Logo BJ
Back to Stories & Articles

Lead Teachers for Kadima@BJ/ Hebrew School Program

B’nai Jeshurun

Since its founding in 1825, B’nai Jeshurun (BJ), a non-affiliated synagogue on the Upper West Side, has been at the forefront of the American Jewish experience. As it approaches its third century, its vision remains focused on the spiritual work of transformation and on the creation of a Jewish path that is authentic, profound, and helps all members of the community seek and live their purpose to the fullest.

BJ’s spiritual leaders, Rabbis Rolando Matalon, Felicia Sol, and Rebecca Weintraub, and Hazzan Ari Priven, as well as BJ’s nearly 2,000 member families, share a vision of a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that offers many paths to Jewish religious life while supporting one another in their spiritual quests. BJ is committed to honoring tradition while re-imagining and innovating its practices and programs to create a vibrant, contemporary, and relevant Jewish life for all who seek it.

Job Overview

B’nai Jeshurun is seeking part-time creative, dedicated educators to teach in our Hebrew School program, Kadima@BJ. We are searching for enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals to fill the role of Lead Teacher. We are looking for educators who will partner with us in keeping Judaism relevant and exciting for our students and their families.

Our Kadima@BJ program places an emphasis on tefillah, spirituality, music, creative learning and community. Kadima@BJ meets on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM. Lead Teachers are expected to arrive by 3:40 PM to prepare their classrooms, and should expect to leave around 6:10 PM after students are picked up, materials are returned and classrooms are cleaned up. 

Kadima@BJ teachers report to the Associate Director of Family Life and Learning.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Carry out all teaching responsibilities – including curriculum implementation, classroom management, and parent communication in alignment with the policies and practices of B’nai Jeshurun and to the satisfaction of the Director and Associate Director of Family Life and Learning
  • Act as a positive Jewish role model for our students
  • Collaborate with Associate Director of Family Life and Learning to create lesson and project plans to engage students in subject material
  • Teach curriculum through a hands on, art based, experiential approach to learning
  • Teach Judaic content in accordance with our pre- planned curriculum units and work with our Curriculum Coordinator and Associate Director to develop plans 
  • Share weekly updates with parents about class projects and subject material
  • Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and learning challenges
  • Report all behavioral issues to Associate Director of Family Life and Learning in a timely manner; work with Associate Director, Inclusion Coordinator, and family as necessary to address issues
  • Ensure a safe and healthy environment for learning
  • Attend professional development sessions as scheduled by the Associate Director of Family Life and Learning (paid)
  • Attend staff meeting sessions as scheduled (paid) 
  • Attend one Friday night Shabbat dinner or Havdalah program per school year (paid) 
  • Complete staff orientation before working with students (paid) 

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

  • At least two years experience teaching and creating project/ lesson plans or experience in other related educational programs (i.e., camp programs, individual tutoring sessions, etc.) for K-6 grades
  • Experience teaching creatively through a hands on approach to education 
  • Strong Jewish knowledge
  • Patience and flexibility
  • Strong communication skills
  • Desire to create relationships with staff, students, teachers, and families 
  • Available on Tuesdays from 3:40-6:10 PM, from September 9 through May 12 
  • Available to attend staff orientation on August 26 at 3:00 PM 

Compensation

We offer competitive compensation, professional development, mentoring, and the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment. This is a part-time teaching position and the total compensation package could reach $3,555. This includes your hourly rate for teaching, plus paid planning time, paid staff meetings, and compensation for other programming. 

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Teachers must be able to travel to B’nai Jeshurun’s location (270 West 89th Street, New York NY 10024). Stooping, bending, and reaching for and carrying files or supplies, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

To Apply

Please send your resume to Jessica Glickman, Associate Director of Family Life and Learning jglickman@bj.org with the subject line, “Lead Teacher.”

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

B’nai Jeshurun is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recognition of its values, commitment to social justice, and responsibility to its spiritual leaders and staff, congregants, and the communities within which it lives and works. It strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.