Primary Teacher

Join Good Dharma International School in Ahangama, Sri Lanka

Good Dharma is looking for an experienced and passionate Primary Class Teacher to join our growing international school in southern Sri Lanka.

We are building a school where children develop strong academic foundations while remaining curious, capable and connected — to themselves, to others and to the world around them.

Our campus is set within two acres of tropical gardens, with organic growing areas, animals and outdoor spaces forming an important part of everyday learning.

Nature is one of our classrooms.

About Good Dharma

Good Dharma follows the Oxford International Curriculum (OIC), from Early Years through Primary.

OIC provides the academic foundation for what children learn and how knowledge and skills progress. The Good Dharma Approach to Education defines how we bring that learning to life through inquiry, nature, play, creativity, movement, community and meaningful real-world experiences.

Our approach is built around seven pillars:

Child-Led · Nature-Based · Playful · Sustainability · Social-Emotional · Creativity & Movement · Community & Culture

Our academic year is organised through five Learning Cycles, providing shared themes and inquiries through which meaningful connections can be made across the curriculum.

Learning Cycles provide context, not curriculum. Teachers begin with the relevant OIC learning objectives and make thematic connections where they strengthen understanding. Where a connection is not meaningful, the curriculum is taught independently.

We believe that learning can be rigorous without losing its joy.

The Role

As a Primary Class Teacher, you will take responsibility for the teaching, learning, academic progress and wellbeing of your class.

You will plan and deliver high-quality learning aligned with the Oxford International Curriculum, while bringing the Good Dharma Approach and Seven Pillars into everyday classroom practice.

We are looking for a teacher who can combine strong academic teaching with inquiry, creativity and experiential learning — understanding when children should investigate and discover, and when knowledge and skills need to be explicitly taught.

You will work closely with your Teaching Assistant, specialist educators and the wider academic team and report to the school's academic leadership.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day teaching, learning, progress and wellbeing of your class.

• Plan and deliver learning aligned with OIC objectives and progression across the Primary curriculum.

• Ensure strong foundations and clear progression in English, Mathematics, Science and the wider curriculum.

• Deliver systematic and explicit teaching where required, particularly in reading, writing, phonics and mathematics.

• Translate the school's Learning Cycles into meaningful classroom experiences while ensuring that curriculum objectives remain the starting point.

• Create opportunities for inquiry, investigation, creativity, problem-solving and project-based learning where these deepen understanding.

• Use the garden, animals, outdoor spaces, local community and wider environment as meaningful extensions of the classroom.

• Help children connect what they experience locally with wider academic concepts and global perspectives.

• Create a safe, organised, inclusive and stimulating classroom environment.

• Encourage children to develop curiosity, independence, confidence and ownership of their learning.

• Differentiate teaching to respond to children's individual learning needs, strengths and levels of progress.

• Support children's social-emotional development, positive relationships and sense of belonging.

• Manage and guide the Teaching Assistant assigned to the class, establishing clear responsibilities and effective teamwork.

• Support the successful adaptation and integration of new students into the class and school community.

Planning, Assessment & Progression

Engaging learning experiences must be supported by clear academic progression.

As a Class Teacher, you will:

• Develop Learning Cycle and weekly plans based on the relevant OIC learning objectives and curriculum progression.

• Maintain appropriate records of children's learning, attainment and progress.

• Use observation, formative assessment and appropriate formal assessment to understand what children know and what they need to learn next.

• Use assessment to inform teaching and identify children requiring additional support or challenge.

• Maintain learning portfolios and appropriate evidence of learning.

• Work with academic leadership to ensure appropriate curriculum coverage and progression.

• Participate in curriculum review, moderation and quality-assurance processes.

• Reflect on student outcomes and continuously adapt teaching to improve learning.

Parent & Community Engagement

Strong relationships between school and families are an important part of Good Dharma.

You will:

• Maintain professional, positive and open communication with parents regarding their child's learning, progress and wellbeing.

• Provide meaningful weekly classroom learning updates, giving families a window into what children are learning, how they are learning and how this connects to the curriculum and Good Dharma Approach.

• Participate in parent meetings and conferences.

• Raise learning, behavioural or wellbeing concerns appropriately and promptly.

• Support school events, exhibitions, field trips and community learning experiences.

• Create opportunities for children to learn from the people, culture and environment around them.

Professional Collaboration & Development

Good Dharma is a growing school, and our teachers play an important role in building a strong professional teaching culture.

You will:

• Work collaboratively with fellow Class Teachers, Teaching Assistants, specialist educators and school leadership.

• Participate in staff meetings, collaborative planning, training and professional development.

• Share ideas, resources and effective teaching practices across the school.

• Reflect on your own teaching and respond positively to feedback and professional guidance.

• Follow agreed curriculum frameworks, planning expectations, policies and procedures.

• Contribute ideas and professional expertise while working within the school's established educational direction.

• Take an active role in your own professional development and the continued improvement of teaching and learning across Good Dharma.

The Educator We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who combines strong teaching practice with curiosity, creativity and a genuine belief that education should remain joyful and meaningful.

You should be confident teaching core academic knowledge and skills explicitly while also creating opportunities for children to question, investigate, make, explore and apply what they have learned.

You understand that inquiry does not replace teaching — and that a beautiful learning experience must still result in real knowledge, skills and progression.

You should enjoy taking learning beyond four classroom walls — into the garden, around the animals, into the community and through the extraordinary natural and cultural environment of Sri Lanka.

Requirements

Candidates must have:

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Primary Education, Education or a closely related field.

• A recognised teaching qualification where this is not included within the degree.

• Professional experience teaching Primary-aged children.

• Strong understanding of curriculum planning, assessment and academic progression.

• Strong knowledge of teaching English and Mathematics at Primary level.

• Ability to deliver structured, explicit teaching alongside inquiry, exploration and experiential learning.

• Strong classroom management and organisational skills.

• Ability to differentiate learning and respond effectively to different student needs and abilities.

• Excellent spoken and written English.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• A collaborative, adaptable and professional approach.

Experience with the Oxford International Curriculum (OIC), Cambridge, English National Curriculum or another recognised international curriculum is an advantage.

Experience or a strong interest in inquiry-led, project-based, outdoor, sustainability or nature-based education is highly valued.

Working at Good Dharma

Good Dharma offers the opportunity to join a growing international school with a distinctive educational vision in southern Sri Lanka.

Our teachers work within a collaborative professional environment with opportunities for professional development, curriculum collaboration and continued growth within the school.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to combine strong international academic foundations with an education deeply connected to place, nature and real experience.

Give children an education that could only have happened here — and academic foundations that can travel anywhere.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining your Primary teaching experience, educational approach and why you are interested in joining Good Dharma to hr [at] gooddharma.lk.

Curious. Capable. Connected.