Albemarle County Public Schools

Preschool Learning Specialist

Department of Instruction

7.25 hrs/day; 200 days per full school year

2025-26 School Year Only

Are you looking to work in a school division where students are engaged in authentic, challenging, and relevant learning experiences, becoming lifelong contributors and leaders in our dynamic and diverse society? Then look no further!

In Albemarle County Public Schools, we work together as a team to end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student!

We are the first public school division in Virginia, and among the first in the country, to develop and implement an Anti-Racism policy with the expressed purpose of building school communities that share the responsibility to recognize and end racism, eliminate inequitable practices that result in achievement gaps, and support the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every child. In ACPS, “all” really means all.

Who We’re Looking For

Teachers and Specialists are essential to achieving our goals of Thriving Students, Affirming and Empowering Communities, and Equitable, Transformative Resources.

Our ideal candidates are:

• Innovative, self-reflective, collaborative, knowledgeable in their content area and instructional practices, and are continually growing and improving
• Passionate about closing equity and achievement gaps
• Prepared to engage with our Culturally Responsive Teaching model in support of our Equity Mission Statement

Why Work in Our Schools

Here are just a few reasons why both new and experienced educators choose to join our team:

• Strong instructional support and mentoring from our building administrators, instructional coaches, learning technology integrators, diversity resource teachers, and equity specialists
• A wide range of professional development opportunities, including our New Teacher Academy and many other learning experiences held throughout the year for new and experienced teachers
• Competitive pay and benefits, including health & dental coverage, retirement, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, wellness program, discounts on gym memberships, and more
• The opportunity to work in a close-knit, supportive community where you can continue to grow as a professional

Be sure to check out our website to learn more about our Division and our Schools. You can read the full teacher job description here.

Location

Situated around beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia – which is consistently ranked among America’s top university towns and best places to live – Albemarle County is nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Just 100 miles south of Washington, DC and 70 miles west of Richmond, it’s only a short trip to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic beaches, and New York is an easy Amtrak ride away. Whether it’s the great outdoors, a vibrant and diverse arts, food, and culture scene, or small town living with a big city feel, our part of Central Virginia has something for everyone.

The Application Process

Are you ready to join the ACPS Team and engage our learners in becoming lifelong contributors and leaders in our dynamic and diverse society? If so, then follow these steps to apply:

STEP 1: Click Apply for this Position at the top right of this page. This will add your application to the candidate pool for this position.

STEP 2: You will receive an email invitation to complete a short online assessment to help us learn more about your strengths as an educator. Instructions will be included in the email. If you've already taken this assessment within the past three years, you do not need to complete it again.

STEP 3: Continue to check our Jobs page frequently as new positions are added throughout the spring and summer. You need to apply for each specific position that you are interested in. Jobs are listed chronologically by posting date, but you can search by categories or by keywords like “teacher” or “counselor”, and you can also sign up for weekly email alerts.

STEP 4: Our school principals and assistant principals will review your application and will contact you directly if they would like to schedule an interview. Time frames vary depending on the position and time of year.

Qualifications: Candidates for this position must hold or be eligible for a Virginia teaching certificate with endorsement as a Reading Specialist. More information can be found on the VDOE website.

Questions? Email HR@k12albemarle.org

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

The Preschool Learning Specialist provides instructional leadership and support to teachers in the district's preschool classrooms, including those operating under Head Start (HS) and the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI). This role is crucial for ensuring the consistent implementation of high-quality, research-based curriculum, utilizing child assessment data to drive instruction, and ensuring program fidelity and compliance with all HS Performance Standards and VPI Guidelines to achieve positive child outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides differentiated, job-embedded coaching to preschool instructional staff, focusing on effective instructional strategies, classroom management, and creating a responsive learning environment;
• Conducts regular classroom observations using approved fidelity tools (e.g., PreK-CLASS) and provides timely, constructive feedback for growth;
• Models best instructional practices in classrooms to demonstrate effective teaching methods;
• Ensures all instructional staff implement the approved curriculum with high fidelity and utilize formative assessment processes effectively;
• Monitors the timely and accurate completion of required child assessments (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD, VALLS, EMAS, etc.) and train staff on data entry and interpretation;
• Facilitates data meetings with teaching teams to analyze child outcome data, identify areas of need, and develop action plans for individual children and whole groups;
• Plans, organizes, and delivers targeted, high-quality professional development sessions based on identified staff needs, program data, and regulatory requirements (HS/VPI);
• Maintains expertise in early childhood development, inclusive practices, and current instructional research;
• Monitors classroom practices and documentation to ensure strict adherence to all relevant Head Start Performance Standards, VPI guidelines, and state licensing requirements;
• Collaborates with the Early Childhood leadership team to develop, refine, and implement program policies and procedures;
• Works closely with related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists) to ensure effective inclusion and individualized instruction;
• Liaises with elementary school principals and kindergarten staff to facilitate effective student transition;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of early (birth-five) child development, developmentally appropriate assessment methods, and effective early childhood instructional practices (Pre-K). Expertise in PreK CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) and its application for improving teacher-child interactions and instructional practice. Strong analytical skills to interpret complex child assessment data and translate it into actionable instructional goals. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to build trust and collaborative relationships with staff and administrators.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field required. Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Instructional Leadership preferred. Valid Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education PreK-3 or Early/Primary Education, or Elementary Education PreK-6. Minimum of 3-5 years of successful teaching experience in a licensed preschool or Pre-K-5 setting. Demonstrated experience with Head Start or Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) programs is highly desirable. Proven experience in coaching, mentoring, or instructional leadership roles.