Middle School Science Teacher-Researcher & Advisor

Our Reggio-inspired, social-constructivist curriculum is inquiry-based and driven in part by children’s interests. We emphasize collaboration and recognize the gifts that each child brings to the group. Our approach is one that recognizes the whole child and focuses first and foremost on social and emotional learning and relationships as the necessary foundations for education.

Sabot is an educational home for teachers drawn to relationships and practices that are rooted in unifying beliefs about children and learning, based on current neurological and educational research and reliant on our teacher-researchers’ collaborative problem solving and creativity. Sabot teachers are both guides and fellow travelers in the collaborative learning process and make students’ learning visible to themselves and others. We view teaching not as a static set of skills, but as a dynamic process, manifested in our culture of research and our commitment to teacher development.

Sabot School seeks a dedicated, dynamic and experienced science educator to lead classroom instruction for Grades 6 - 8. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in education, preferably in a Reggio-inspired or progressive independent school setting, with an ability to successfully work with the students and faculty to ensure a safe, supportive learning environment that reflects the mission, values and policies of Sabot School. This faculty member should also be naturally curious, a life-long learner and invested in supporting our next generation of scientists.. Our location, adjoining 106-acre Larus Park, home to trails, streams, and a variety of flora and fauna, inspires many a scientific inquiry and allows for the outdoors to serve as an additional classroom for all of our students

Additionally, the Middle School Language Arts Teacher-Researcher and Advisor must possess an enthusiastic commitment to the importance of building and sustaining a diverse, just, inclusive, and equitable environment.

General Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Grades 4-8, the Middle School ScienceTeacher-Researcher and Advisor is responsible for the instructional program, general operations and management of the Science program. This position is responsible for building the academic foundations at the earliest levels, developing lesson plans, independent learning exercises, material, curricula and methods that keep in mind the needs of the individual child and whole-group dynamic.This position supports learning through an inquiry-based, social-constructivist, Reggio-inspired approach.

Essential Duties:

• Teaches classes as assigned, including one grade-level Advisory Group, providing effective and professional classroom instruction, assessment and management; Guides students’ processes of discovery and understanding, encouraging the development of meta-cognitive skills such as reflective thinking and problem solving techniques;
• Designs, adapts and implements curriculum and instruction consistent with the mission, values and standards established by the School, employing a variety of teaching styles and learning opportunities;
• Ensures the classroom, lessons and materials foster diversity, inclusion and belonging;
• Assesses students to evaluate their abilities, strengths and challenges;
• Grades students’ assignments and exams, building students’ confidence, independence and accountability;
• Collaborates with colleagues on curriculum development and on enhancing instructional practices and strategies;
• Engages in action research by generating hypotheses and questions, documenting student work and reflecting individually and collaboratively;
• Establishes effective communications and relationships with students and parents;
• Exhibits a growth mindset about teaching practices and works toward professional goals and development;
• Helps to maintain School policies, protocols and expectations;
• Develops and maintains professional, collaborative and collegial relationships with faculty and staff, as well as with community partners to the benefit of students and classes;
• Supports the work of the Head of School and senior leadership;
• Participates in required non-classroom activities including parent/student conferences, retreats, faculty meetings, field trips and special activities and performance events;
• Participates in Admissions & Enrollment process which may involve some evening and weekend events;
• Provides effective supervision of students to promote a safe and healthy environment and School experience; Supervises students outside of the classroom - for example, during lunch or study hall;
• Responds to and manages student concerns and issues, collaborating with the Program Director or School Counselor when necessary to develop and adhere to student support plans;
• Completes required reports and tasks timely and professionally;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

FLSA and Physical Requirements:

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours: Full-time (40 hours or more per week)

Department: Faculty (10-month)

Benefit Policy: Full-time

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to:

• withstand prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom.
• lift up to 20 pounds at a time (medium work).
• sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.
• occasionally ascend or descend stairs.
• constantly move about to accomplish tasks.
• occasionally repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• work occasionally in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind, high temperatures and/or low temperatures.

Application Requirements

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required, preferably in science education, general science 6-8, or discipline specific. Master’s degree or higher preferred. Must possess a minimum of three years of teaching experience.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to complete a background check.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school located in Richmond, Virginia;
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
• Ability to remain responsible at all times for the supervision of students during classes and generally at all times when on campus or off campus at a school-related event;
• Ability to learn new technology and systems commensurate with program level requirements;
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and flexibility in pedagogy;
• Demonstrated ability to act as a role model of professionalism;
• Ability to model honesty, accountability, understanding, tolerance, respect, love and kindness for the students;
• Ability to multitask, keep calm under pressure and treat everyone with respect;
• Displays curiosity, a positive attitude, flexibility and a good sense of humor;
• Ability to follow all policies and procedures of the School as written in the employee handbook and Community Guide;
• Enthusiastic about field study expeditions within the Sabot campus and beyond;
• Desire to work in a heterogeneous classroom with a range of ability levels;
• Demonstrates professionalism, engagement, and kindness to all children and families regardless of race, religion, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity or expression.

Specific to Teaching Science

• Naturally inquisitive, detail-oriented and fascinated by the sciences;
• Well-organized yet flexible in allowing students to ask questions and debate subjects;
• Ability to help students develop the core dispositions of a scientist: a longing to know, understand and make sense of the world, a disposition for questioning, a willingness to search, a demand for verification, and a respect for logic all embodied in a deep understanding of the scientific method and engineering design process;
• Strong scientific reading and writing skills;
• Belief in the idea that scientific knowledge is in a constant state of flux, continually being enhanced and overturned as new ideas are identified, investigated and supported by scientific research;
• Familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards;
• Ability to remain current, drawing parallels between past and current scientific events;
• Motivated, patient, resourceful, objective, and welcoming of opposing viewpoints.
  

Applications will be considered for an August 1, 2024 start date.

TO APPLY

Please click here to submit your application. In the “Position Applying for” field, please enter: Middle School Science Teacher-Researcher. Along with three professional references, the following attachments are required:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Statement of educational philosophy