Lower School Teacher

Wakefield School, Inc.; Wakefield (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Annual renewal opportunities

Job summary

A private independent school in Virginia is seeking a Lower School Teacher for the 2026-2027 academic year. The ideal candidate is passionate about education and has experience in the elementary classroom, focuses on differentiated instruction, and thrives in a collaborative environment. Responsibilities include leading classroom instruction, engaging with students and families, and contributing to a supportive learning environment. A bachelor's degree in education is required, and familiarity with technology is a plus. Comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching elementary students in an independent school setting preferred.
• Ability to engage with diverse student learning needs.
• Training in the Orton–Gillingham approach or other phonics training is preferred.
• Ability to meet diverse student needs through differentiated instruction.
• Creativity in lesson design balancing content, skills, and student self-direction.
• Loving, nurturing temperament and effective classroom management.
• Familiarity with technology for lesson design and progress recording.

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom instruction for elementary-aged students.
• Collaborate with peers on curriculum and professional practices.
• Maintain positive relationships with parents.
• Collaborate with grade-level teams to set professional practices and curriculum.
• Communicate developmentally and empathetically with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Make learning visible through effective student engagement.
• Build positive relationships with parents to promote partnership.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities with other teachers.
• Attend faculty/division/department meetings and fulfill additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Differentiated instruction

Classroom management

Communication with empathy

Collaboration with colleagues

Creativity in lesson design

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Tools

Technology in lesson design

Job description

Wakefield School in The Plains, Virginia, seeks a passionate and progressive educator to join our Lower School faculty for the 2026-2027 academic year. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching in the elementary classroom, a natural aptitude for cultivating relationships with students and families, knowledge of differentiated instruction, adept at small group instruction, and will also be flexible, collaborative, a team player, knowledgeable of child development, possess a true love and passion for young children, and a healthy dose of humor and kindness. This is a ten-month, full-time position with annual renewal opportunities beginning August 2027.

At Wakefield School, we take pride in fostering an environment where our students are challenged and nurtured. Wakefield strives to ensure an engaging, purposeful, and collaborative experience, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive in a deep and imaginative inquiry.

Responsibilities

• Embrace and model a culture of innovation and evolution in curriculum and instruction.
• Authentically engage with students, embracing the unique culture of Wakefield School.
• Serve as the lead classroom teacher for elementary-aged students, including embracing all aspects of the student experience, including the academic curriculum and character education.
• Serve as a member of the grade level/cohort team, collaborating with other Lower School teachers and educational leaders to set professional practices and curriculum for the school.
• Communicate in developmentally appropriate ways through an altruistic approach that clearly communicates that every student can succeed and will benefit from a safe and secure environment.
• Focus on making learning visible through effective student engagement.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with parents and effectively communicate to promote partnership in this critical relationship.
• Work collaboratively with other teachers in planning and implementing age-appropriate activities.
• Attend scheduled faculty/division/department meetings.
• Perform additional faculty duties assigned, including, but not limited to, supervising students during carpool, lunch, advisory, recess, and so forth.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is required.
• Preferred experience includes having worked in an independent school environment and training in the Orton‑Gillingham approach or other foundational phonics training.
• An ability to meet the needs of students of various ages and learning needs through differentiated instruction.
• Creativity in lesson design that balances content, skill, and student self‑direction through the use of a variety of instructional methods.
• Appreciation for and understanding of school‑aged children, demonstrating a loving and nurturing temperament.
• Excellent classroom management skills that promote a positive classroom environment.
• Familiarity with technology or ability and desire to learn about technology for lesson design, lesson implementation, and recording student progress.
• An ability to communicate clearly and with appropriate empathy to students, parents, and colleagues.
• Collaborative spirit when working with colleagues within the same department, across grade levels, and within the same grade level across departments.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Embraces the school’s mission and seeks to help students develop in all aspects.

Compensation and Benefits

• Commensurate with experience and education
• Comprehensive benefits package available

About Wakefield School

Established in 1972, Wakefield School is a private independent college‑preparatory day school for students in Junior Kindergarten through grade 12 engaging in a rigorous and inspiring liberal arts curriculum. We believe the greatest challenge in education is preparing people to thrive in a world that is rapidly evolving. Yet certain fundamental skills will always be necessary for the successful and joyful pursuit of lifelong learning: acting ethically, thinking critically, and communicating effectively. It is to the development of these timeless qualities that Wakefield School’s mission is dedicated. The mission of Wakefield School is to foster the character, curiosity, and clear voices the world needs. Located on a 63‑acre campus in the picturesque village of The Plains, Virginia, Wakefield serves nearly 400 students from our surrounding area.

Wakefield School is an equal opportunity employer. We shall not discriminate and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason.

Interested candidates should submit letters of interest and resume electronically to [e-mail]. Please reference “Lower School Teacher” as the position of interest. No calls or visits, please.

Wakefield School is an independent, college‑preparatory day school serving families across Northern Virginia, including Prince William, Fauquier, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties. Students in Junior Kindergarten through grade 12 experience a sense of community and belonging while engaging in a rigorous and inspiring liberal arts curriculum.

4439 Old Tavern Road
PO Box 107
The Plains, VA 20198