K-5 Social Studies Teacher

Smith Jewish Academy seeks a thoughtful, creative, and collaborative full-time educator to design and lead a new K-5 social studies program beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

This is a unique opportunity to build a program from the ground up within a school that prioritizes academic excellence, experiential learning, belonging, and Jewish values. Like our Makerspace and science programs, social studies is intentionally positioned to support and connect across disciplines, helping students understand and make meaning of the world around them.

Program Vision

The K-5 social studies teacher will design and implement a dynamic, developmentally appropriate program that:

• Aligns with Minnesota academic standards.

• Builds historical and critical thinking, civic understanding, and cultural awareness.

• Emphasizes project-based learning, inquiry, and real-world connection.

• Connects meaningfully to students’ identities as learners and as members of both local and global communities.

• Integrates with our dual curriculum (general studies and Jewish studies), creating shared themes and interdisciplinary opportunities.

• Establishes a clear K-8 progression in partnership with middle school social studies.

While ELA and math follow established curricula, social studies is intentionally more flexible, offering this position flexibility and creative ownership to design an engaging, interdisciplinary social studies experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and teach social studies across K-5.

• Build a scope and sequence aligned to Minnesota academic standards.

• Develop interdisciplinary units that connect to ELA, Hebrew, and Jewish studies.

• Collaborate closely with faculty to ensure coherence across grade levels and subject areas.

• Use project-based and inquiry-driven approaches to engage students in meaningful learning.

• Incorporate local context (Minnesota history, civic life, geography) alongside broader global studies.

• Foster student curiosity, perspective-taking, and a strong sense of identity and community.

• Build systems for curriculum documentation, assessment, and iteration.

• Participate in team/faculty meetings and collaborative planning time and professional development.

• Participate in schoolwide programs, events, and community experiences.

Collaboration & Reporting

The social studies teacher reports to the director of general studies/lower school principal and works closely with the:

• Middle school social studies teacher (K-8 alignment).

• Director of Jewish Living and Learning (integration with Jewish studies).

• Director of Student and Teacher Resource Team (student support and differentiation).

• Grade-level teams and specialist faculty.

Collaboration is central to the role. Teachers at Smith work as part of a highly communicative, team-oriented faculty with shared responsibility for student growth and program development.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching elementary social studies or related fields

• Demonstrated strength in curriculum design, especially project-based or inquiry-based learning

• Ability to create structured, engaging learning environments across multiple grade levels

• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to a team-oriented culture

• Commitment to fostering inclusive classrooms and a strong sense of belonging

• Interest in or experience with Jewish education is welcomed but not required

Why Smith Jewish Academy

Smith Jewish Academy is a K-8 independent school grounded in Jewish values, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community. We are committed to developing students who are thoughtful learners, engaged citizens, and people of integrity.

This role is ideal for an educator who is excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful, work collaboratively, and help shape the future of a growing program.

This teaching position is 10 months (late August-early June) and provides a salary in accordance with the SJA union wage school. We offer a comprehensive benefits package offered through a mission-driven nonprofit employer. To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter to Karen Hoppe, at [email protected].