Who We Are

The Institute for Jewish Enrichment (IJE), founded 15 years ago, is a place where children are co-creators of Judaism. We’ve developed a creative, empathetic project process to bring children into dialogue with self, peers, and our ancient and ongoing Jewish conversation. The result is children who own their Judaism, think critically and creatively, and collaborate across differences.

We operate a four-day/week Field School Afterschool in Hyde Park, Chicago.

We also offer full days of Jewish enrichment when local schools are out, called Special Days, and Jewish Enrichment Camp during selected school breaks. 

Our programs reflect our belief that there are many ways for families to live and learn Jewishly. 

Why This Role

This is more than an educator position. It is an opportunity to grow as an educator in a setting that takes children, Jewish text, and tradition, and the work of education seriously. At IJE, educators grow through daily teaching, structured mentorship, and sustained reflection, integrating practice, theory, and collaborative learning over time. You will be part of a team that is constantly asking:

• How do we partner with children as capable, curious learners in their Jewish exploration?
• How do we support deep engagement with Jewish text?
• How do we grow as educators together?
• How do we create space for children to explore, question, and make meaning through the creative process?

Educators are paid for dedicated planning time and are supported in developing curriculum in collaboration with colleagues, making preparation central to the work.

About the Role

We are seeking an educator to join our Field School team in teaching our early childhood and early elementary-aged children (ages 3-8). 

This position may be structured as part-time or full-time and may be suited for early-career educators or more experienced professionals seeking to deepen their practice within IJE’s methodology. Most days include both developing your practice and teaching. 

1. In the mornings, we gather as a team for educator development or collaboration. We design emergent curriculum and materials; practice language that supports children as capable, curious learners; study Jewish texts; set up classroom environments to foster children’s connections with each other and Judaism. Professional development is built into the schedule as our educators grow their skills as professional educators. 

2. In the afternoons, we teach! Apply your passion, energy, insight, intellect, and creativity to partnering with children in Jewish exploration. Our signature project process is driven by children’s questions and ideas about their lives and Jewish texts.

3. We conclude each day with singing together with children and families, connecting over birthdays and life events.

4. We engage in weekly professional learning, with daily opportunities for reflection, coaching, and collaboration.

Additional responsibilities may include helping with logistics, stepping in as a guest teacher, and providing general program support.

What You Bring

• Interest in growing as an educator through ongoing learning and reflection
• Experience working with children in a formal or informal setting (school, camp, youth group, etc.)
• Familiarity with Jewish text, traditions, and practices
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Warm, reliable, flexible team player who thrives in a fast-moving environment
• Creativity, curiosity, and a learner’s mindset
• Comfortable engaging with both children and adults

This is a one-year immersive role with potential for renewal and advancement. 

What Educators Say

Educators who have trained at IJE have gone on to roles in educational leadership, social work, rabbinical school, law, and more. They leave with both a strong set of skills and the confidence to lead, bringing what they learned here into the communities and fields they enter.

• “The amount of professional development we’ve done is tremendous. The skills are deeply intertwined with children’s learning and their lives.”
• “I learned so much as an educator. I feel very grateful for the tools and ideas I gained here.”
• “The deep listening to children is so powerful. I’ve grown so much in how to ask questions and help them connect text to their own lives.”

Physical Requirements

This position requires active movement throughout the day, including standing for extended periods, walking between classrooms, and engaging with children at their level. The role may also involve light lifting (up to 25 lbs.) for setting up learning spaces, moving supplies, or supporting program needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made to support applicants and employees with disabilities. Please let us know of any needs when applying.

Work Schedule & Compensation

• Part-time and full-time positions are available during the academic year.
• Year 1 educator salary: $37,230 for the school year (10.25 months). This reflects a full-time equivalent salary of $46,000. Compensation is prorated based on the academic-year schedule. This role is part of a structured salary ladder, with increases in subsequent years. Part-time roles are prorated based on FTE.
• This position follows the Field School academic calendar and does not include summer programming.
• Benefits for eligible employees include a health care contribution, three weeks of paid vacation, and paid leave in accordance with Chicago and Illinois law, as well as a SIMPLE IRA after one year of employment. Benefits eligibility is based on hours worked.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to Rabbi Daniel Atwood, daniel@jewishenrichment.org. Your cover letter should briefly share why you’re interested in the role and how your experience connects to the position.

Due to the number of applications we typically receive, we sincerely regret that someone from our team will not be able to respond to all applicants. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

*The Institute for Jewish Enrichment is a 501(c)(3) organization that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or other protected classes under the law.