Director of Hebrew Language and Jewish Studies
Full time position to begin in Summer 2024
Perelman Jewish Day School seeks a Director of Hebrew Language and Jewish Studies who is innovative, creative, and collaborative. This role works within the Academic Leadership Team. This professional is responsible for evaluating the school’s Hebrew and Jewish Studies curriculum and its impact on student learning, assisting faculty with instruction and professional growth, seeking out developmentally appropriate content, researching new curricular models and programs, and advising on next steps for Perelman’s Hebrew and Jewish Studies curriculum.
Successful candidates will work well independently and collaboratively, possess strong organizational skills allowing them to oversee multiple concurrent projects, and have demonstrated ability to maintain strong relationships.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership in the continued development, implementation, and integration of Hebrew language and Jewish Studies programs throughout Perelman
- Serve as a member of the school’s Academic Leadership Team, attending weekly meetings and leading key projects and initiatives
- Collaborate with academic administration and Jewish Studies faculty on two campuses to maintain, advance, develop, innovate and integrate current and new curricula
- Partner with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Instructional Technology, principals and other subject area coordinators to develop integrated units on all grade levels
- Lead creative Jewish holiday celebrations/commemorations (including but not limited to Chanukkah, Purim, Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, Yom Haatzmaut and Yom Yehushalayim) and work with teachers and administrators to assume responsibility for each holiday program
- Provide Hebrew language resources, teaching strategies and support to faculty, students and parents
- Coach Jewish Studies faculty on instructional strategies lesson development and in implementation of Responsive Classroom methodology through Darchei Noam (community building and social skills time) and Boker Tov meetings
- Partner with principals in observation and evaluation of Jewish Studies teachers
- Support Jewish Studies teachers new to Perelman or teachers moving to different grade levels.
- Partner with the Director of Human Resources to welcome Shlichim (Israeli Emissaries) to our school as new teachers
- Assess incoming and current students’ Hebrew language level, as needed, for class placement
- Coordinate yearly inventory and ordering of iTaLAM materials
- Lead Jewish Studies faculty meetings and Hebrew language professional development sessions for Jewish Studies team
- Stay current on trends in education by taking an active role in professional activities, attending relevant professional meetings and conferences, and researching new methods and programs
- Participate in and present at local, regional, and national professional communities
- Promote a growth mindset culture within the Jewish Studies faculty
- Manage and facilitate faculty professional development in partnership with principals
- Participate in the hiring process for new Jewish Studies faculty members
- Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor
Job Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field; graduate degree in a related field preferred
- 10 years teaching experience; previous experience in an academic leadership position preferred
- A proven track record of instructional leadership and curricular fluency with an interest in innovative, creative, and collaborative educational practices
- Fluency in Hebrew language and knowledge of Hebrew language acquisition pedagogy
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and high degree of cultural competency, with the ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with all constituencies
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous and complex projects and priorities
- High-energy and enthusiasm about working in the Jewish day school atmosphere
Perelman Jewish Day School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Compensation for this position ranges from $85,000 to $95,000 annually and will be prorated based on start date; compensation is commensurate with experience, and includes a competitive benefits package. Paid time off includes Jewish and secular holidays, two lengthy school vacations, and additional PTO. Additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, FSA, 403(b), and tuition remission.
This is a 12-month, in person position. The school day at Perelman runs from 8:20 am - 3:30 pm and the expectation for members of the Academic Leadership Team is that they are minimally here from 8:00 am - 3:45 pm Tuesday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on Mondays, and 8:00 am - 2:45 pm on Fridays in the winter months. As an Academic Leadership Team member, the times can and will vary depending on day and workload and this should be discussed regularly with your supervisor. Administrators also have late duty responsibilities from time to time.