Lower School Teacher-Researcher

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Category: Full-time, Faculty and Instructional Staff

Classification: Exempt

Department: Lower School

Start Date :  School Year

Sabot School, a progressive preschool–Grade 8 school in Richmond and a leader in the Reggio Emilia Approach®, seeks a Lower School Co-Teacher-Researcher.

This role supports instruction in a classroom, grades K–4 as applicable, through a collaborative, inquiry-based, and Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. Working as a co‑teaching team, the Teacher‑Researchers collaborate to facilitate a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment focused on the whole child.

Instruction is delivered through an inquiry-based, social‑constructivist, and Reggio Emilia Approach as well as direct instruction and co‑teaching modalities. As a Teacher‑Researcher, this position offers an opportunity to work in a deeply collaborative environment where teaching is viewed as an ongoing process of research, reflection, and relationship‑building.

Interested candidates should click the link below to submit the following materials.

Be sure to list the position in the "position applying for" field.

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references
• Teaches classes, performs duties, and completes reports and tasks as assigned in a timely manner, while providing effective and professional instruction, assessment, and management consistent with the mission values, standards, and policies established by the school;
• Collaborates with their Co‑Teacher‑Researcher and Atelieristas to guide inquiry‑driven projects with a focus on fostering student curiosity and joy of learning;
• Collaborates with their Co‑Teacher‑Researcher to use a variety of methods to teach Sabot’s standards‑based grade‑level curriculum with an emphasis on outdoor learning, and connection to student inquiry;
• Guides students’ exploration, supporting the development of metacognition, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills;
• Collaborates with Teacher‑Researcher Team, the Program Director, School Counselor, and Co‑Teacher‑Researcher to support individual student needs by implementing accommodations, designing and adapting curriculum and instruction aligned with school standards, and using a variety of materials and strategies to address diverse learning needs;
• Works collaboratively to document each student’s learning as expressed and demonstrated using various methods, including but not limited to: observations, photographs, formative and summative assessments, projects, papers, collaborative work, classwork, presentations, class discussions, one‑on‑one conferences, portfolios, and self‑reflection on the student’s part that follows the child’s journey at the school;
• Builds and maintains positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners, promoting equity, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging;
• Collaborates with the Co‑Teacher‑Researcher to assess student learning, evaluate strengths and challenges against grade‑level proficiencies, and use insights to guide instruction while fostering students’ confidence, independence, and accountability;
• Supports classroom management and student well‑being through supervision, proactive engagement, clear expectations, and respectful communication that promotes a safe and healthy environment and school experience indoors and outdoors;
• Engages in ongoing professional growth and action research by reflecting on practice, generating questions, documenting learning, collaborating with colleagues, and implementing feedback to improve instruction;
• Participates in school‑wide service responsibilities, including conferences, meetings, events, field trips, and admissions activities and events, including occasional evening or weekend commitments.

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education or a related field.
• Experience: Prior experience working with elementary‑age children, ideally within a classroom or school‑based setting—and preferably in a progressive or Reggio Emilia‑inspired environment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Strong…