Preschool Teacher-Researcher

Location: Richmond, VA

Job Category: Full-time, Faculty and Instructional Staff

Classification: Exempt

Start Date:  School Year

Sabot School, a progressive preschool–Grade 8 school in Richmond and a leader in the Reggio Emilia Approach®, seeks a Preschool Co-Teacher-Researcher. This role supports instruction in a Preschool classroom 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 emergent curriculum rooted in the Reggio Emilia Approach™.

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.

• Collaborate with their Co‑Teacher‑Researcher to create an engaging classroom environment to include developmentally‑appropriate experiences and activities based on the children’s interests;
• Collaborate with their Co‑Teacher‑Researcher and Atelieristas to guide inquiry‑driven projects with a focus on fostering student curiosity and joy of learning;
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners, promoting equity, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging;
• Support classroom management and student well‑being through supervision, proactive engagement, clear expectations, and respectful communication;
• Demonstrate understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach® or an eagerness to learn about the approach;
• Co‑teach in a respectful, collaborative partnership with a Co‑Teacher‑Researcher;
• Support an emergent curriculum and student‑centered learning;
• Demonstrate familiarity with child development and supporting children’s social‑emotional growth;
• Engage in ongoing professional reflection and growth;
• Support a diverse community of learners with cultural responsiveness and humility;
• Ensure compliance with Preschool licensing requirements;
• Assist children with activities of daily living, including restroom needs, mobility, and rest time;
• Participate 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.

Must be able to successfully pass a background check.

• Willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school environment in Richmond, Virginia.
• Demonstrates professionalism and serves as a role model by modeling honesty, accountability, understanding, tolerance, respect, love, and kindness for students.
• Develops and maintains professional, collaborative, and collegial relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners for the benefit of students and classes.
• Demonstrates professionalism, engagement, and kindness toward all children and families, regardless of race, religion, nationality, abilities, familial status, gender identity, or gender expression.
• Exhibits excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Establishes effective communication and relationships with students and parents.
• Displays curiosity, a positive attitude, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
• Demonstrates creativity and flexibility in teaching practices, with a growth mindset toward professional goals and development.
• Guides students in discovery and understanding, fostering the development of reflective thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Exhibits excellent time management skills, completing reports and tasks in a timely and professional manner.
• Multi‑tasks effectively, remains calm under pressure, and treats everyone with respect.
• Remains responsible for the supervision of students during classes and at all times while on or in Larus Park.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and Community Guide.

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods during supervision and activities, both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 15 lbs.
• Capability to walk up and down two flights of stairs.
• Ability to respond promptly to emergencies, which may involve running, lifting, or assisting children to safety.
• Alertness and ability to supervise children during physical activities, such as outdoor play, while ensuring a safe environment.