Lead Teachers for Kadima@BJ/ Hebrew School Program (Part-time)

Lead Teachers for Kadima@BJ/ Hebrew School Program

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, 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
• Teach curriculum through a hands on, art based, experiential approach to learning
• Teach Judaic content in accordance with our pre- planned units and work with our Curriculum Coordinator and Associate Director to develop plans & projects 
  • Lead Teachers will be responsible for creating weekly plans that will be sent to the Associate Director and Curriculum Coordinator 
• Share weekly updates with parents about class projects and subject material
  • Lead Teachers will be responsible for sending in weekly recaps to the Associate Director and Curriculum Coordinator to then be shared with Kadima families 
  • Lead Teachers will be responsible for uploading pictures weekly of their class so that families can view them 
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, 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

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 (6:10p is approximate), from September 29, 2026 through May 11, 2027 
• Available to attend staff orientation on Tuesday, September 15 @ 3:00 PM
• Attend required child safety training and participate in building safety drills during staff orientation and while working Kadima hours 
• Available to attend five staff meetings per school year, which will take place in the evenings at 6:30 PM—dates TBD (will take place on Wednesday or Thursday evenings) 
• Available outside of Kadima hours to meet with Associate Director, Curriculum Coordinator or Inclusion Coordinator as needed 

Compensation

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

The breakdown is the following: 

• $50/hour for 2.5 hours a week when Kadima is in session (25 sessions in total)
• $30/hour for up to 10 hours of planning time 
• $30/hour for up to 5 hours of staff meetings/ professional development  
• $30/ hour for staff orientation to be paid after the completion of your first Kadima session
• $30/hour for staffing additional programming (if requested i.e.: help staff Shabbat dinners or staff the Purim Carnival) 
• $30/ hour if you work early care or late care 

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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

B’nai Jeshurun is committed to creating a staff culture and congregational community that is accessible, inclusive, and equitable. We seek to build a community and staff that reflects and celebrates the diversity of America, New York City, and the Jewish community. We are looking for team members eager to contribute to our mission and related efforts.

BJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for employees of all backgrounds. Each employment decision is based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status, or any other protected category.

To Apply

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