Innovative Jewish After School program seeks Jewish Studies Teachers

Temple Beth Sholom Heritage After School
Jewish Studies, Hebrew, and Torah Education

קהילה ~ תיקון עולם ~ למד תורה

Temple Beth Sholom is an historic synagogue (over 130 years young) with a forward thinking membership. We are intentionally unaffiliated to allow for innovative programming alongside tradition to serve our diverse community. We create and sustain a village center in which to grow and share our lives through Jewish practices.

One of our most innovative programs is the recently launched after-school program which runs 5 days a week to support our families. Two of those days are dedicated to Jewish Enrichment Classes, which offers the Sunday School experience after school. It is a small but growing program,anticipating 20-25 children, and we seek dedicated teachers to educate our children and as partners in our growth.

Temple Beth Sholom’s Religious School is dedicated to providing Jewish children with intentional community (Kehilla), opportunities for tikkun olam (caring for/repairing our world), and the study of Torah. Grounding each session in Jewish middot (values), our program emphasises whole child education- caring for the social-emotional development of each child, welcoming a diversity of family constellations, and supporting emergent curriculum.

Torah School/Jewish Enrichment Classes: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

T’fillah is community prayer. All school T’fillah is 30 minutes of prayer time in the sanctuary. Lead by clergy typically, but teachers can lead as well.
Gratitude practice
Songs (Hallelujah, Hinei Mah Tov, Mi Chamocha)
Shema & V’havta
Story or message (Director, teachers, or clergy)
Prayer for studying Torah

SEEKING JEWISH STUDIES TEACHERS

We have openings for both lower school and upper school teachers, for our Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon Torah School program! Each day we offer two classes. Overall, the hours a teacher will work will be 10 hours per week (this includes prep time). The program begins on August 24, 2021 and will run through the school year (June 2022).

The enrichment classes that are taught in the Torah School include Jewish values, Jewish holidays, Hebrew, Torah stories, as well as Jewish history and culture. This is a place where children can develop a sense of belonging in Jewish community, and close relationships with their peers. We want our educators to create opportunities for children to learn Hebrew and Jewish values, as well as have fun and be engaged. We are looking for a passionate and reliable educator who engages students in Jewish experiential learning to join our team.

Qualifications:
Experience teaching or working with children between the ages of 4 and 12 in a classroom setting.
Familiarity with Hebrew sufficient to teach beginning Hebrew readers to decode the language of blessings and common Hebrew words.
Ability to work well with other teachers, follow directions from their supervisor, and to communicate clearly with parents.
Interest in Jewish traditions and hands-on learning.
A strong background in Judaism, including Hebrew, Jewish history, Torah, and general child development.
We want someone to complete our team who has a genuine desire to create and lead meaningful and enlivening experiential learning opportunities for our Jewish children.

Responsibilities:
Support students in forming their own Jewish identities and work with students to explore aspects of Judaism.
Work with co-teachers and Director to track student progress and needs.
Develop individualized approaches to support each child’s learning, should specialized needs come up.
Work collaboratively with other teachers and the Director to teach and supervise children when the whole group is together (such as T’fillah or at recess time).
Consult with Cantor for curriculum development.
Plan and teach lessons on specific subjects the Director/Clergy defines (example: Hebrew class for lower school will cover the aleph bet, vowels, common words, the Shema, and at least one food blessing).
Write updates for the class newsletter periodically or as requested by the Director.
If you are unable to work, you are responsible for finding a substitute for your classes.
Occasional availability for evening staff meetings.

Examples of Classes

TK - 2nd Grade
Jewish Foods From Around The World:
Mitzvah Projects- at home and in our neighborhood:
Torah Corner (stories brought to life):
Jewish Games:
Hebrew:
T’fillah:

3rd Grade - 6th Grade
Jewish Foods From Around The World:
Mitzvah Projects- at home and in our neighborhood:
Jewish Heroes- Biblical and Historical:
Israeli Dance:
Hebrew:
T’fillah:

An example of a Torah School Day:
(Homework completed beforehand)

3:00 All School T’fillah
3:30 Upper School Hebrew
3:30 Lower School Enrichment
4:15 Snack & Break
4:45 Upper School Enrichment
4:45 Lower School Hebrew
5:30 Free play until 6pm pick up