Samma Karuna Teachers Hierarchy and updates teacher status

Version 1.3 2026 – (Latest)
Author: Ishi (Head Teacher)

Abstract: This document describes the different categories of teachers at Samma Karuna and outlines the rights and responsibilities of Associate, Senior, Master, and Lead Teachers appointed by Ishi.

Each level is entitled to the specific rights of that level, as well as all rights granted to lower-ranking teacher levels.

1. Apprentice Teacher (just graduates)

A graduate beginning to assist and teach occasionally under supervision (mentorship program). Learning to hold space, integrating SK methodologies, and gaining teaching confidence.

This teacher is entitled to assist other teachers when facilitating classes, workshops, or retreats at Samma Karuna.

2. Junior Teacher (a minimum of a year since graduating)

A teacher entitled to teach at Samma Karuna who is still developing experience. Able to lead regular classes from time to time with the guidance of a senior teacher and pre-approval of the head teacher.

3. Associate Teacher (a minimum of two years since graduating)

A reliable and consistent teacher who has moved beyond the Junior stage. Demonstrates maturity, responsibility, and stable class-holding presence.
This teacher is entitled to facilitate classes in the Awakening & Healing program in their specific role without restriction and does not require further approval by the head teacher.

4. Senior Teacher

A highly experienced teacher who is capable of teaching autonomously, demonstrates a strong embodiment of Samma Karuna practices, and is entitled to lead major classes, deeper workshops, and sessions within Teacher Training Courses.

A Senior Teacher is entitled to facilitate regular classes and workshops without limitation within their approved school, field, and scope of competence.

A Senior Teacher is entitled to teach in Teacher Training Courses, subject to the structure, curriculum, and requirements defined by the Head Teacher.

A Senior Teacher may recommend a teacher for appointment as a Junior Teacher or Associate Teacher, subject to approval by the Head Teacher.

5. Master Teacher

A teacher with deep understanding and integration of Samma Karuna’s methods. Mentors others, supports lead teachers, and contributes to program development. Bridges Senior and Lead roles.

6. Lead Teacher

Leads trainings and key programs within the school. Oversees curriculum delivery, maintains teaching standards, and guides teams of teachers.

7. Head Teacher

7. Head Teacher

The Head Teacher is the highest-level teaching authority within Samma Karuna, responsible for guiding all teachers, methodologies, and educational standards.

The Head Teacher defines the energetic direction of the school, determines what may and may not be taught, and preserves the core teachings from which all other teachers develop their classes, workshops, and trainings.

The Head Teacher also supervises Lead and Master Teachers to ensure the quality, integrity, and consistency of the teachings are preserved.

Rules

• Only Senior Teachers and above may teach in Teacher Training Courses (TTCs) and long-term trainings.
• Only Associate Teachers and above may organize workshops on behalf of the school.
• Only Master Teachers and Honorary Master Teachers have the privilege of organizing a workshop at the Headquarters during a visit, as a way to support their stay.
• Each teacher level has priority in organizing workshops and teaching in TTCs and regular classes over the levels below it. However, TTC programs should intentionally include a diversity of teaching levels, rather than relying exclusively on top-level certified teachers.
• Teachers’ privileges are applicable only to the school they belong.
• Teacher status and the rights associated with each level are not permanent or unconditional. They may be reviewed, upgraded, downgraded, suspended, or revoked by Ishi or the Head Teacher based on the teacher’s performance, alignment with Samma Karuna’s values and methodology, ethical conduct, availability, embodiment of the practices, and the evolving needs of the school.
• Any change in teacher status must be communicated clearly to the teacher and recorded in the internal teacher hierarchy document.
  

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Currently certified teachers

Yoga School

Nana (master teacher)

Salome (lead teacher)

Elena (senior teacher)

Tantra School

Brady (lead teacher)

Vibha Deva (honorary master teacher)

Matteo (senior teacher)

Salome (senior teacher)

Breathwork School

Kristine (master teacher)

Ozgur (senior teacher, managing teacher)

Paula (Reiki, honorary master teacher)

Till (associate teacher)

Zivile (associate teacher)

Aravind (associate teacher)

External associated teachers

Shi fu Somphet (Qi Gong teacher, master teacher)
Harris (Somatic Therapy, associate teacher)