Atelierista (Preschool to Grade 2)

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 in making 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.

Atelieristas scaffold both students and teacher-researchers in messing about and developing relationships with media and materials. This includes all media with which people can test theories and develop understanding and knowledge, not just visual arts. Together, faculty and Atelieristas design the schedule to allow for time where students can develop languages beyond written and spoken language in line with the School's mission and tenants of the Reggio Emilia pedagogical approach. Atelieristas help support faculty in thinking about the big ideas and essential questions that drive long-term inquiry, selecting media and materials that could help students come to understand and document those big ideas and the investigative process. Atelieristas are artists and arts integration specialists who help the school integrate philosophy, theory and practice. The Atelieristas have a special duty to bring the big ideas behind Sabot's Umbrella projects to students and faculty each year.

This position is responsible for building the academic foundations across all levels, developing curriculum and lessons, 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.

General Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Kindergarten to Grade 3, the Atelierista works collaboratively with faculty to make learning visible. Specifically, the Atelierista expands and enhances the teacher-researcher’s and student’s meaning-making and wonder through a diverse use of mediums, materials, experiences, and environments. The Atelierista is a visual artist and works with all students and faculty across all grades, as determined in coordination with the School’s Program Directors and other Atelierista. The Atelieristas have a special duty to bring the big ideas behind Sabot's Umbrella projects to students and faculty each year.

This position is responsible for building the academic foundations across all levels, developing curriculum and lessons, 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:

• Build trusting, respectful, and professional relationships with children, teachers and families; 
• Work in close relationship with the teachers in all classrooms, supporting the ongoing learning projects and groups;
• Facilitate and sustain a system that brings an introduction and exploration of art materials to all the classrooms;
• Develop provocations and questions to bring meaningful experiences with multiple languages including light and shadow, color, paint, line tools, clay, nature, movement, and sound;
• Ability to document a process and elevate the visibility of children’s ideas and theories throughout the school and outdoor environments; through video, blog posts, panels, displays, etc;
• Inspire the teachers and school with provocations and perspectives;
• Teach classes as assigned, providing effective and professional classroom instruction, assessment and management; 
• Guide students’ processes of discovery and understanding, encouraging the development of meta-cognitive skills such as reflective thinking and problem solving techniques;
• Design, adapt and implement curriculum and instruction consistent with the mission, values and standards established by the School, employing a variety of teaching styles and learning opportunities;
• Ensure the classroom, lessons and materials foster diversity, inclusion and belonging;
• Set up and maintain a studio space, or “atelier,” that provides children with opportunities to explore a variety of materials and artistic techniques;
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development and on enhancing instructional practices and strategies;
• Engage in action research by generating hypotheses and questions, documenting student work and reflecting individually and collaboratively;
• Establish effective and respectful communications and relationships with students and parents;
• Exhibit a growth mindset about teaching practices and works toward professional goals and development;
• Help to maintain School policies, protocols and expectations;
• Develop and maintain professional, respectful, collaborative and collegial relationships with faculty and staff, as well as with community partners to the benefit of students and classes;
• Support the work of the Head of School and senior leadership;
• Participate in required non-classroom activities including parent/student conferences, retreats, faculty and pedagogical meetings, field trips and special activities and performance events;
• Participate in professional development opportunities;
• Participate in Admissions & Enrollment process which may involve some weekend events;
• Provide effective supervision of students to promote a safe and healthy environment and School experience; 
• Supervise students outside of the classroom - for example, during lunch or recess;
• Respond to and manage student concerns and issues, collaborating with the Program Director or School Counselor when necessary to develop and adhere to student support plans;
• Complete required reports and tasks timely and professionally;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

FLSA and Physical Requirements:

FLSA Status: Exempt (10-month faculty)

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

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to:

• withstand prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom.
• lift up to 45 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.
• set up workspaces with proper ventilation

Application Requirements

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an arts related field or Art Education preferred. Master’s degree or higher preferred. Advanced knowledge of childhood development and art making with varied media.

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 orally and in writing;
• 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 school-sponsored events;
• Ability to learn new technology and systems commensurate with program level requirements;
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and flexibility in pedagogy;
• Demonstrate an understanding of child development;
• Demonstrate 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;
• Ability to maintain a high level of activity while supervising children;
• Display 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 and parent handbooks;
• Demonstrate 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.

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: Atelierista (PS - 2). Along with three professional references, the following attachments are required:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Educational Philosophy