Before Resident Teachers are appointed to a New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) Center, they must be on or have completed the Teacher Training Program (described here), and also attend the annual three-week International Teacher Training Program to improve their qualities as a teacher. They are also expected to continually improve their personal experience and training by attending Festivals, Dharma Celebrations and retreats. The NKT Internal Rules 8§1-5 offer guidelines for the appointment, behavior, and, where necessary, removal of Resident Teachers.
Students within a Center are sometimes asked to give courses and guide meditations according to what they have studied and meditated on.
There are now around 300 Resident Teachers in the New Kadampa Tradition, as well as a growing number of branch teachers. From time to time, some New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) teachers have made mistakes. This is of course very sad and regrettable. However, there is no systemic appointment of unskillful teachers, and it is not reasonable to blame all NKT teachers for the shortcomings of some NKT teachers.
