Pedagogy Head - Experience in Alternate Learning School

Pedagogy Head

Job Description

Position: Pedagogy Head

Department: Academic Leadership

Reports to: Founder Director

Location: Swadhaa Waldorf Learning Centre, Pune

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview

The Pedagogy Head will lead the school's educational vision with integrity, promoting an educational environment that reflects the principles of development of the whole human being. The ideal candidate will inspire both students and the school team of adults, ensuring a curriculum that supports refined thinking, emotional resilience, creative expression and profound connections with self, society and nature.

Swadhaa Waldorf Learning Centre seeks a visionary and innovative educational leader who is a forward-thinking educator ready to make a significant long-term commitment to our community, leading the expansion of our unique educational model through grades 11-12 while maintaining the essence of both gurukul traditions and Waldorf principles. We seek an innovative leader who envisions the future of education and has the expertise to make it reality.

This role demands someone who thinks beyond current educational paradigms, integrates emerging trends with timeless wisdom, and builds sustainable systems for institutional growth over the coming years.

About Swadhaa Waldorf Learning Centre

Swadhaa Waldorf Learning Centre is dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of students, grounded in the philosophy of Indian gurukul and Dr Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf schools. We are also inspired by the philosophy of Jiddu Krishnamurti and many contemporary and ancient Gurus. We aim to foster a learning environment that encourages inquiry, self-awareness, a deep connection with oneself, nature and society along with the prevalent education system.

Key Responsibilities

1. Visionary Leadership

Forward-Thinking: Ability to envision and implement innovative educational practices that align with the school's vision while pioneering future educational frameworks.

Alignment to School's Vision: Articulate and embody the school's mission and values, providing strategic direction for expansion to grades 11-12.

Cultural Competence: Understanding and valuing diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive school environment and fostering a culture of inquiry and collaboration.

2. Educational Philosophy

Indian Knowledge Systems: Has a good working knowledge of IKS. To work towards integration of Indian knowledge systems across curriculum from younger to higher grades and future expansion.

Child-Centred Approach: Deep commitment to understanding student needs and promoting rich learning experiences that support holistic development.

Holistic Development: Emphasis on developing physical, emotional, social, spiritual and creative skills alongside intellectual and academic growth.

Curriculum Development: Oversee the design and implementation of curriculum aligned with Swadhaa's philosophy, integrating Indian knowledge systems, Indian gurukul values and worldview and alternative educational pedagogy across all grades including future 11-12 expansion.

3. Collaborative Mindset

Team Builder: Ability to cultivate strong relationships with teachers, staff, students, and parents, encouraging teamwork and collaboration for long-term institutional growth.

Community Engagement: Active involvement with the community, fostering partnerships that enhance the educational experience and support expansion initiatives.

Staff Development: Recruit, mentor, and support faculty, promoting professional development and fostering a collegial environment. Inspire and guide educators in fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment that supports organizational growth and alternative educational approaches.

Administrative Oversight: Manage school operations, including curriculum planning, resource allocation, and compliance with educational standards while building systems for future expansion.

Student Welfare: Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, emotional, and social well-being of all students across all grade levels.

4. Innovative Thinking

Flexibility: Willingness to adapt teaching methods and school policies based on emerging educational trends, student feedback while remaining grounded in the key principles of mission and vision of the school.

Creativity: Encouraging creative problem-solving among staff and students, fostering an environment where experimentation is valued and future-oriented solutions are developed.

5. Strong Communication Skills

Transparency: Open and clear communication with all stakeholders, including regular updates and feedback channels about educational vision and expansion plans.

Active Listening: Ability to listen to the concerns and suggestions of students, parents, and staff to inform decision-making and future planning.

6. Passion for Learning

Lifelong Learner: Demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth, staying updated on educational research and best practices for holistic and innovative education.

Encouraging Curiosity: Instilling a love of learning in students and staff, promoting inquiry-based approaches that prepare students for future challenges.

7. Emotional Intelligence

Empathy: Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of students and staff, creating a supportive school culture that nurtures whole human development.

Conflict Resolution: Skilled in mediating conflicts and fostering a positive environment that supports collaborative growth.

8. Strategic Thinking

Data-Driven: Ability to analyze educational data to inform practices, drive improvement, and measure student success while planning for institutional expansion.

Resource Management: Efficiently managing curriculum resources, staff development, and pedagogical systems to support the school's mission and growth.

9. Commitment to Social Justice

Equity Advocate: Promoting fairness and inclusion, addressing systemic inequalities within the education system while honoring diverse traditions.

Civic Responsibility: Encouraging students to become active, informed citizens who contribute positively to society through integrated traditional and contemporary learning.

10. Adaptability and Resilience

Crisis Management: Ability to navigate challenges and setbacks with a calm, solutions-oriented approach while maintaining educational excellence.

Growth Mindset: Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, essential for leading institutional expansion and innovation.

Function-Based Time Allocation

This role requires dynamic time management across multiple leadership functions, with flexibility to adapt to organizational needs and growth initiatives. The position demands strategic thinking balanced with hands-on implementation, innovation planning alongside daily operations, and long-term vision development while maintaining current excellence.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Education or related field; additional qualifications in educational leadership preferred
• Knowledge of alternative educational approaches and pedagogies

Experience

• Proven experience in school leadership, preferably within progressive or alternative education settings
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and implementation for multiple grade levels
• Proven track record in teacher training and professional development
• Experience in alternative or progressive education settings preferred
• Background in implementing holistic educational approaches and scaling educational programs

Spiritual & Philosophical Grounding

• Deep understanding of the educational philosophy of the ancient Indian gurukuls, spiritual grounding and a commitment to implementing it in practice
• Commitment to personal sadhana and inner development
• Understanding of contemplative and inquiry-based learning approaches
• Appreciation for integrative education that honors multiple wisdom traditions

Communication & Leadership

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and connect with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage school operations effectively and efficiently while planning for growth
• Experience in leading organizational expansion and change management
• Ability to build sustainable systems for long-term institutional development

What We Seek

A Spiritual Seeker/Grounding/Background

Someone who embodies the teachings of Indian spiritual masters, committed to one's own sadhana and is in tune with the understanding of the importance of inner growth alongside academic excellence.

Interest in Indian Knowledge Systems

Someone who is aware of these knowledge systems and is passionate about integrating them with the modern educational curriculum.

Holistic Visionary

A commitment to integral education that fosters not just intellect but also physical, emotional and spiritual development.

Community Connector

Ability to build strong relationships within our community, fostering collaboration and support among students, staff, and parents.

Innovation Leader & Futuristic Thinker

Forward-thinking ability to envision and implement innovative educational practices that align with the school's vision while pioneering the future of integrative education.

Long-term Partner & Growth Leader

Demonstrated commitment to multi-year institutional development, expansion to grades 11-12, and building sustainable systems for organizational growth.

Preferred Qualifications (Rare Skills We Value)

• Advanced training in Waldorf/Steiner education
• Deep knowledge of Indian Knowledge Systems (Yoga, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, traditional arts)
• Certified alternative education teacher training (Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, etc.)
• Training or expertise in specific Indian Knowledge Systems
• Multilingual capabilities (English, Hindi, Sanskrit)
• Experience with Cambridge or other international curricula
• Background in teacher education or educational training institutes
• Published work or research in integrative education
• Experience implementing mindfulness or contemplative practices in education
• Knowledge of traditional Indian arts, music, or movement practices
• Background in educational technology integration with traditional approaches

Personal Qualities We Seek

Holistic Visionary

• Commitment to integral education addressing intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual development
• Ability to see connections between different aspects of human development and learning

Spiritual Seeker

• Personal commitment to inner growth and contemplative practices
• Understanding of the role of consciousness and awareness in education
• Embodiment of the values and principles the school represents

Community Connector

• Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across diverse groups
• Skills in fostering inclusive and supportive educational communities
• Talent for bringing people together around shared educational vision

Innovation Leader & Futuristic Thinker

• Creative problem-solving abilities with respect for traditional wisdom
• Vision for the future of education and ability to implement transformational change
• Experience or strong interest in emerging educational technologies and methodologies
• Track record of scaling educational innovations and leading organizational growth
• Courage to pioneer new approaches while maintaining core principles

Long-term Partner & Community Builder

• Demonstrated commitment to multi-year institutional development and growth
• Ability to build deep roots within educational communities
• Vision for creating sustainable systems that support long-term expansion
• Commitment to developing organizational capacity and leadership pipeline
• Partnership mindset for working collaboratively with founders and community

Working Conditions

• Full-time position requiring presence during school hours plus additional responsibilities
• Regular evening and weekend commitments for community events and teacher development
• Collaborative work environment with frequent meetings and consultations
• Opportunities for professional development and spiritual growth
• Travel may be required for training, conferences, and educational partnerships

What We Offer

• Opportunity to pioneer the future of integrative education
• Long-term career growth with expansion to grades 11-12 and beyond
• Creative freedom to innovate while honoring traditional wisdom
• Collaborative leadership role in a growing educational institution
• Competitive compensation with growth potential
• Comprehensive professional development including spiritual and pedagogical advancement
• Supportive community committed to transformational education
• Platform to influence the future of alternative education in India and beyond

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter detailing their vision for the role and commitment to long-term institutional growth, and references to: recruitments@swadhaawaldorfschool.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹60,000.00 - ₹70,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person