Religious School Inclusion Specialist

Job Title: Inclusion Specialist (part-time)
Program: Beth Shalom Religious School (Conservative Synagogue) in Columbia MD.
Reports To: Director of Education & Youth

Position Summary:
The Inclusion Specialist ensures that all students can fully participate in the synagogue’s religious school program, with particular attention to neurodiverse learners. Grounded in the values of Conservative Judaism, this role supports a learning environment that is accessible, engaging, and inclusive. The Inclusion Specialist collaborates with educators and families to foster a culture of belonging and respect for every learner, understanding that every student has a place in our school.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partners with teachers to adapt curriculum in Hebrew, ????? (tefillah / prayer), Torah, and Jewish holidays to meet diverse learning needs.
• Provide in-class and small group support to students requiring additional assistance.
• Train and utilize a small team of Madrichim (Teen helpers) to work with individual students whether that be as a general classroom madrich with a role of integrating students into the classroom population or working as a shadow to a particular assigned student.
• Develop and implement individualized accommodations and strategies for students.
• Observe classrooms and offer assistance and feedback to teachers on inclusive practices.
• Serve as a resource on behavior management, executive functioning, and social-emotional development.
• Collaborate with families to understand student needs and maintain consistent communication
• When appropriate, with parental consent, coordinate with outside professionals (e.g., therapists, educational specialists, classroom teachers)
• Assist in training faculty on inclusive education practices within a Jewish learning context
• Promote Jewish values such as b’tzelem Elohim (the belief that every person is created in the divine image) and kehilla kedosha (sacred community)

Qualifications:

• Degree or training in special education, social work, psychology, or a related field
• Experience working with children with learning differences and/or developmental disabilities
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction and inclusive classroom strategies
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with teachers and families

Schedule:
Part-time; on Sunday mornings (9:00am-12:00pm) twice monthly and every Thursday afternoon (5:00-7:00) during the religious school schedule.

Compensation:
Commensurate with experience

Preferred Qualities:

• Warm, patient, and relationship-focused
• Flexible and creative in problem-solving
• Passionate about Jewish education and inclusion
• Ability to balance respect for tradition with innovative teaching approaches