Director of Education - Part Time
Location: Jersey City, NJ 07304
Job Description
The part-time Director of Education is the administrator of our weekly religious school (Sundays
8:30-12:30). In coordination with the Rabbi, the synagogue’s administrative staff, and lay
leadership, the Director oversees the general administrative and educational operations of the
religious school, Tot Shabbat and supplemental programs for youth and families. The Director
will build upon our current curriculum, coordinate student assessments; prepare, manage and
maintain a budget, supervise and mentor school and youth staff and educators; manage
communications with families; work with the Rabbi to establish educational programs for
Religious School families; and work to integrate Religious School families into congregational
life.
Responsibilities include:
Curriculum Development and Staff Development:
● Improve, organize and implement an integrated Reform Jewish school curriculum for all
ages (pre-K- grade 7), including family tefillah (with Rabbi and Cantor), and develop a
curriculum for children with special needs.
● Develop special programs including, but not limited to, holiday observance for all grades,
and school educational trips. Coordinate with Rabbi where appropriate.
● Maintain integrity of curriculum throughout the school year including reviewing
teacher’s lesson plans, and conducting class observations.
● Generate parent and student involvement in school activities and programs including
engaging class parents.
● Develop and coordinate twice yearly student progress reports for parents, to be
prepared by teaching staff.
● Work with and mentor teachers and provide performance reviews to enhance the
students’ educational experience and to ensure adherence to curriculum guidelines.
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● Implement and support comprehensive school policies, including a school discipline
policy, in coordination with the Rabbi, the synagogue’s administrative staff, and lay
leadership.
● Teach in the school, as prudent or needed.
● Work with administrative, education, volunteer and religious staff to implement special
programming including, but not limited to:
▪ (7) Grade-Led Friday Shabbat services with accompanying community dinner
▪ Simchat Torah/Consecration
▪ Hanukkah service and celebration
▪ Shavuot picnic
▪ Family Education/Mitzvah Days (5 Sunday mornings during the year)
▪ Purim
● Develop and implement a post-B’nai Mitzvah Program.
● Work with Cantor to develop and enhance music into the curriculum.
● Conduct staff orientations and monthly staff meetings.
● Organize family education days with staff.
Administrative Responsibilities (can be done remotely where appropriate):
● Work with lay leadership and the Rabbi to prepare budget proposals, and manage and
maintain an existing budget. Report families in arrears to Temple leadership monthly.
Maintain and develop roster of teachers and substitute teachers.
● Maintain student database and rosters of current and former students including weekly
attendance records.
● Prepare and coordinate materials for school registration and enrollment.
● Work in consultation with Security Subcommittee of the Facilities committee to develop
emergency and safety protocols for students, parents and staff. Implement said
protocols. Our Education Director will participate in or will have participated in safety
trainings and will keep her/his knowledge current.
● Prepare and present monthly reports at meetings of the Youth Education Committee.
● Prepare monthly staff payroll hours to give to Temple Financial Secretary.
● Order and organize books, workbooks, supplies and materials to support curriculum.
● Order b’nai mitzvah gifts.
● Coordinate the B’nai Mitzvah children’s profiles in our newsletter.
● Update B’nai Mitzvah log with roster information of our school’s children.
● (Covid and weather emergencies only) Coordinate Zoom rooms, communication and
scheduling for when virtual school or family services are warranted and decided by
leadership.
● Work in partnership with Rabbi, staff, lay leaders and volunteers to:
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o Communicate regularly with parent body, class parents and congregation via email,
Constant Contact, phone and mail.
o Work with staff and volunteers to maintain our website for school-related events and
families.
o Create and maintain our Temple calendar for school-related events, in conjunction
with clergy and lay leadership.
o Develop prospective member support (for school-related questions and issues)
o Help to identify potential congregational volunteers and class parents
o Support/advertise Monthly Parent Project Days and Junior Youth Group and Youth
Group, weekly Junior Choir and other family activities.
o Support, guide our Youth Group Director and interface with leadership on her/his
behalf and on behalf of the Youth Group.
This position may be combined with cantorial responsibilities for a candidate with appropriate
skills or background.