POSTED ON June 18, 2026

Pre-K Co-Head Teacher

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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, visit: 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 Pre-K Co-Head 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 head teacher is required to implement planned curriculum, maintain written plans and reports (including those required for children applying to independent schools), provide a developmentally appropriate classroom environment, determine classroom and individual student goals, participate in team meetings, and uphold the objectives and overall philosophy of the Central Synagogue May Family Nursery School.

The Pre-K Co-Head Teacher reports to the Early Childhood Director.

We are looking for a dynamic head teacher who displays curiosity, creativity, flexibility, kindness, and warmth and enjoys sharing a passion for Early Childhood Education with children, families, and staff. The successful candidate will partner with classroom teachers on emergent curriculum and engaging activities, helping each child thrive by recognizing and expanding upon their unique interests. They will assist in identifying and reporting children’s needs through observation, documentation, discussion, and follow-up, while maintaining positive communication with families on a daily basis.

Position Details

• Reports To: Early Childhood Director
• Department: May Family Nursery School
• Status: Full-time, 10-month position, Exempt (not eligible for overtime)
• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:15 AM–3:30 PM; Friday, 8:15 AM–2:30 PM
• Start Date: September 1, 2026

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily classroom life, including student health and safety, classroom routines and transitions, and implementation of child-centered, developmentally appropriate, emergent curriculum.
• Plan and implement activities that support positive self-esteem, social skills, developmental growth, and independence.
• Observe and document children’s progress, behavior, growth, and development on an ongoing basis.
• Collaborate with teaching team members, administrators, specialists, and consultants.
• Incorporate Shabbat, Jewish holidays, Jewish values, customs, traditions, and rituals into classroom experiences.
• Manage classroom allergies, coordinate with service providers (OT, PT, speech therapists, etc.), and support individualized student needs.
• Communicate effectively with families through written updates, email correspondence, parent-teacher conferences, and daily conversations.
• Partner with the Director in preparing ongoing school reports.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, teacher training sessions, and workshops.
• Interest in and knowledge of synagogue life and Jewish education is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related graduate degree.
• Current New York State Teaching Certification in one of the following areas:
  • Nursery – 6th Grade
  • Early Childhood (Birth – 2nd Grade)
  • Childhood Education (Grades 1–6)
  • Special Education (N–12th Grade)
  • Students with Disabilities (Birth – 2nd Grade)
  • Students with Disabilities (1st – 6th Grade)
  • Pre-K – 2nd Grade
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience in an early childhood classroom.
• Must meet all licensing requirements, including fingerprinting and child abuse clearance checks.

Other Duties

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $61,800–$73,130. Central Synagogue offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and determined based on factors including skills, knowledge, education, training, specialization, and scope of experience. The salary range represents Central Synagogue’s good-faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting.

Application Process

Please complete the Pre-K Co-Head Teacher application in Salesforce using the application link provided.

Applicants should be prepared to upload:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample