Middle School Jewish Studies Teacher

The Harold and Mickey Smith Jewish Academy is seeking a full-time middle school Jewish studies teacher for the 2026-2027 academic year. Smith Jewish Academy is a K-8 community Jewish day school open to all families seeking an excellent secular and Jewish education for their children.

The ideal candidate will be a creative, engaging educator with expertise in a broad range of Jewish studies knowledge, including Tanakh, rabbinics, Jewish history, and Israel education. They should have a record of creating strong relationships with students and be comfortable teaching in a pluralistic environment emphasizing Jewish identity, development, and experiential education techniques.

This position reports directly to the Director of Jewish Living and Learning. Smith teachers are expected to be collaborative team players, innovative thinkers, cheerleaders for one another and the school, and agents of academic innovation. They are expected to model professional practices and support the mission of the school within the context of a pluralistic, inclusive Jewish community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach five middle school Jewish studies class sections, utilizing an engaging, inquiry-based approach to texts, history, and ethics.

• Serve as an eighth grade middle school capstone adviser, guiding students through their culminating research and presentation projects.

• Participate in the yearly eighth grade Israel trip, providing educator support, historical framing, and cultural context.

• Attend the middle school retreat to build community and student rapport.

• Plan one middle school program annually, such as a holiday celebration, schoolwide Shabbat experience, or cultural event.

• Supervise lunch or recess to ensure a safe and positive social environment. Maintain an organized classroom infrastructure to provide an orderly, productive learning environment.

• Provide necessary accommodations and modifications to ensure the success of all learners within a differentiated classroom.

• Utilize diverse assessment strategies to monitor and report student progress toward the mastery of academic standards.

• Maintain consistent and professional communication with parents to support student growth and celebrate milestones.

• Work hand-in-hand with fellow educators to craft and refine integrated curricula.

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts to students and families.

Professional Expectations

• Uphold and incorporate Smith school mission and core values.

• Utilize a variety of technology, including interactive whiteboard/Clevertouch technology, iPads, Chromebooks, learning management systems, and Google Suite.

• Represent Smith Jewish Academy with pride and professionalism within the broader community.

• Establish and maintain a positive sense of community among the faculty.

• Actively engage in faculty meetings and schoolwide professional development.

• Embrace a culture of continuous feedback and coaching to refine your craft.

• Implement schoolwide curricular initiatives with creativity and consistency.

• Write in monthly newsletters to parents.

• Attend two parent-teacher conferences and provide comprehensive, narrative-driven report cards twice annually.

• Maintain proper health and safety guidelines on school campus and during school hours.

Requirements

• Teaching certificate/BA in education, BA in Jewish studies, or MA in Jewish education preferred.

• Successful experience teaching courses in Jewish studies, text study, or Jewish history.

• Experience and/or training in differentiated instruction, experiential Jewish education, technology integration, and working with students with diverse learning needs preferred.

Employment Terms: This teaching position is 10 months (late August-early June) and offers a comprehensive benefits package offered through a mission-driven nonprofit employer.

To Apply: Please submit a re´sume´ and cover letter.