K-3rd Grade Microschool Teacher

Iron Village Preparatory Academy; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative K–8 school in Richmond is seeking an early-career to mid-level elementary educator for the Innovators classroom (K-3rd grade). The primary instructor will design engaging lessons, support diverse learning styles, and align instruction with Virginia Standards of Learning. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or related field, experience up to 5 years, and a passion for student-centered learning. This role offers competitive salary and supportive leadership within a close-knit community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or a closely related field required.
• Virginia teaching license preferred but not mandatory.
• 0–5 years of classroom teaching experience, with student teaching or residency experience valued.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead classroom teacher for the Innovators cohort.
• Design and facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Monitor student progress through observation and informal assessments.
• Build strong relationships with families and participate in community events.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Bilingual abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education

Job description

Iron Village Preparatory Academy is an innovative K–8 microschool located in Richmond, Virginia, currently preparing for its second academic year. We center academic exploration, cultural celebration, and community engagement through a student-led, project-based learning model. Our small class sizes, mixed-grade cohorts, and individualized learning plans allow educators to teach deeply, creatively, and relationally.

OurInnovators cohort serves students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, maintaining a10:1 student-to-teacher ratioto ensure personalized attention and strong foundational development. This cohort lays the academic, social-emotional, and cultural groundwork for lifelong learning.

We are seeking an early-career to mid-level elementary educator to serve as the primary instructor for ourInnovators (K–3rd grade)classroom. This role is ideal for a recent college graduate through educators with up to 5 years of experience who are excited by progressive education, small learning environments, and meaningful relationships with students and families.

The Innovators Teacher will work closely with our Lead Teacher (Trailblazers) and Executive Director to implement curriculum aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning, while bringing lessons to life through inquiry, play, and project-based exploration.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Instruction

• Serve as the lead classroom teacher for theInnovators (K–3rd grade)cohort.
• Design and facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons across core subject areas.
• Differentiate instruction to support a range of learning styles, abilities, and grade levels.
• Create a warm, structured classroom environment that supports curiosity, independence, and belonging.
• Implement Iron Village Prep’s project-based, student-led curriculum framework.
• Align instruction with Virginia Standards of Learning while maintaining flexibility and creativity.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to ensure vertical alignment between Innovators and Trailblazers.

Student Support & Assessment

• Monitor student progress through observation, portfolios, and informal assessments.
• Contribute to individualized education success plans for each student.
• Communicate student growth and needs clearly with families.

Community & School Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families.
• Participate in family events, conferences, and community gatherings.
• Collaborate with staff, mentors, and enrichment partners to support whole-child development.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or a closely related field (required).

Virginia teaching license preferred but not required for the right candidate.

Experience

• 0–5 years of classroom teaching experience.
• Student teaching or residency experience welcomed and valued.

Skills & Dispositions

• Strong classroom management rooted in relationship-building.
• Comfort teaching across multiple grade levels.
• Enthusiasm for project-based, culturally responsive, and student-centered learning.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

Salary range:$42,000 – $48,000, based on experience.

Supportive leadership and mentorship from an experienced Lead Teacher.

Opportunity to grow professionally within a start-up school environment.

Meaningful autonomy, small class sizes, and deep community impact.