Early Childhood Program Lead Teacher

About the School

Since 1910, St. Anne’s-Belfield School has been committed to nurturing the whole student: body, heart, mind, and soul. As the largest independent school in the college town of Charlottesville, Va., our 900+ students, age 2 through Grade 12, inspire us each day as we aspire to educate the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders. 

As a member of our school community, you'd be joining a team of people who are passionate about their roles and contributing to a community of purpose and belonging. Those who thrive at St. Anne’s-Belfield are people who, as outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate, pursue knowledge to generate impact, seek to engage diverse perspectives and practices, engage in reflection, demonstrate moral character and integrity, and work to understand and meet the needs of the community. 

Our two beautiful campuses on 55 acres serve as vibrant hubs for curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence. This is perfectly complemented by our location in Charlottesville, one of the top 5 happiest cities in the U.S., as recognized by National Geographic and Outside Magazine. Opportunities abound to connect with nature, enjoy arts and culture, engage with the University of Virginia, only one mile away, and explore American history both within our region or Richmond (one hour by car) and Washington, D.C. (two hours by car).

If you're looking for a dynamic learning environment where your contributions help spark each child’s potential, we invite you to consider a career with St. Anne’s-Belfield. We at St. Anne's-Belfield School believe it is the quality and passion of our people that set us apart. We seek to hire the best teachers, administrators, staff members, and coaches to support our student body by offering a competitive benefits package and providing a wonderful working environment.

We at St. Anne's-Belfield School believe it is the quality and passion of our people that set us apart. We seek to hire the best teachers, administrators, and staff members to support our amazing student body by offering a competitive benefits package and providing a wonderful working environment.

About the Position

St. Anne's-Belfield School seeks to hire an experienced, enthusiastic lead teacher in our Early Childhood Program for the 2026-2027 school year. Informed by a developmental approach to understanding the needs of children, our program emphasizes the experiential growth of the heart, body, and mind through imaginative play, meaningful work, and expressive arts in a natural (outdoor) environment. This first school experience for students prioritizes sensory exploration, helps to build self-care skills, and supports foundational physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development. Recognizing that young children learn in relationship with others, the ideal teaching candidate will bring a nurturing presence, an ethic of care, and an understanding of and experience with the needs of young children. The outdoor "classroom" which we occupy in all seasons for the majority of the day provides many opportunities for discovery, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities 

• Implement curriculum and learning experiences for young children
• Plan and deliver instruction in a cross-curricular manner
• Develop activities to stimulate curiosity
• Facilitate child-led exploration and inquiry in the outdoor classroom setting
• Build community within the classroom
• Observe and document children's learning through photographs, notes, and learning stories
• Create and maintain provocations using natural and open-ended materials
• Foster respectful, responsive relationships with each child through a nurturing presence and ethic of care
• Supervise children during outdoor play, exploration, and routine activities
• Support sensory exploration and help build self-care skills
• Assist with daily routines including meals, toileting, and rest time
• Communicate regularly with families about their child's experiences and development
• Maintain a safe, organized, and aesthetically beautiful outdoor learning space

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Previous experience teaching in an Early Childhood classroom
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate practices
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Ability to meet state licensing requirements including background checks

Preferred Qualifications

• Nurturing, responsive, flexible and familiar with progressive educational philosophies
• Experience with nature-based or outdoor education programs
• Strong classroom management skills
• Growth mindset
• Committed to ongoing professional development in outdoor education

Physical Requirements

This position requires significant physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in varying conditions:

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all seasons and weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, wind)
• Capability to navigate uneven terrain, including grass, dirt, mulch, hills, and natural surfaces throughout the day
• Ability to lift and carry children weighing up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day
• Physical capacity to bend, squat, kneel, and sit on the ground regularly to engage with children at their level
• Stamina to stand and walk for extended periods during outdoor activities
• Ability to quickly respond to children's needs, including running or moving swiftly when necessary
• Capability to lift and move materials, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds
• Visual and auditory acuity to supervise children in an outdoor environment and respond to their needs
• Manual dexterity to assist children with self-care tasks and manipulate educational materials

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoor classroom setting occupied for the majority of the day in all seasons
• Exposure to natural elements including sun, wind, rain, and varying temperatures
• Work with natural materials such as sand, water, mud, wood, and plants
• Close interaction with young children throughout the day

We offer:

• Competitive annual salary, based on experience
• 10 month schedule + holidays + 3 personal days annually
• Shared cost high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
• School paid short-term and long-term disability and life insurance
• Retirement plan with a match
• Supplemental insurance policies
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition remission for children enrolled at the school (Three years through Grade 12)
• Free after-school care (3 – 5:30 p.m.) for Three years through Grade 8
• Free lunch when school is in session
• 20% discount at the St. Anne’s-Befield School store

To apply: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly on our Career Opportunities website.