Grade 1 Assistant Teacher-Researcher - Long Term Substitute

VAIS; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

A progressive preschool to Grade 8 school in Richmond seeks a Grade 1 Assistant Teacher-Researcher. This part-time role involves supporting a diverse classroom environment through collaboration with lead teachers, fostering students' inquiry-driven exploration, and engaging in professional development. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Education and experience with elementary students.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with elementary-age children in school settings.
• Understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach or eagerness to learn.
• Ability to support inclusive practices for diverse learners.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Lead Teacher-Researcher to implement standards-based curriculum.
• Guides students’ exploration to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Participates in documentation of student learning and maintains positive relationships with families.

Skills

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education

Job description

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Category: Part-time, 10-month
Classification: Non-Exempt
Hours: 35 hours/week, Monday–Friday, approx. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hourly Rate: $23/hour
Department: Lower School
Start Date: August 12 - December 19, 2025

Sabot School, a progressive preschool–Grade 8 school in Richmond and a leader in the Reggio Emilia Approach, seeks a Grade 1 Assistant Teacher-Researcher - Long Term Substitute.

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.

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, preferably in a progressive or Reggio Emilia-inspired environment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in a progressive or Reggio Emilia-inspired environment.

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 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.