Good Dharma is a progressive and nature based preschool dedicated to nurturing young minds in an environment that values sustainability, creativity, and holistic development. Our green ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from our curriculum to our daily practices. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Head of school to lead our school with a commitment to environmental stewardship and educational excellence.

Position: Head of School
Location: Good Dharma School, Ahangama Sri Lanka
Type: Full-Time

Role Summary:
The Head of School at Good Dharma is responsible for the overall leadership, development, and day-to-day operations of both the preschool and primary programs. This role involves ensuring a high-quality, holistic education that aligns with Good Dharma’s unique inquiry-based, nature-focused, and hands-on learning approach. The Head of School will oversee curriculum development, teacher training, parent engagement, and operational planning, ensuring a nurturing and enriching environment for children aged 18 months to Grade 4.

Key Responsibilities:

Educational Leadership & Curriculum Development

• Develop and implement a nature-based, inquiry-driven curriculum that encourages children to explore, question, and discover.

• Ensure strong learning outcomes in literacy, math, and other core subjects, while embedding problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

• Foster an outdoor learning environment, utilizing nature as a classroom to inspire creativity, curiosity, and environmental awareness.

• Guide children to become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and stewards of nature, instilling a deep respect for the environment.

Nature & Sustainability Focus

• Ensure that learning is immersed in nature, using outdoor classrooms, gardening, and eco-projects as core educational tools.

• Promote sustainability initiatives within the school, incorporating waste management, composting, and conservation practices into daily learning.

• Encourage children to engage in hands-on environmental projects, such as growing their own food, tracking local wildlife, and understanding ecosystems.

• Develop partnerships with local environmental organizations to provide experiential learning opportunities.

Teacher Development & Training

• Recruit, mentor, and train teachers in Good Dharma’s inquiry-based, nature-focused educational philosophy.

• Develop a continuous professional development program, ensuring teachers are equipped with the latest methodologies in progressive, hands-on, and child-led learning.

• Provide ongoing workshops and coaching to support teachers in creating engaging, interactive, and nature-immersed lesson plans.

• Foster a culture of collaboration where teachers share ideas, experiences, and best practices in outdoor, experiential, and inquiry-based education.

• Ensure teachers have the tools and resources needed to effectively integrate problem-solving, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship into daily learning.

• Conduct regular classroom observations and feedback sessions to guide teachers in maintaining high standards of teaching and child engagement.

• Encourage teachers to pursue further training and certifications in alternative education, sustainability, and progressive learning methodologies.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee school operations, including scheduling, facilities, and compliance with child safety and well-being standards.

• Ensure that the school environment—both indoors and outdoors—supports a safe, engaging, and hands-onlearning experience.

Parent & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families, fostering a collaborative and inclusive school community.

• Organize community-driven initiatives that involve parents and local partners in sustainability and experiential learning projects.

• Communicate the school's vision effectively, ensuring parents understand and support the inquiry-based, nature-focused educational approach.

Strategic Development & Growth

• Drive the expansion of the primary school, overseeing enrollment, infrastructure planning, and the long-term vision.

• Ensure Good Dharma remains a leading model for progressive, holistic education in the region.

This role requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of early and primary education, and a passion for teacher development. The ideal candidate will be committed to creating a school culture where both educators and students thrive through nature-based, hands-on, and inquiry-driven learning experiences.

Permaculture Ethics in the role of the Head of School

Good Dharma School is deeply rooted in the three core permaculture ethics:

1.⁠ ⁠Earth Care – Nurturing respect and responsibility for the living world by incorporating nature-based learning, guiding children to understand ecological systems & encouraging practices that support regeneration of soil, water and biodiversity.

2.⁠ ⁠People Care – Creating a compassionate, inclusive and supportive classroom environment that values each child's wellbeing, emotional intelligence and self-awareness, while also supporting the learning and growth of fellow educators.

3.⁠ ⁠Fair Share – Promoting principles of equity and cooperation through collaborative learning, community engagement and responsible use and sharing of resources in the classroom and beyond.

The Head of School will be expected to model and embody these ethics through daily practice, lesson planning, communication with families and collaborative curriculum development with the wider teaching team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of environmental education and sustainable practices.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Passion for fostering a love for learning and the environment in young children.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and collaborative work environment.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

• A beautiful, nature-inspired school environment.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and references to hello [at] good dharma.lk. In your cover letter, please explain your philosophy of early childhood education and how you would integrate a green ethos into the preschool curriculum.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of young children and the planet. We look forward to welcoming a passionate and dedicated leader to our team!

Good Dharma is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.