Assistant Teacher Twos and Threes (Early Childhood)

Central Synagogue’s Vision

Central Synagogue is one of the leading and largest Reform congregations in the country. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Central’s reach includes more than 3,200 member families, a livestream community numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and more than 800 students, from birth to twelfth grade, in the Nursery and Religious schools. It has long played a significant role in the national Reform movement and is known for its innovation and leadership in worship, leading to a greatly expanded audience over the last two decades.

Central Synagogue works toward a world in which Judaism is core to the lives of Central members and Jews everywhere and is a profound and positive force for humanity. Central continually redefines what it means to be Jewish today, both within the Synagogue community and far beyond the Synagogue’s walls. The diverse clergy and professional team work hard, in collaboration with lay leadership, to build deep and enduring relationships among Central members, creating a caring, dynamic, and joyful community.

Central Synagogue is an inclusive and welcoming community. The Synagogue encourages participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of its sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Central is committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community.

The Synagogue is well resourced, has over 100 staff, and is governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees. To learn more, please visit: https://www.centralsynagogue.org/.

Our Vision at the May Family Nursery School

Early childhood is a magical time of discovery for children and their parents. At Central Synagogue, we provide children with rich learning and growth experiences that establish them as lifelong learners and celebratory experiences that connect them to the joys of Judaism through an exploration of values, traditions, and rituals.

Inspired by emergent curriculum and the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education and grounded by developmental milestones for each child, we help children achieve learning goals through a constructivist approach.

Job Summary / Objective

The Assistant Teacher is a member of the Central Synagogue May Family Nursery School teaching team who shares in the education, care, and well-being of their assigned group of students. Under the guidance of the Nursery School administration, the Assistant Teacher implements planned curriculum, participates in team meetings, and upholds the objectives and philosophy of the Central Synagogue May Family Nursery School.

The Assistant Teacher works closely with the head teacher(s) and reports to the Early Childhood Director. We are looking for an assistant teacher who is creative, flexible, and has a growth mindset, eager to learn and contribute as a willing team player to establishing a warm and dynamic classroom environment.

Reports To: Early Childhood Director

Hours: Full-time, 10-month position (Exempt, not eligible for OT)
Monday through Thursday 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
Friday until 2:30 pm

Date: February 2026

Essential Duties / Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily classroom life with the teaching team, including health and safety, routines, transitions, and implementation of developmentally appropriate emergent curriculum.
• Plan and implement activities supporting positive self-esteem, social skills, developmental growth, and independence.
• Observe and record children’s progress, behavior, growth, and development regularly.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, specialists, and consultants.
• Incorporate Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and Jewish values, customs, traditions, and rituals into classroom learning.
• Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, professional development days, trainings, and workshops.
• Teach after-school programs and participate in family engagement or education programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; major in education or related field desirable.
• Teaching experience in early childhood or related settings with young children.
• Meet licensing requirements including fingerprinting and required trainings.

Other Duties

The above description outlines general responsibilities and is not exhaustive. Management reserves the right to modify duties as needed.

Salary & Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $47,500 to $52,500. Central Synagogue offers an extensive benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience based on skills, knowledge, education, specialization, and scope of experience.

Application Process

Please click the link to complete the Assistant Teacher job application.