David Coleman | Head of School

Throughout my career as an educator and school leader, a simple but deeply held belief has guided my professional life: education is, at its core, about relationships. Meaningful teaching and learning depend on creating the conditions in which young people are known, challenged, and inspired in intellectual, social, and emotional ways so they can grow into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate human beings.

Over the past four years, I have worked closely with the students and families of the Mount Washington Valley to strengthen school culture, support student growth, and foster a deep sense of place and belonging. Before returning to New Hampshire, I spent nearly a decade in Seoul, South Korea, serving as Director of Curriculum and Professional Development at an international school. In that role, I led efforts to build coherence across the K-12 program, aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment while supporting teachers in their professional learning.

My background includes nearly three decades as a high school English teacher, school and district leader, and adjunct college faculty member, along with extensive graduate study in curriculum design, accreditation, and competency-based education. Across each of these roles, my focus has remained consistent: strengthening instructional practice, supporting students and their families, and building systems that ensure meaningful and equitable learning experiences for all.

Northeast Woodland’s mission and its commitment to the whole child are especially inspiring to me. As I step into this role, my priorities will center on listening deeply, strengthening relationships, and working in close partnership with the Northeast Woodland community to support a coherent and sustainable program that honors the school’s Waldorf-inspired roots while ensuring clarity of purpose, alignment of priorities, and long-term program vitality. Together, we will continue to nurture a learning environment where curiosity, creativity, resilience, and unique potential are central to every child’s experience.

Outside of school, my life is deeply grounded in family, a taste for adventure, and spirited creativity. My wife, Emily, and I have traveled extensively by bicycle, covering more than 20,000 kilometers around the world with our dog, Kodi. These experiences have shaped my professional leadership, reinforcing the values of perseverance, community connection, and seeing life through a compassionate lens.

Music and movement are also important parts of my life. I enjoy playing guitar and singing, and I find energy and balance through an active outdoor lifestyle. Whether skiing, bicycling, weight training, or spending time hiking and camping with family and friends, I value the connections between physical well-being and a healthy, engaged mind.

I’m the proud father of two adult children, Chaya and Evan, who continue to inspire me with their joyful curiosity and relentless sense of humor. I’m also known as PeePaw to a beautiful granddaughter, Eden.