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
Click Here to Apply

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.

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