Mary Ann Scott - ST. John the Baptist School , Thane
Mrs. Limaye - Saddichha Mandbudhi Vidyalaya
Mrs. Varsha Kharat - Saibaba Educational Trust, Ulhasnagar, Dist. Thane
Sr. Asuntha - Jivodaya School for the Mentally Handicapped, Nagpur
Sr. Sanjo - Carmel School for the Mentally Retarded
Ms. Hema Joshi - Shashi Mangalyam School , Goregaon.
Sr. Elsy – Asha Sadan
Ms. Manisha Ingle – Navjeevan Arogya Sanstha, Mumbai
Mrs. Surekha Patil – Sumangal Special School, Dist. Raigad