Preschool Resource Teacher & Extended Day Teacher

This position is a 10-month position, starting IMMEDIATELY.

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 seeks dedicated, dynamic and experienced people to assist with class instruction alongside the Lead Teacher-Researcher in our preschool program with students ages 2 -5 years old. In the afternoons, this role will help to facilitate nap, snack and creative and outdoor play until students go home for the day. 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 Resource Teacher will also receive mentorship in the school’s pedagogical approach through their work with experienced faculty and administrators. They will also be responsible for programming and planning the preschool’s after school program activities.

Additionally, the Preschool Resource & Extended Day Teacher 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 and the Director of Enrichment (for Extended Day), the Preschool Resource Teacher is responsible for assisting classroom teachers during the school day with the instructional program, general operations and management of their assigned class. In the afternoons, working with a team of extended day teachers and under the direction of the Director of Enrichment, Extended Day Teachers maintain and provide an environment and experience as an extension of the school day which supports students, staff, parents and the Reggio Emilia approach. This position is responsible for building the academic foundations at the earliest levels, developing independent learning exercises, material, curricula and methods during after-school hours 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 Emilia-inspired approach.

Essential Duties:

• Works in collaboration with the assigned preschool faculty members in planning and facilitating the daily program in 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;
• Collaborates with assigned Preschool Teacher-Researchers to plan and execute meaningful learning experiences and maintain a productive co-teaching partnership;
• Designs 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 weaknesses;
• Communicates with the preschool teacher-researcher team about children’s growth and development, building students’ confidence and independence;
• Collaborates with colleagues on curriculum development and on enhancing instructional practices and strategies;
• Establishes effective communications and relationships with students and parents/guardians, partnering those communication efforts with other preschool teachers as required;
• 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 retreats, faculty meetings, field trips and special activities and performance 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 breaks;
• Attends all trainings, parent-teacher conferences and events, and faculty meetings as required;
• 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;
• Maintains a professional working atmosphere and confidentiality of information in relation to staff, children, families and co-workers;
• Participates in Admissions & Enrollment process which may involve some weekend or evening events;
• As Extended Day teacher, available to work and supervise students on days when school is not in session, including but not limited to days in summer, conference days, teacher work days and professional days, etc; 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

FLSA and Physical Requirements:

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Weekdays, approximately 11 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time (medium work)
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.
• Occasionally ascending or descending stairs
• Constantly moving about to accomplish tasks
• Occasionally repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Ability to 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 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.

TO APPLY

Please click here to submit your application. In the “Position Applying for” field, please enter: Preschool Resource & Extended Day Teacher. Along with three professional references, the following attachments are required:

• Cover Letter, including information about your educational philosophy and why Sabot at Stony Point
• Resume