PRESCHOOL TEACHER-RESEARCHER
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Category:
Full-time, Faculty and Instructional Staff
Classification: Exempt
Department: Preschool
Start Date: 2026-2027 School Year
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Sabot School, a progressive preschool–Grade 8 school in Richmond and a leader in the Reggio Emilia Approach®, seeks a Preschool Co-Teacher-Researcher.
This role supports instruction in a Preschool classroom, 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 emergent curriculum rooted in theReggio Emilia Approach™. 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
- Collaborate with their Co-Teacher-Researcher to create an engaging classroom environment to include developmentally-appropriate experiences and activities based on the children’s interests;
- Collaborate with their Co-Teacher-Researcher and Atelieristas to guide inquiry-driven projects with a focus on fostering student curiosity and joy of learning;
- Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners, promoting equity, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging;
- Support classroom management and student well-being through supervision, proactive engagement, clear expectations, and respectful communication;
- Demonstrate understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach® or an eagerness to learn about the approach;
- Co-teach in a respectful, collaborative partnership with a Co-Teacher-Researcher;
- Support an emergent curriculum and student-centered learning;
- Demonstrate familiarity with child development and supporting children’s social-emotional growth;
- Engage in ongoing professional reflection and growth;
- Support a diverse community of learners with cultural responsiveness and humility;
- Ensure compliance with Preschool licensing requirements;
- Assist children with activities of daily living, including restroom needs, mobility, and rest time;
- 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.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
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 in Larus Park.
- 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
Grounded in inquiry and empathy, Sabot School nurtures joyful learners – resilient individuals who grow as their authentic selves while meeting challenges with confidence.





