B’nei Mitzvah Teacher 2026-2027

Position Summary:

B’nei Mitzvah Teacher is a part-time position for the 2026-2027 school year, beginning in September 2026. The B’nei Mitzvah Teacher is responsible for leading the B’nei Mitzvah class in B’nei Mitzvah preparation and Jewish educational activities. Students in the Gateways B’nei Mitzvah program range in age from 11 to 15 and have a variety of special educational needs. The classroom teachers are encouraged to be creative, dynamic, and innovative in designing lesson plans to meet this wide range of needs. The position reports to the Director or Jewish Education Programs. The B’nei Mitzvah program meets on Sundays from 12:00-1:30pm during the school year excluding Jewish holidays and public-school vacations. This teacher would be on-site on Sundays in Newton, MA from 11:00am -2:00pm.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Plan and teach class sessions on Sundays

• Assume primary responsibility for teaching class(es) and provide mentoring and feedback to one-to-one teen volunteers (classroom aides)
• Prepare and submit weekly lesson plans and supplementary materials, based on existing curriculum and in collaboration with our Education Specialist
• Develop and implement plans for individual accommodations and modifications
• Prepare a weekly communication letter to parents including curriculum and activities for the week
• Meet regularly with Program Director, Educational Specialist, and/or other staff to review past classes and plan upcoming units and lessons

Manage and organize classroom

• Ensure all materials are clearly labeled and stored in designated areas
• Maintain a clutter-free environment to support concentration and minimize distractions
• Organize shelves, bins, and work areas in a logical and accessible manner
• Restock supplies as needed and alert admin if materials are running low
• Ensure visual supports and tools are visible, updated, and easy to access
• Implement and adapt an organization method (e.g., checklists, color-coded bins, digital logs) to keep track of materials each week
• Collaborate with staff to ensure systems support individual student routines and classroom flow

Monitor student progress

• Review students’ forms, reports and school IEPs
• Review weekly teen data sheets from the session
• Speak with parents and/or school if more information as needed, at beginning of year and/or during the school year
• Meet with volunteer(s) (one to one aides) to review each child’s needs and goals beginning of the year, and additional times as needed
• Document weekly student progress and participation using data collection, photographs, anecdotes, etc.
• Write end of year progress report for each child

Required meetings/attendance

• Be on site at the Sunday program by 1 hour prior to first scheduled session on class days
• Participate in scheduled sessions with meeting time as needed.
• Classroom clean-up at the end of the sessions
• Participate in mandatory program staff meetings and volunteer trainings at beginning of year, and as scheduled throughout the year (calendar provided in advance of each school year)

Other duties as requested by the Program Director

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in special education or related field
• Experience working with students with disabilities required
• Ability to read Hebrew and knowledge of Jewish holidays, customs, and traditions required
• Ability to read Torah and Haftorah preferred but not required
• Enjoy working with children

Salary:

• $160-$225 per weekly Sunday session based on qualifications and experience
• Potential to increase scope and hours of work overtime, if appropriate.

How to Apply:

Cover letters and resumes will be accepted only through our online system at http://tinyurl.com/gatewaysjobs. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis until position is filled.

Mitzvah Mensches Assistant Teacher

Position Summary:

The Mitzvah Mensches Learning Lab is a program for post-Bnei Mitzvah teens and focuses on “social action through social interaction.” With support from a 1:1 teen volunteer, students with disabilities and diverse learning needs explore themes of philanthropy and social justice while working in an inclusive class environment. Through a multisensory curriculum, students engage in meaningful Jewish learning focusing on Jewish values, text, and prayer. The Mitzvah Mensches assistant teacher is responsible for working collaboratively with other teachers to create an inclusive and meaningful experience for the students and teen volunteers. Mitzvah Mensches meets on Sundays from 12:00-1:30pm. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Gateways Jewish Education Programs (GJEP).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist during class sessions

• Implement lessons and activities jointly with the other teachers
• Provide support and guidance to students and teens during class sessions
• Foster social opportunities between teens as they engage in activities and discussion
• Other duties as requested by the Program Directors

Required meetings/attendance

• Be on site by 11:30 am
• Participate in scheduled planning meeting times, as needed
• Set-up classroom prior to teens arriving and clean-up classroom at the end of the sessions

Qualifications:

• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Must be a creative and innovative thinker
• Knowledge of Jewish holidays, customs, and traditions; ability to read Hebrew preferred but not required
• Must enjoy working with teens

Salary:

$88-$125 per weekly Sunday session based on qualifications and experience

How to Apply:

Cover letters and resumes will be accepted only through our online system at http://tinyurl.com/gatewaysjobs. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis until position is filled.