Who We Are:
The Institute for Jewish Enrichment, founded 15 years ago, is a place where 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.
We operate a four-day/week Field School after school 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.
About the Role
The Special Days & Middle School Learning Educator is a hands-on, immersive role designed for someone eager to gain experience in a dynamic educational environment.
This role has three core responsibilities:
? Lead Special Days, our full-day immersive Jewish learning programs for children, as well as week-long camps;
? Teach Arazim, our middle school cohort, on Wednesday afternoons and plan quarterly social events for teens;
? Support the educational team as needed, including helping with logistics, stepping in as a guest teacher, and providing general program support.
Additional responsibilities include supporting teen engagement and building relationships with middle and high school students and their families.
What You’ll Do
? Plan and implement Special Days (full-day immersive programs), with logistical and educational responsibilities
? Teach Middle Schooler (grades 6–8) on Wednesday afternoons, including preparing sessions and organizing materials
? Assist educators and the Yetzirah (art) team with setup, creative material prep, and installations
? Provide floater support, stepping in to assist educators and support children during programming, and serving as a guest educator when needed
? Support children with Hebrew learning
? Occasionally support Sunday programming (with advance notice, approx. 4/year)
? Plan and run quarterly social events for teens
? Serve as a Jewish community liaison, stay up to date with teen happenings in the Jewish community, such as Keshet, BBYO, Moving Traditions, and more, and connect teens with relevant partner organizations. Know teen programming in the Chicago Jewish community, and be a known presence.
? Organize and run occasional “reunion” type programming for high schoolers
? Support teen Madrichim, volunteer helpers, during learning time
You'll be fully embedded in IJE's Education Team, supported in your growth as a Jewish educator, and immersed in our educational methodology.
What You Bring
? Experience working with middle school-aged children in a formal or informal setting (school, camp, youth group, etc.)
? Significant working knowledge of Jewish text, traditions, and practices
? Interest in learning IJE’s educational methodology and participating in team learning
? 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 position is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to enter Jewish education, develop new skills, and learn through hands-on experience in a supportive and collaborative team.
Work Schedule & Compensation
? Part-Time Position, $30,100
? This is an 80% time position during the academic year (approximately 10.25 months), aligned with IJE’s Field School calendar. The position does not include summer programming and follows the Field School year schedule.
4 days per week, starting August 7, 2025
? Onsite required: Mondays and Wednesdays (Arazim) 10 - 6 pm and other weekdays (Tuesdays and Thursdays) between 12:00–6:00 PM.
? Available for full days on Special Days, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jewish enrichment camps are the last two weeks of August, one week in March, and about 10-12 Special Days throughout the year, mostly on or around national holidays (Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Presidents’ Day, MLK Day).
? Occasional Sundays required (with advance notice, likely 4/year)
? Benefits include health care contribution, three paid weeks of vacation plus personal and sick days, and SIMPLE IRA after one year
This is a one-year immersive role with potential for renewal and advancement.
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.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. 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.