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
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.





