Am Shalom is looking for A Lead Teacher and 2 Teachers for our Jewish Heritage School.
Interested candidates can send an updated CV to amshalomrabbi@gmail.com
About Our School:
Our Jewish Heritage School strives to present our students with the opportunity to participate and develop a personal relationship to Reform Judaism beyond the classroom. By focusing on studies on the Hebrew language, and on the Jewish values of learning, praying and doing Acts of Lovingkindness (Torah, Avodah & G’milut Chassadim), our students receive a well rounded education in Reform Judaism that will serve as a strong foundation for a life of active engagement and participation in the Jewish community well beyond their B-Mitzvah and graduation.
Jewish Heritage School Classes are held on Shabbat mornings throughout the year, from September to mid June, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
We encourage our parents to remain with the community throughout the morning, attending services upstairs. There is a community kiddush and lunch each week, which all are welcome to attend.
Job Description: Lead Teacher, Jewish Heritage School
Position Overview
The Lead Teacher of the Jewish Heritage School is responsible for implementing the educational leadership and administrative management of the school community. Reporting to the Rabbi/Head of School and the Board of Directors, the Lead Teacher ensures the delivery of a high-quality Hebrew and Judaic studies program that fosters a deep connection to Jewish identity, values, and tradition for students and their families.
Key Responsibilities
1. Staff Management and Leadership
- Recruitment and Hiring: In partnership with the Head of School, identify potential teaching candidates who align with the values and pedagogical goals of Am Shalom.
- Supervision and Support: Provide ongoing mentorship and professional development for teaching staff; conduct regular classroom observations and performance reviews.
- Team Building: Lead regular staff meetings to ensure curriculum alignment, share best practices, and maintain a collaborative, supportive teaching environment.
- Scheduling: Manage teacher assignments, substitute coverage, and the annual school calendar.
2. Curriculum Development and Implementation (in partnership with Am Shalom’s Rabbi /Head of School)
- Hebrew Language Program: Oversee the implementation of a Hebrew reading and comprehension curriculum (e.g., Mitkadem or similar) tailored to various age groups and skill levels
- Judaic Studies: Oversee and maintain the implementation of a comprehensive Reform Judaic studies curriculum covering Torah, Jewish history, holidays, ethics (Middot), and Israel.
- Educational Standards: Ensure that all lessons are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and consistent with the inclusive and egalitarian values of the congregation.
- Resource Management: Select and procure textbooks, digital tools, and classroom materials to enhance the learning experience.
3. Communication and Community Engagement
- Parent Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for parents; provide regular updates on school news, student progress, and upcoming events.
- Conflict Resolution: Address parental concerns or student behavioral issues with empathy, discretion, and a solution-oriented approach.
- Synagogue Integration: Work closely with the Rabbi to integrate school programming with congregational life, including family services, holiday celebrations, and B’nai Mitzvah preparation.
- Ensure Integration of Diverse Learning Needs: Work in partnership with parents and teachers to make sure that all students have the learning supports they need, within reason and within the school’s budget and staffing capacities.
- Marketing and Enrollment: Promote the school to prospective families and manage the annual registration process, in partnership with Am Shalom’s administrator.
4. Administrative and Financial Oversight (in partnership w/ Am Shalom’s administrator)
- Budgeting: Assist the Board and Head of School in developing the annual school budget and ensure responsible allocation of resources.
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of student attendance, progress reports, and emergency contact information.
- Safety and Compliance: Ensure the school environment meets all health and safety standards and that all staff have valid background checks (Vulnerable Sector Screening). Qualifications
- Deep knowledge of Jewish traditions, Hebrew language, and Israel.
- Proven experience in educational leadership or classroom teaching.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, lay leadership, and diverse families.
- A degree in childhood, Jewish and/or early education is highly preferred
Job Description: Hebrew and Jewish-studies teachers
To keep students focused and involved, teaching methodologies can include classroom discussions and study, individual and group learning experiences, experiential learning through singing, Jewish Cooking, craft making, and “Ask the Rabbi” sessions that include questions and discussions.
Our goal is for our students to develop an understanding of Reform Jewish traditions, and of the level of Hebrew necessary for
- rich, meaningful, and intellectual Jewish living
- developing an interest and desire to participate in local, national and world Jewish affairs
- taking leadership positions in Reform Jewish life
- contributing toward the fulfillment of a just society and unity among all humankind.
Our students will also gain knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Reform Jewish worship and prayer as well as develop knowledge of and a bond with ancient and modern Israel.
In addition to preparing and executing weekly lessons, our teachers are also responsible for taking attendance, ensuring students safety, advising the principal of behavioral or any other issues in a timely manner.
Reporting Structure: Teachers → Lead Teacher → Head of School (Rabbi) → Am Shalom Board
Compensation:
Our rate of pay is commensurate with experience. Starting salaries for first-year teachers is in the range of $20-30/hr, for two hours of teaching per week.
More experienced teachers, and those with teaching degrees and/or ECE qualifications will be compensated in the range of $30-$45/hr, for two hours of teaching per week.
Teachers who commute from outside of Simcoe County will be compensated additionally for the time it takes to commute to Barrie.
Qualifications:
- 2 years teaching/programming for young or elementary aged children
- Hebrew reading / speaking at an intermediate to fluent level
- Familiarity with Jewish prayers, holidays and rituals
- Are familiar with Reform Judaism and how it differs from other Jewish denominations
- References from a supervisor
Preference will go to candidates who:
- Are creative, reliable, adaptable, self-motivated, and who bring a positive energy
- Have ECE certification and/or a teaching degree
- Have at least two years of teaching/programming experience in a Jewish educational setting (school or camp)
- Have more than 5 years of experience in Jewish education
- Are familiar with the Chai curriculum and/or Jigzi platform
- Are comfortable integrating technology and varied learning methodologies into their classrooms and lesson plans
Once hired you will be required to submit a completed Vulnerable Sector Check from your local police station at your expense as well as understand and sign Am Shalom Congregation’s Abuse Prevention Protocol.
