Judaic Studies Lead Teacher

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Position Summary

seeks an outstanding Judaic Studies Lead Teacher. We seek an intelligent, thoughtful, and passionate educator with experience teaching Jewish texts using a progressive approach. The ideal candidate will be expected to inspire and engage our students and work collaboratively with both our Judaic and General Studies staff.

At Akiba-Schechter, we teach children, not subjects. The Judaic Studies Lead Teacher will partner with colleagues to develop strategies to reach and stretch every student. This teacher should be confident to challenge and be challenged by colleagues as we develop and implement creative and innovative ideas that foster intellectual, spiritual, and social growth in our students.

Our Judaic curriculum is based upon primary texts and Modern Orthodox practice with deep respect for the vastly different practices of Judaism within our community. Specifically, our Judaics program is guided by the philosophy of Torah Umadda. We care deeply about the cultivation of Jewish values and the character of each child and family. We strive to foster a passion for and knowledge of Judaism and humanity. We promote scholarship for the soul and mind with a strong commitment to in-depth Torah and worldly study, the state of Israel, Jewish values, Halacha, and human dignity.

We firmly believe that Judaic and general studies learning are not discrete courses of study but complementary pursuits that--when woven together--elevate each other and deeply and holistically foster the intellectual, spiritual, and social growth of our students. As such, interdisciplinary, project-based learning in which students use their Torah learning--paired with their learning in the humanities, sciences, and math--to better understand the world around them are central to our philosophy.

This teacher will have the opportunity to create original curricula and partner in the refinement of an articulated scope and sequence of Jewish learning for kindergarten through eighth grade, grounded in the progressive philosophical principles above. Our faculty is highly collaborative, communicating and working together both vertically (within a subject across grades) and horizontally (across subjects within a specific grade band).

The Judaic Studies Lead Teacher works directly and collaboratively with the Principal, her administrative team, and the entire faculty.

Educational Approach

• Focus on student inquiry, wondering, and exploration.
• Clearly articulate learning goals for students that apply to and extend beyond content and skills.
• Collaborate on curriculum with colleagues both vertically within the Judaic studies team and horizontally across grade-levels. Including, but not limited to, the development and implementation of interdisciplinary learning units of study.
• Maintain a learner’s mindset--seeking to grow as a teacher, seek out and implement best practices, and interact with colleagues as both mentors and partners.

Preferred Qualifications include some combination of:

• Progressive experience teaching Jewish texts to multiple age groups.
• Educational administrative experience in a Jewish Day School or camp.
• A master’s degree in education or comparable advanced degree.
• Rabbinical ordination or similar advanced Judaic studies certification or study.

Required Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of teaching experience.
• Experience developing healthy, supportive relationships with students.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

The Judaic Studies Lead Teacher will assume the following responsibilities, among others:

General duties include:

• Teach at least two Judaic Studies classes (grade level to be determined).
• Maintain and enhance the culture of the school as a caring, warm, Jewish community that intentionally celebrates Judaism and Jewish life among a diverse student body.
• Act collaboratively as an educational team leader for all core Judaic Studies classes in grades 1-8 and related activities, programs and special events.
• Be a strong Jewish role model for our students, staff and families.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure individual students’ needs are met.
• Provide leadership for the recruitment and retention of Judaic Studies staff.
• Support efforts to promote awareness of Akiba-Schechter throughout Chicagoland and beyond.

Professional Growth duties include:

• Represent Akiba-Schechter at conferences, webinars and other opportunities in the field.
• Attend educational conferences and professional development opportunities to model self-development as well as to remain current.
• Share responsibility for staff learning.

Hours & Vacation:

• All Federal and Jewish holidays observed by the school
• Two week Winter break in December/January; 1.5 to 2 week Spring break during Passover
• Up to eight days off during the school year

This is a full time, in-person position with a salary commensurate with experience, and with benefits.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a sample lesson plan. In your cover letter, please explain why you are excited about Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School and how your experiences and skills will help further our mission.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person