LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER-RESEARCHER

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

Classification: Exempt
Hours:
   40 hours/week, Monday–Friday, approx. 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Department: Lower School

Start Date: July 1, 2026


POSITION DESCRIPTION


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.

TO APPLY


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
Click Here to Apply

ESSENTIAL TASKS


  • 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.

QUALIFICATIONS


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 background or specialized training in early reading instruction, literacy development, or reading intervention strategies.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to complete a background check.


SPECIFIC TO THE LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER-RESEARCHER POSITION

  • Demonstrated understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach® or an eagerness to learn about the approach. 
  • Ability to co-teach in a respectful, collaborative partnership with a Lead Teacher-Researcher.
  • Experience supporting emergent curriculum and student-centered learning.
  • Familiarity with child development and supporting children’s social-emotional growth.
  • Willingness to engage in ongoing professional reflection and growth.
  • Capacity to support a diverse community of learners with cultural responsiveness and humility.


GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • 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 off campus.
  • Learns new technology and systems as required by the program level.
  • Adheres to all policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and Community Guide.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS


  • 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.

SABOT SCHOOL'S MISSION STATEMENT


Sabot School is a school designed to sustain children’s quest for meaning and understanding, harness the power of their theories and ideas, and guide their inquiry and research. In an environment that supports co-creation, collaboration and respectful exchange, we challenge our students to become effective communicators and disciplined thinkers, capable of solving problems in our increasingly complex world.

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