Our Team & Teachers
Founding Principal
Dr. Rachael Stevens brings over a decade of experience teaching and leading in international schools in Thailand. Trained in the UK, Rachael specialises in play-based and hands-on learning, bilingual education, and Buddhist Education. She joins us from the Buddhist-approach Panyaden International School in Chiang Mai (Thailand), where she was the Vice Principal for Early Years and Year 1. With a background in the academic study of Buddhism, Rachael holds a doctorate from Oxford University and published Red Tara: The Female Buddha of Power and Magnetism with Shambhala Publications. Rachael is a long-term Buddhist practitioner.
“Jataka is a place where school and families work in partnership to playfully inquire into the self and the world around us. ”
Dr. Rachael Stevens, Founding Principal
Teachers
Our strong sense of community at The Jataka School nurtures positive relationships between the teachers, students, staff, and parents.
We ensure that each member of our team brings a wealth of experience, care, and creativity so that each and every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn and grow.
All of our teachers are expected to be qualified and experienced. Our teaching team must hold:
A teaching qualification (PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or equivalent
A teaching licence / Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
A minimum of 2 years teaching experience
Fluency in English and the language of teaching for Mandarin/Thai positions
Professional Development
At Jataka, rooted in our belief in a research-based approach to teaching and learning, we offer our staff opportunities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) both in-house and with external providers. This supports our teaching community’s access to high-quality, specialised training, ensuring they stay abreast of current best practices regarding child development, pedagogy, and subject-specific knowledge.
Enrichment Program
To support our staff in deepening their knowledge and experience of Buddhist Education, we also offer a staff Enrichment Program (EP). Curated for each staff member, our EP programme includes opportunities to study and engage with Buddhist philosophy and contemplative techniques from various Buddhist traditions. With a focus on personal development, the EP programme is also a central pillar of our community-building endeavours. We aim to cultivate a dharmic and harmonious environment for all stakeholders.
The Jataka School is being incubated by Paccaya Foundation—a Thai registered, not-for-profit organisation that also acts as the School Licensee—so we do not have shareholders.
Paccaya Foundation, together with the School’s Board members, its leadership team, and its management, ensure the School remains true to its vision, that its high standards are upheld and maintained, that it is sustainable in its operations, and that it is protected now, and into the future.
In addition, they oversee the school’s operations and continued development in line with the school’s Guiding Statements.
List of Board members coming soon.
Governance
The Paccaya Foundation
Where next?