Educator, Project Based Enrichment

Join an Education Team defining the future of Jewish children’s learning. 

At the Institute for Jewish Enrichment (IJE), children are co-creators of Judaism. We’ve developed an explosively creative, empathetic, project process to bring children into dialogue with self, peers, and our ancient and ongoing Jewish conversation. The impact is a child who owns their Judaism, is able to think critically and creatively, with skills to collaborate and dialogue respectfully with peers. There’s no place quite like it in the country. 

We are seeking a full-time Jewish educator to join our team at the IJE Field School in teaching our elementary school aged students. Be an essential part of a remarkable team of individuals who are intellectually curious, compassionate, dedicated to partnering with Jewish children in learning, and perpetually driven to advance their teaching and themselves. The IJE Field School meets daily in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. 

IJE Educators: 

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; and more. 
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 text.  
3. We conclude each day with singing together with students and families, connecting over birthdays and life events.  
4. We work as a team to strengthen our teaching practice. Educators come together for professional learning weekly, with multiple additional opportunities daily for reflection, coaching, and collaboration with colleagues.

Key Skills/Experience:  

• Experience working with children at a camp, synagogue school, or other formal or informal  educational environment 
• Significant understanding of Jewish cultural and religious practices 
• Appreciation of diverse approaches to Judaism and Jewish life. We welcome and embrace individuals from historically marginalized groups in the Jewish community. 
• Ability to decode Hebrew, and memorize and use new Hebrew phrases  
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment 
• Be a flexible risk-taker  
• Work well on a team 
• Carry an innate commitment to high standards 
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (oral, written, and interpersonal)  

Educator Logistics: 

1. Full- and part-time positions with elementary children available starting August 2024. Must  be available weekday afternoons 12 - 6. 
2. Paid educator development included as part of weekly schedule. Leadership responsibilities will increase with experience in our intensive educational approach. 
3. Positions begin with annualized salary of $44K, health care contribution, paid vacation  time, paid leave and paid sick leave, and SIMPLE IRA after one year of employment.
4. Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Application online at  jewishenrichment.org/about/employee-application/.

*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.