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.
• Participate in professional development.
• Perform additional faculty duties assigned, including, but not limited to, supervising students during carpool, lunch, advisory, recess, and so forth.

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.

About Wakefield School

Wakefield School is an independent, college-preparatory day school for students in Junior Kindergarten through grade 12 engaging in a rigorous and inspiring liberal arts curriculum. Our ambitious vision for every student is to foster capable, ethical, articulate citizens who seek the challenge, make a difference, and live extraordinary lives, each in his or her own way.

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