Religious School Faculty Position for 5785 (2024-2025 school year)
BTBJ works to create an accepting and nurturing Jewish community. Our Religious School cultivates learning spaces where our students engage in study, exploration, and discovery of Jewish texts, rituals, traditions and values. Through rich and authentic engagement, students have the opportunity to develop their own Jewish identities, spiritualities, and build meaningful connections within a Jewish community. We believe that Jewish learning is a partnership between the synagogue and the home and a shared responsibility among learners, teachers, leaders and the congregational community. We host family learning programs, family Shabbat and High Holiday Services as well as additional opportunities to build these partnerships.
BTBJ Religious School is seeking Jewish educators who are excited to facilitate the growth and learning of the students. We promote the implementation of project-based learning approaches, non-violent communication techniques, and emphasize the importance of social-emotional learning. We support our faculty in many ways including professional development, individual coaching, as well as access to in-person and online libraries of curricular resources. BTBJ Religious School faculty report to Rabbi Kami Knapp Schechter, Education Director.
We are currently seeking faculty for the following positions:
- 5th grade (Gimel) Lead Teacher (Sundays 9:30 am -12:30 pm, Tuesdays 4:30 pm- 6:15 pm in person)
- 6th grade (Dalet) Lead Teacher (Sundays 9:30 am- 12:30 pm, Tuesdays 4:30 pm - 6:15 pm, Once a month Moving Traditions program Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm)
Primary Job Responsibilities Include:
(See below for learning goals per grade- Teacher is responsible for creating lessons which teach and help students achieve grade relevant learning goals)BTBJ RS Learning Goals 5784
- Provide excellent learning opportunities for your students
- Develop and submit lesson plans to Ed Director in advance of each class session
- Develop curriculum in consultation with Ed Director
- Attend and participate in monthly Faculty Meetings and Professional Development Sessions
- Participate in planning and implementation of all-school activities
- Prepare students to lead their yearly Class Shabbat Service and attend that service
- Complete semester student evaluations
- Write quarterly class update emails for families
What You’ll Bring to the Job:
- A basic knowledge of Hebrew and ability to teach the meanings of Jewish prayers
- A working knowledge of and interest in Judaism, Jewish texts, rituals, traditions, and values
- Ability to craft lesson plans designed to engage students in the exploration of Jewish life and their Jewish identities
- Ability to craft lesson plans deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and relevant to students' contemporary lives
- Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills
- Willingness to communicate effectively and regularly with parents and the Education Director
- Comfort with working in a Conservative synagogue
- Willingness to follow safety protocols set in place by BTBJ in accordance with CDC and state recommendations
Compensation: $22-$55 commensurate on education and experience
Who We Are:
Beth Tikvah B’nai Jeshurun, known as BTBJ, is a modern, egalitarian full-service Conservative synagogue located in the Northwestern suburbs of Philadelphia. Serving about 210 families from Lafayette Hill, Plymouth Meeting, Springfield, Ambler, Upper Dublin and surrounding communities. BTBJ is a vibrant, warm congregation that provides an endless array of religious, educational and social activities. BTBJ is affiliated with the USCJ. We are located in Erdenheim, PA.
To apply, please send a resume, and short cover letter describing any teaching experience to Rabbi Kami Knapp Schechter, Education Director of BTBJ, [email protected]. Make sure to identify the position(s) for which you are applying.