Jewish Teen Educator Part-Time Positions - JTConnect, Jewish Teen Learning Connection
Location of JTConnect: JTConnect is based in West Hartford, CT; with synagogue partners and site locations throughout Greater Hartford
Timeframe: September through June, 1-2 hour sessions per week plus curriculum development
Synagogue Locations: Various synagogue locations/partners in the Greater Hartford area
Jewish Teen Learning Connection (JTConnect) is seeking innovative and enthusiastic Jewish Teen Educators for our Jewish Learning & Leadership programs and our Teen Philanthropy programs, in the Greater Hartford Jewish community. Our JTConnect Jewish Teen Educators develop and teach inspiring classes, and create community for Jewish teens and their families of all denominations, backgrounds, and levels of Jewish knowledge and observance; and offer an enriching learning experience for teens post B’nai Mitzvah through grade 12.
JTConnect is an independent Jewish teen education and engagement nonprofit organization with four pillars of programming : Jewish Learning & Leadership, Social Action Projects, Teen Philanthropy, and Social Events that coincide with the Jewish calendar year. JTConnect offers meaningful opportunities for teens to come together to learn, build relationships and community, create positive change in the world, and celebrate Jewishly throughout the year, with accessible, inclusive, and pluralistic Jewish teen programming that evolves with the needs of our community.
What You’ll Need
- A passion for Jewish education and teen engagement, and experience working with teens, families, and community partners. Interest in teaching a diverse student body, with teens from pluralistic backgrounds (including Jewish students who are unaffiliated; and students from Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox synagogues and affiliations).
- Experience as a Jewish educator in a religious school environment, university or Jewish day school setting or other Jewish educational organization such as Jewish summer camps, a plus.
- Ability to develop innovative and timely/relevant Jewish experiential educational classes that creatively weave together Jewish history, text, ritual; on topics that engage Jewish teens and inspire their curiosity and interest.
What You’ll Do
Educator for JTConnect Sunday Classes or Tuesday evening (taking place Sunday morning/afternoon/evening depending on the location):
Site Specific Teaching:
- Sunday classes at synagogues in the Greater Hartford area; serving students ranging in age, in 8th-12th grades. Educators will be site specific, teaching at one (or more) of the following locations depending on availability(at various synagogue locations throughout Greater Hartford).
- Educator for Tuesday evenings at the Beth El Temple in West Hartford.
- Developing a 7 week course and teaching experiential Jewish teen education classes for a 7 week trimester on Sundays, either in the morning, midday, or Tuesday evening at a synagogue(s) in our local Jewish community. This Jewish educator role will build on your experience teaching and requires a high level of professionalism and planning. Ongoing curriculum development will be required throughout the year.
Teen Leadership Philanthropy Educator:
- In addition to our experiential Jewish educator positions, JTConnect is also seeking an educator for our Teen Philanthropy program (TLPI). This program teaches the fundamentals of sophisticated nonprofit fundraising and grantmaking principles. This is a yearlong program that is guided by Honeycomb Jewish teen philanthropy curriculum and educational resources.
- Teen Leadership Philanthropy Initiative Educator - TLPI-: JTConnect’s TLPI program is an immersive year long learning experience that teaches teens how to become strategic philanthropists and changemakers. TLPI educators are needed for our (2) TLPI programs that will run in the 2024-2025 program year (at our locations in Greater Hartford). The TLPI program is offered 1x per month at these 2 locations, and ideally our TLPI educator will teach both programs sections.
What You’ll Gain
- The ability to engage and inspire teens to deepen their understanding and connection with Judaism and the Jewish community.
- Experience working with exceptional staff in a positive environment, opportunities for growth and professional development, the chance to partner with nonprofits from across the Greater Hartford area, and building belonging among teens in the community.
- A deep and meaningful relationship with a variety of synagogues, their religious school student bodies, and their clergy and leadership; in the Greater Hartford area.
What Else You Should Know
- This role requires work one evening a week (Tuesday) and/or on Sundays in the morning, midday and evening (Sept. - June) during the program year.
- This position reports to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with our Educator & Program Coordinator staff person.
- Benefits Available: All major holidays including Jewish holidays off
- This is an in-person role
- Details about the weekly program and events are available https://jtconnect.org/
Compensation: $55 per session/ approximately 1-2 hours per week plus preparation time depending on the teaching role(s) of the individual educator.
There are also opportunities as a JTConnect educator, to help staff other events during the program year where it is a fit.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to Caroline Poland at [email protected] JTConnect is an Equal Opportunity employer.