Principal and Director of Jewish Studies

Akiva School, located in Nashville, Tennessee has an opening for an energetic, creative, and skillful educator to join an incredible team of dynamic teachers. Akiva School is a Kindergarten through 6th grade school committed to providing opportunities to learn about, analyze, and develop their identity as Jews and Americans in the world. Akiva is dedicated to academic excellence in both General and Judaic Studies.

The Principal and Director of Jewish Studies will be an energetic and skillful educator with a strong knowledge of pedagogy and instructional leadership, Jewish Studies, teaching experience, and a desire to teach Judaism to children and families who truly want to learn. This position will report to the Head of School.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Jewish Studies Leadership & Instruction

• Supervise and lead holiday and religious observances, including daily tefillah and maintaining the school’s inclusive community, respecting all levels of observance.
• Teach Judaic Studies classes for students in grades K-6, incorporating multiple perspectives in an open and inclusive space.
• Oversee the selection, acquisition, and implementation of Jewish Studies curricula and materials, ensuring alignment with curricular needs and budget considerations.
• Continually oversee implementation and revision of grade-level benchmarks for the Judaic Studies curriculum.
• Provide mentorship, support, and professional development for Jewish Studies faculty.
• Act as a liaison between parents and teachers to support student learning and engagement.

School Administration (Principal)

• Serve on the Operations Team to design, plan, and execute the Akiva Strategic Plan, including curriculum alignment, faculty development, and future initiatives.
• Use data analysis to inform strategic decision-making and improve school programs.
• Provide input on school operations, policies, and procedures to enhance overall effectiveness.
• Work with the Education and Learning Support Teams, and parents,  to identify and implement student interventions, including tutoring, speech referrals, and individualized learning plans.
• Support the integration of differentiated instruction and research-based best practices for diverse learning profiles.
• Collaborate with faculty (Judaic and General Studies) to develop and implement professional development aligned with the Strategic Plan.
• Be a member of the team to support students’ educational, social and emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Collaborate with the Head of School on curriculum development, integration of Jewish and General Studies, and faculty hiring and support and evaluate staff.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Applies the latest research and best practices to enhance educational outcomes.
• Engages in continuous professional development to stay current on researched practices, student needs, and role-specific responsibilities.

This role requires strong leadership, a love of learning and leading, collaboration, and expertise in Jewish education, curriculum development, and school operations to ensure a thriving learning environment at Akiva.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate degree in education or related field required

• MA in education or related field preferred
• Experience in school leadership preferred

We are looking for someone with a passion for what they do and a commitment to strong communication with teachers, students, and parents.  

To apply for this exciting position please send a cover letter and resume to our search consultant at Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools, Amy Wasser [email protected]