Director of Education (K-12)

Temple Beth Avodah is a nurturing and progressive Reform synagogue in Newton, MA seeking a full time Director of Education (K-12) to join our staff team. Our congregation consists of 430 families engaged in Jewish life and learning with approximately 130 students in Kindergarten-Grade 12. TBA is a congregation whose vision is to be a home for our congregants where "the door is always open and the lights are always on". We believe that each child and family needs to be nurtured to learn, grow, and connect in ways that are unique to them and seek an educator who shares our vision and personalized approach.  

The ideal candidate connects well with people of all ages, has strong communication and organizational skills, and is creative and innovative in curricula and program planning. Knowledge and appreciation of Reform Jewish practice including Jewish values, rituals and customs, and Hebrew learning is essential. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in Jewish educational leadership experience. The start date is flexible between June 1-September 1, 2025.

Job Responsibilities:

Oversight & Leadership

• Create, maintain, and supervise a dynamic and innovative Judaic learning environment for kindergarten-grade 12 students and their families 
• Work collaboratively with clergy/staff leadership team on overall vision, goals, and management of educational program
• Create strong relationships with and between parents, children, and teachers and provide social emotional support as needed
• Partner with lay leadership and parents on educational endeavors and programming
• Be present in the greater synagogue life and ensure the K-12 experience fits within the broader synagogue vision
• Manage K-12 staff and teachers including hiring, supervision, and mentoring through professional development, creating collaborative culture, and providing feedback opportunities

Operations & Administration

• Create and manage K-12 budget with the support and partnership of the Executive Director including projecting enrollment income, creating teacher compensation letters, ensuring fiscally responsible spending, and seeking grants when available
• Create comprehensive calendar for the year for K-12 families and students to ensure a variety of experiences both formal and informal
• Oversee registration process, class placements, and school/program logistics with administrative support
• Create content for communications including regular email/text updates, sign up forms, policies, calendar, and curriculum to distribute to K-12 families
• Be on site for school times to provide classroom management support, handle disciplinary issues, and demonstrate educational leadership

Curriculum & Programming

• Create, evaluate, and implement curriculum including understanding best practices, gathering adequate teaching materials, creating curricular outlines, and writing or assisting teachers in writing lesson plans
• Plan and implement special programs for K-12 including family education opportunities, parent only programs, special content during school, and out of school activities such as field trips or Shabbat experiences
• Set vision for retreat/trip programs for middle and high school, oversee creation and implementation, and attend programs
• Oversee experiential youth programs and teen leadership development including supervising youth professional and ensuring appropriate programming
• Partner with clergy on the integration of B’nai Mitzvah preparation and school programs
• Foster a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging natural environment which reflects respect and compassion that is supportive of and accessible to all children

Schedule

We are committed to crafting a work schedule that meets both the synagogue and individual’s needs. This position is full time requiring nights and weekends during the school year with a more flexible schedule in the summer. Our current school/program schedule includes Sunday mornings and early afternoons, Monday afternoons and evenings, and Wednesday afternoons.  Additional evenings for meetings, Shabbat programs, or parent events are necessary from time to time. 

To apply, please send statement of interest and resume to [email protected]