The Judaic Studies Pre-Kindergarten Long Term Substitute Teacher is responsible for teaching young children foundational Jewish values, Hebrew language, and religious practices in a warm, nurturing environment that supports their spiritual and academic development. This role combines teaching basic Judaic concepts with fostering a love of Jewish traditions, holidays, and customs. The teacher will encourage curiosity, instill Jewish identity, and create a classroom culture that emphasizes respect, kindness, and inclusivity while integrating Jewish teachings into the everyday life of the students.

Key Responsibilities:

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Teach Judaic Studies Content: Provide instruction on basic Jewish values, traditions, holidays (e.g., Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Passover, Chanukah), Jewish customs, and key biblical stories. Focus on the development of early religious concepts such as tzedakah (charity), chesed (kindness), and kavod (honor).
• Hebrew Language Instruction: Foster a positive attitude toward Hebrew as a language and Jewish heritage.
• Interactive Learning: Use a variety of age-appropriate teaching methods, such as songs, stories, hands-on activities, crafts, and play-based learning to introduce and reinforce Judaic concepts.
• Storytelling and Jewish Texts: Use stories from the Torah, midrashim, and Jewish history to engage young students and help them relate to Jewish teachings. Encourage moral and ethical lessons through these stories.

Classroom Environment:

• Create a Positive, Nurturing Classroom: Establish a warm, caring, and safe learning environment that encourages exploration and emotional growth. Build strong relationships with students to create an atmosphere of trust and respect.
• Behavior Management: Set clear expectations for behavior and use positive reinforcement strategies to guide students’ actions. Foster a spirit of cooperation, kindness, and respect among students.
• Integrate Jewish Practices: Model and incorporate Jewish rituals and practices into daily classroom routines, such as lighting Shabbat candles, saying blessings (brachot), and singing Jewish songs.

Student Development:

• Foster Jewish Identity: Help children develop a sense of Jewish identity and pride in their heritage. Encourage an understanding of how Judaism impacts daily life, from the observance of Shabbat to celebrating Jewish festivals and holidays.
• Support Social-Emotional Growth: Encourage social skills, empathy, and cooperation, supporting each child’s emotional well-being through Jewish values and teachings.
• Differentiated Instruction: Tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of the children in the class. Provide extra support to students who may need additional help with Hebrew language or Judaic concepts.

Holiday and Ritual Observances:

• Celebrate Jewish Holidays: Lead students in celebrating Jewish holidays through age-appropriate activities, rituals, songs, and stories. Help students connect with the meaning of the holidays and understand their significance in Jewish tradition.
• Classroom Shabbat Observance: Facilitate regular Shabbat observance in the classroom, including singing Shabbat songs, making blessings, and discussing the meaning of Shabbat as a day of rest and spiritual renewal.

Parental Communication:

• Communicate with Parents: Maintain regular communication with parents through newsletters, emails, and informal discussions to share updates on classroom activities, student progress, and upcoming events. Organize parent-teacher conferences to discuss students’ development and learning goals.
• Involve Families in Jewish Learning: Encourage family participation in classroom activities, holiday celebrations, and school events. Offer resources and suggestions for Jewish practices and learning at home.

Professional Development:

• Ongoing Learning: Attend school meetings and required trainings related to early childhood education, Judaic studies, and Hebrew language.
• Collaboration with Colleagues: Work closely with other Judaic Studies teachers and kindergarten staff to ensure a consistent, integrated approach to Jewish education across the grade levels. Participate in team planning and school-wide initiatives during the time of coverage.

Additional Duties:

• Classroom Setup and Maintenance: Help organize classroom materials and supplies. Ensure that the classroom reflects Jewish values, with appropriate decorations, books, and learning tools.
• Field Trips and Special Activities: Assist in organizing and participating in field trips or special activities that support Judaic learning and community engagement.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field is typically required.
• Judaic Studies Background: Strong knowledge of Jewish traditions, holidays, and Hebrew language. A background in Jewish education or experience in a Jewish preschool or kindergarten setting is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Teaching Experience: At least 1-2 years of experience working with young children in a preschool or kindergarten setting, ideally in a Jewish educational environment.
• Hebrew Language Skills: Proficiency in Hebrew, including knowledge of the Aleph-Bet, basic prayers, and Hebrew vocabulary for young learners.

Skills:

• Passion for Jewish Education: A deep commitment to fostering Jewish learning and identity in young children.
• Classroom Management: Strong skills in creating a structured, positive, and engaging classroom environment for young children.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with young children, parents, and colleagues. Must be able to engage children in conversation, actively listen to them, and articulate Jewish concepts in an accessible way.
• Creativity and Flexibility: Ability to create engaging, hands-on lessons and activities that promote learning through play and exploration. Willingness to adapt lessons to meet the needs of students.
• Patience and Empathy: A deep sense of patience, understanding, and compassion when working with young children.

Working Conditions:

• Work Hours: Full-time position, typically following the school’s academic calendar. Additional hours may be required for parent-teacher conferences, school events, or professional development.
• Classroom Setting: The role is primarily based in a preschool or kindergarten classroom, with regular interaction with young children, parents, and fellow educators.
• Physical Requirements: The position involves spending time on your feet, engaging with children at their level, and sometimes participating in physical activities or outdoor play.

To learn more about this opportunity and the School, please visit https://www.cesjds.org/about/work-at-cesjds.

The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion. We evaluate all applicants without unlawful consideration of race, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The School encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply