Become an RPS Teacher
Because bright futures begin with you.
Discover your most rewarding career. And your most rewarding life.
Build your career at RPS, and work in a division that invests in you like you invest in our students. This is an opportunity to use your passion to engage young minds in an environment that truly loves, respects, and values your contributions.
We are waiting for you. At RPS, we literally shout out everyone’s success. And there is plenty to celebrate – from our award-winning teachers (including both the 2005 and 2019 National Teachers of the Year) to a 30% raise over the last five years. We also take your growth seriously, with paid opportunities to get reading, ESL, and special education endorsements; support to earn your National Board Certification; and a special partnership with Yale University to develop your own curriculum units.
Plus, eligible staff can choose from three different medical options, two dental plans, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, tax-deferred retirement savings programs – and that’s just the beginning.
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You're one click away from making a difference.
Love RVA.
Richmond students are filled with limitless potential. They’re future entrepreneurs who will start their own businesses and invest in their communities, budding scientists eager to discover the next great cure, dedicated scholars who may be the first in their families to attend college, and dynamic artists who will inspire the next generation. Your love and guidance can help them tap into their talents and achieve their very best.
And for those demanding days, RPS has your back. We know that every challenge is an opportunity to change a life. And the load is rarely heavy when we carry it together.
Love your students.
Love your RPS family.
#TeachWithLove
How many schools are in the RPS system?
RPS serves 25 elementary schools, seven middle schools, seven comprehensive high schools, nine specialty schools, and five preschool centers.
How many students attend RPS?
We have 22,000 students in grades pre-K through 12.
How many students are in an average class?
Typically, fewer than 20 students are in our kindergarten through third-grade classrooms, and fewer than 25 students in all other classrooms.
When can I begin teaching?
Positions are available right now at RPS, so depending on your experience, you could start immediately. We know that many teachers start during a new school year, but we will support your transition year-round. We can’t wait to meet you!
Do I need certification to teach at RPS?
While there are non-traditional pathways to teaching, most positions do require a Virginia teacher license. Please reach out to our Talent Office (talentoffice@rvaschools.net) to discuss your eligibility.
What incentives are available to RPS teachers?
RPS offers…
- Competitive pay & benefits
- Signing bonuses (per available funding)
- $6,000 if you sign by May 1, 2023
- Another $2,000 if you go to certain high-need schools
- Another $2,000 if you’re relocating from more than 50 miles away
- Another $2,000 if you speak Spanish fluently
- School supply cards
- Paid tuition for reading, ESL, and special education endorsements
- Support for National Board certification
What are the goals for RPS this year and beyond?
- To achieve the top 10 goals in our Dreams4RPS Strategic Plan
- To empower all members of our community to advocate for themselves and their families’ and students’ hopes and dreams
How does RPS support the overall wellness of its employees?
Your wellness is one of our highest priorities. Our culture and our benefits are intended to meet your needs and will continually adapt to your feedback. Some examples include:
- Comprehensive mental and physical health benefits (i.e., employee assistance program, health management programs)
- Wellness days to rest and recharge
- Free mindfulness and yoga classes
- Protected time to lesson plan and eat lunch each day
Let us help you find your place at RPS.
Flourish in a city that leans in to calls for social justice. We acknowledge our painful history, while focusing on a future that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. Confederate monuments have been toppled, while Kehinde Wiley’s “Rumors of War” rides triumphantly at its permanent VMFA home. The BLK RVA initiative showcases Richmond neighborhoods thriving with Black Excellence and our growing Latin-American community has immeasurably enriched the cultural fabric of the city. Richmond also received a perfect score for the third year in a row on the Municipal Equity Index, which measures LGBTQ+ protections help us chart an even more inclusive future.
From Maggie Walker to Arthur Ashe, Richmond has a storied history of producing remarkable citizens who broke barriers and used their voices to create a better world. All were once students eager to learn. Join RPS and inspire the next generation of leaders who will make our community even more just and equitable.
Love our journey.
