Preschool Assistant Teacher-Researcher

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.

Sabot School seeks dedicated, dynamic and experienced people to assist with class instruction alongside the Lead Teacher-Researcher in the Preschool with students ages 2 - 5 years old. The ideal candidate will possess a background in education or experience working with children in a professional 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 will join a cohesive, committed, and talented community. The Preschool Assistant Teacher-Researcher will also receive mentorship in the school’s pedagogical approach as an integrated part of Sabot’s professional development and faculty growth process.

Additionally, the Preschool Assistant Teacher-Researcher 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 Preschool, the Preschool Assistant Teacher-Researcher is responsible for supporting the Preschool Teacher-Researcher with the instructional program, general operations, and management of their assigned class or program. The Assistant Teacher-Researcher supports the Preschool Teacher-Researcher in establishing and maintaining a safe learning environment that is cognitively stimulating, aesthetically pleasing, and fosters a child’s emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth using a Reggio Emilia-inspired, inquiry based, co-constructivist approach to a child’s learning.

Essential Duties:

• Works in collaboration with the Preschool Teacher-Researcher in planning and facilitating the daily program and providing effective and professional classroom instruction, assessment and management;
• Works in small groups or one-on-one to support students’ learning;
• Assumes some responsibility for instruction in collaboration with the Preschool Teacher-Researcher including preparing materials for lessons, planning and implementing lessons, attending meetings and conferences; 
• Collaborates in arranging space, setting and materials in the classroom and outdoors to ensure a clean and orderly child-centered environment. This includes notifying the Preschool Teacher-Researcher when new materials or repairs are needed;
• Formally observes children’s activities and progress; documents and shares information regarding children’s experiences with the pedagogical team and the broader faculty;
• Promotes community and fosters social responsibility through multicultural and anti-bias programming and environments;
• Develops and maintains a supportive rapport with parents/guardians, and facilitates parent/guardian participation in the classrooms; 
• Helps establish communication structures with parents/guardians that include classroom conferences, portfolio events, bi-weekly newsletters, etc;
• 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 weekend or evening events;
• Provides effective supervision of students to promote a safe and healthy environment and school experience; 
• Supervises students outside of the classroom - including, during lunch, recess or breaks;
• Is knowledgeable of Sabot Student Support plans and assists co-teachers  in adapting lessons and activities to meet the needs of all children;
• Responds to and manages student concerns and issues, collaborating with the co-teachers, Program Director and/or School Counselor when necessary to develop and adhere to student support plans;
• Attends all trainings, parent-teacher conferences and events, and faculty meetings;
• Maintains a professional working atmosphere and confidentiality of information in relation to staff, children, families, and co-workers;
• Helps to maintain school policies, protocols and expectations;
• Exhibits a growth mindset and engagement in the mentorship process for professional growth;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

FLSA and Physical Requirements:

FLSA Status: Exempt

Full/Part-time Status: Full-time (40 + hours/week) and Part-time (29-35 hours/week) positions

Hours: Full-time - Weekdays, approximately 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., plus meetings; Part-time - Weekdays, approximately 7:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., plus meetings (3:30 - 4:30 p.m. once/week and 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. once/week)

Department: Faculty (10-month)

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.

Application Requirements

Education and Experience:

While a minimum of an Associate's degree from an accredited community/junior college, college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field is preferred, we are open to other degrees with professional experience working with children in a safe, supportive learning environment.  For all applicants, some experience with children in a professional setting is required.

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 school-sponsored events;
• 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;
• 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.

TO APPLY

Please click here to submit your application. In the “Position Applying for” field, please enter: Preschool Assistant Teacher-Researcher (Full-time or Part-time). Along with three professional references, the following attachments are required:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Statement of educational philosophy