LOWER SCHOOL ASSISTANT
TEACHER-RESEARCHER
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Category:
Part-time, 10-month
Classification: Exempt
Hours:
35 hours/week, Monday–Friday, approx. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Salary Range: $35k
Department: Lower School
Start Date: July 1, 2025
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Sabot School, a progressive preschool–Grade 8 school in Richmond and a leader in the Reggio Emilia Approach®, seeks a Lower School Assistant Teacher-Researcher.
This role supports instruction in a classroom, grades K–5 as applicable, through a collaborative, inquiry-based, and Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. Working alongside a Lead Teacher-Researcher, the Assistant Teacher-Researcher helps facilitate a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment focused on the whole child.
Instruction is delivered through an inquiry-based, social-constructivist, and Reggio Emilia Approach as well as direct instruction and co-teaching modalities. As an Assistant 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
- Collaborates with the Lead Teacher-Researcher to plan and implement inquiry-driven and standards-based curriculum.
- Guides students’ exploration, supporting the development of metacognition, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Helps adapt classroom materials and instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
- Participates in documentation of student learning through observations, photographs, and student work samples.
- Promotes equity and belonging by supporting inclusive practices for children and families.
- Supports classroom management and student well-being through supervision, proactive engagement, clear expectations, and respectful communication.
- Builds and maintains positive, responsive relationships with students and families.
- Participates in faculty meetings, parent conferences, field trips, school events, and admissions/enrollment activities.
- Engages in professional development and collaborative reflection and learning with colleagues.
- Assists with student supervision outside the classroom (e.g., lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal).
- Collaborates with the Lead Teacher, Program Director, and/or School Counselor to support individual student needs.
- Performs additional related duties as assigned by the Program Director.
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.
- Preferred Qualifications: Strong background or specialized training in early reading instruction, literacy development, or reading intervention strategies.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to complete a background check.
SPECIFIC TO THE LOWER SCHOOL ASSISTANT TEACHER-RESEARCHER POSITION
- Demonstrated understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach® or an eagerness to learn about the approach.
- Ability to co-teach in a respectful, collaborative partnership with a Lead Teacher-Researcher.
- Experience supporting emergent curriculum and student-centered learning.
- Familiarity with child development and supporting children’s social-emotional growth.
- Willingness to engage in ongoing professional reflection and growth.
- Capacity to support a diverse community of learners with cultural responsiveness and humility.
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 off campus.
- Learns new technology and systems as required by the program level.
- 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 of time during supervision and activities both indoors and outdoors..
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs (e.g., lifting children, materials, or equipment).
- Ability to kneel, crouch, and bend down to the child's level for supervision, assistance, and engagement in activities.
- Ability to assist children with physical needs, such as helping with mobility, eating, or restroom routines.
- Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, which may include running, lifting, or assisting children to safety.
- Ability to supervise children during physical activities, such outdoor play, while remaining alert to potential safety hazards.
SABOT SCHOOL'S MISSION STATEMENT
Sabot School is a school designed to sustain children’s quest for meaning and understanding, harness the power of their theories and ideas, and guide their inquiry and research. In an environment that supports co-creation, collaboration and respectful exchange, we challenge our students to become effective communicators and disciplined thinkers, capable of solving problems in our increasingly complex world.