Educator

SAJ - Judaism That Stands For All (formerly known as the Society for the Advancement of Judaism) is the first ever Reconstructionist Synagogue founded 102 years ago by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, and site of the first Bat Mitzvah of his eldest daughter, Judith Kaplan.  We are a medium-sized (and growing) dynamic, inclusive, and progressive community located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Our Saturday Morning / Shabbat based youth education program “Makom” is committed to Jewish learning that is joyful, multi-modal, and engaging.  We value social-emotional skill-building, hands-on experiential creative activities, and conversations about social justice. We value teachers who bring their authentic selves, can hold multiple perspectives, and are excited to wrestle with Judaism's biggest questions. SAJ is a tightknit, intergenerational, and diverse community. Everyday after Makom and Saturday morning services, the whole community, teachers included, are welcome to gather for kiddush lunch. 

Available Positions: 

1. Lead Teachers (various grades)
2. Assistant Teachers (various grades)
3. Substitute Teachers (at will)

Lead Teacher Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Director of Education to write weekly lesson plans that align with curricular units centerd on Jewish values and holidays (takes at least one hour of preparation per week).
• Strategize with the Director of Education to meet the unique learning needs of all students.
• Work with, delegate to, and provide feedback for Assistant Teachers and/or Teen Assistants. 
• Attend professional development sessions.
• Write a summary of what was taught in the lesson every week, and write evaluative notes about the students 2 times per year.
• Additional work opportunities are available for periodic afternoon learning and holidays.

Assistant Teacher Responsibilities: 

• Support the facilitation of Lead Teacher’s lesson plans by proactively supporting individual students in differentiated learning.

Expectations

• Teachers should have experience working with children and youth, in either formal educational settings, or informal/experiential settings. 
• Teachers should have a committment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We welcome teachers reflect the diversity of our community, which includes Jews of Color and folks who identify as LGBTQ+. SAJ has a regular practice of inviting the sharing of pronouns, and having diverse representation in the stories and examples we give. 
• Teachers should have a knowledge of Jewish traditions, holidays, and terms. They may come from any denomination, with an oppenness and a curiosity to learn about Reconstructionist Judaism / new rituals, text, and interpretations. 
• Teachers will be asked to work both independently and collaboratively with others, and should have excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and work ethic.
• SAJ requires all in-person participants to be vaccinated against Covid, unless approved by the board for medical exemption.  

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume expressing your interest and experience to our Education Director by emailing [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you may be asked to provide two professional references.