Good Dharma Primary Teacher – Job Description

Position Overview

The Primary Teacher at Good Dharma School is responsible for delivering a holistic, inquiry-based, and nature-focused education that nurtures children's curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and love for learning. Our approach emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with a strong focus on literacy, mathematics, environmental stewardship, and creative exploration. The teacher will guide children in becoming independent thinkers, problem solvers, and responsible stewards of nature, fostering a learning environment that is child-centered, collaborative, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Implement Good Dharma’s unique primary curriculum, balancing core academic subjects (literacy, math, science, and humanities) with nature-based, inquiry-driven learning.

• Design hands-on, experiential lessons that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

• Use outdoor environments as a classroom, integrating nature-based learning activities such as gardening, environmental science, and outdoor exploration.

• Foster an inquiry-based approach, where children actively question, investigate, and construct knowledge through real-world experiences.

• Incorporate project-based learning that allows students to engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary projects.

• Promote eco-consciousness and sustainability through activities that encourage environmental responsibility.

Child-Centered Learning & Development

• Create a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating classroom where every child feels valued and supported.

• Recognize and adapt teaching methods to support different learning styles, strengths, and needs.

• Encourage independent thinking and problem-solving, allowing children to take ownership of their learning.

• Use assessment strategies that focus on growth, curiosity, and self-reflection rather than rote memorization.

• Guide children in developing social-emotional skills, self-confidence, and respect for others and the environment.

• Manage the adaptation and onboarding of new students, ensuring they integrate smoothly into the school environment.

Teacher Development & Collaboration

• Participate in ongoing professional development, learning from both international and local best practices in progressive education.

• Engage in peer collaboration and training, working closely with colleagues to continuously refine teaching methods.

• Contribute to the growth of Good Dharma’s innovative educational approach, bringing in fresh ideas and perspectives.

• Write lesson plans and follow weekly and monthly planning methods to ensure structured and effective learning.

Parent & Community Engagement

• Maintain open and transparent communication with parents about their child’s learning journey.

• Provide daily updates in community groups internal reporting systems to keep parents and staff informed.

• Involve parents and community members in learning experiences, creating opportunities for collaborative projects.

• Support school-wide events, workshops, and initiatives that promote community engagement and environmental awareness.

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Ensure a well-prepared learning environment, including indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Maintain records of student progress and experiences, using a reflective and qualitative assessment approach.

• Follow school policies and contribute to the smooth daily operations of the school.

Permaculture Ethics in the role of the teacher

The teacher role at Good Dharma School is 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 teacher 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.

Requirements

• Degree or certification in Primary Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.

• Experience teaching in an inquiry-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, or other progressive education settings is a plus.

• Experience in nature-based, outdoor, or sustainability-focused education preferred.

• A passion for child-centered learning, problem-solving, and environmental education.