Judaic Studies Teacher

Position Summary
Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School, located in Chicago, IL, seeks an outstanding Judaic Studies teacher for the 2023-2024 school year with experience teaching Jewish texts using a progressive approach.

This teacher should be confident to challenge and be challenged by colleagues as we develop and implement creative and innovative ideas that foster intellectual, spiritual, and social growth in our students. Our Judaic curriculum is based upon primary texts and Modern Orthodox practice with deep respect for the vastly different practices of Judaism within our community. The value of Alu v Alu D’vrei Elokim Hayyim (that these and those are the living words of G-d) is essential.

At Akiba-Schechter, we teach children, not subjects. Our teachers partner with colleagues to develop strategies to reach and stretch every student. Interdisciplinary learning and project-based assessments are central to our philosophy.

About Akiba Schechter Jewish Day School
Akiba-Schechter is a preschool through 8th grade private school located in Hyde Park. It was established as a unique venture in Jewish education when Akiba South Side Jewish Day School and Solomon Schechter South Side School joined forces in 1972. Akiba South Side Day School (founded in 1949) and Solomon Schechter South Side School (founded in 1965) saw their bold merger as the best way to perpetuate Jewish day school education on Chicago’s South Side.

Since its merger, Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School has embraced its mission to provide an excellent secular and Judaic education to a diverse community of Jewish children from all over Chicagoland. Through a focus on the individual student, multi-age classrooms, and project-based learning, Akiba-Shechter offers a unique and superb educational experience where students thrive. For more information, visit www.akibaschechter.org.

Educational Approach

• Focus on student inquiry, wondering, and exploration
• Clearly articulate learning goals for students that apply to and extend beyond content and skills
• Collaborate on curriculum with colleagues both vertically within the Judaic studies team and horizontally across grade-levels. Including, but not limited to, the development and implementation of interdisciplinary learning units of study
• Maintain a learner’s mindset--seeking to grow as a teacher, seek out and implement best practices, and interact with colleagues as both mentors and partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of Judaic studies teaching experience; Master’s degree preferred
• Belief in the ability of all students to learn and succeed
• Experience developing healthy, supportive relationships with students
• Positive energy and can-do attitude
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Comfort and confidence with technology
• Flexibility and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality

General Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate Judaic studies classes for 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, and/or 7th/8th grades; differentiate as needed
• Partner with colleagues to plan and facilitate interdisciplinary learning units
• Lead and support students in tefillah
• Supervise students as needed in advisory, lunch, recess, hallways, etc.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure individual students’ needs are met
• Develop and promote proactive and positive communications with parents
• Sponsor and/or supervise special interest student clubs as needed
• Embrace the school values and support efforts to promote Akiba-Schechter

Compensation & Benefits
This is a full or part time, in-person position with a salary commensurate with experience and includes benefits.

• $35,000 - $65,000 depending on experience
• Eligible for school medical insurance
• Eligible for dental, vision, long term disability insurance (paid by employee)

Hours & Vacation

• All Federal and Jewish holidays observed by the school
• Two week Winter break in December/January; 1.5 to 2 week Spring break during Passover

How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a sample lesson plan. In your cover letter, please explain why you are excited about Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School and how your experiences and skills will help further our mission.