MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH & SCIENCE TEACHER RESEARCHER
Location: Richmond, VA Job Category: Full-time, Faculty and Instructional Staff
Classification: Exempt
Department: Middle School
Start Date : 2026-2027 School Year
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Sabot School, a progressive preschool–Grade 8 school in Richmond and a leader in the Reggio Emilia Approach®, seeks a Middle School Math and Science Teacher-Researcher.
Under the guidance of the Director of Grades 5-8, this role involves co-teaching 7th- and 8th-grade Math and Science (STEM curricular approach). The ideal candidate will be passionate about integrating technology, fostering project-based learning, and creating a dynamic, inquiry-driven classroom environment.
Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, this position encourages deep exploration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. As a Teacher-Researcher, this role also involves continuous professional development, engaging in action research by generating hypotheses and questions, documenting student work, and reflecting both individually and collaboratively, in addition to designing and implementing engaging curricula that support student-driven projects and promote a social-constructivist approach to learning.
This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who values collaboration, embraces innovation, and seeks to inspire students to understand and interact with the world through mathematics, science, and technology.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in teaching, math, science or a related field is required. Master’s degree or higher preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to complete a background check.
SPECIFIC TO TEACHING MATH & SCIENCE (Grades 7–10, Advanced Middle School Learners)
- Mathematics: well-versed in advanced middle school and early high school topics, including proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, functions, geometry, and data analysis/statistics, with the ability to extend students into Algebra I and Geometry-level concepts as appropriate.
- Science: well-versed in Physical Science and Earth Science concepts, including forces and motion, energy, waves, matter, weather and climate systems, and Earth’s dynamic processes, with opportunities for high school-level depth and application.
- Facilitate a rigorous, problem-centered, project-based, and inquiry-driven curriculum that challenges advanced middle school learners to think critically and independently using 21st-century skills.
- Design interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect math and science with technology, engineering, and social studies through complex, real-world applications (e.g., climate modeling, engineering design challenges, data analysis projects).
- Guide students through both advanced mathematical reasoning and the scientific process, emphasizing abstraction, problem-solving, experimentation, data analysis, and evidence-based argumentation.
- Help students represent increasingly complex ideas in multiple ways, including graphs, symbolic representations, data visualizations, models, and formal written explanations.
- Integrate hands-on investigations, labs, and long-term projects that require persistence, collaboration, and higher-level critical thinking.
- Emphasize depth over breadth, encouraging students to explore concepts deeply and make meaningful connections across disciplines.
- Differentiate instruction to both support and extend learners, providing scaffolds while also offering enrichment and acceleration opportunities.
- Prepare students for the transition to high school-level coursework, building both content knowledge and the habits of mind needed for advanced study.
- Teach a curriculum that includes diverse perspectives, especially voices that are underrepresented in our society and in STEM fields.
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 to benefit 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-tasking, remaining calm under pressure, and treating everyone with respect.
- Remains responsible for supervising 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
Grounded in inquiry and empathy, Sabot School nurtures joyful learners – resilient individuals who grow as their authentic selves while meeting challenges with confidence.
An independent school for children ages 2 through 8th grade. Rooted in Reggio, guided by inquiry, growing curious, confident citizens.