Judaic Department Chair

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School is seeking a Judaic department chair. The Judaic department chair is responsible to provide leadership, oversight, and direction for the Judaic studies academic curricula and programming. The Judaic department chair loves Judaism and is passionate about creating joyful and meaningful Jewish learning opportunities and experiences.
The Judaic department chair is a member of the K-8 administrative team, works in collaboration with other department chairs and admin team members and reports to the K-8 principal.

Main Responsibilities:

Administrative Leadership
Serve as the instructional leader for the Judaic department, ensuring that our academic program is effective, innovative, and meeting the needs of and challenging our students
Stay abreast of current research related to curriculum and instruction and advise the Head of School on curriculum decisions in this department; ensure content area curriculum is appropriate for student grade/ability
Determine best ways to assess student progress in this department and execute that plan
Responsible for planning and execution of the schools’ Judaic programs, in consultation with the Head of school and the Principal,
Collaborate with others to plan school events like parent-teacher conferences, and other special events
Engage parents proactively and be a resource to them about Judaic instruction
Help create a learning environment and school community that is intentionally pluralistic and welcoming to all
Partner closely with the Principal on student issues and with the student support team to determine how best to meet the needs of diverse learners
Possess a clear educational vision and support the goals and values of SPHDS
Order and maintain a sufficient inventory of texts, equipment, and supplies.

Supervision
Supervise, evaluate, guide and coach the Judaic teachers. Conduct ongoing classroom observations and regular meetings with teachers
Identify and implement appropriate professional development opportunities for the department
Partner with the Principal and Head of School on hiring, retaining, and assigning faculty teachers
Meet regularly with department members individually and as a team to provide feedback, ongoing support and encouragement and make sure everyone are aligned to the program
Encourage meaningful communication between department teachers and parents

Teaching:
Teach Judaic studies classes as assigned
When needed, substitute or arrange substitute teachers. Make sure sub-lesson plans are in place

Desired attributes and skills:

Love for Judaism and passionate about teaching Judaic and creating joyful and meaningful Jewish learning and experiences
Demonstrates leadership and supervision that is collaborative
Able and excited of working in a diverse community
Works well as a member of a team and seeks feedback from colleagues and constituents.
Hebrew speaker - a plus
Excellent communications skills (written and verbal)
Comfortable using technology (google suite and more)

Qualifications:

Hold a bachelor’s degree (required); degree in education, Jewish education, or related field advanced degrees/certificates desirable
2+ years of administrative experience. Preferred in a school setting
Possesses knowledge of orthodox Judaism and Jewish culture/history and texts

Compensation is competitive, benefits include: health, dental and vision insurance, 403b plan

About the school:

Founded in 1972, South Peninsula Hebrew Day School is a modern Orthodox institution that embraces the sophistication and multiculturalism of the Bay Area while adhering to traditional Jewish observance. The school serves 250 students from 18 months old through eighth grade.

Although our students share a common heritage, they represent a wide range of cultural, national and religious backgrounds, and we treasure their diversity.
SPHDS is committed to excellence in both General and Judaic studies to provide students with the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

We recognize that each student is unique and are committed to working with them as individuals to foster self-esteem and to deepen their sense of personal and communal responsibility.

Our General studies program is well-rounded and rigorous. Its goal is to prepare students for entry into the high school programs of their choice by imparting a high level of such skills as writing, research, study skills, scientific experimentation and critical thinking. The curriculum includes English language and literature, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science. These are complemented with instruction in Music, Art and Physical Education.

Our Judaic studies program includes both Hebrew language and Jewish text. Hebrew language study begins in the earliest grades. Its goal is to provide children a high degree of bilingualism and to enrich their understanding of Jewish history, culture and religion.

SPHDS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, nationality, religious background or gender orientation.