Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Jewish Education teachers in Middle School (grades 6-8) are assigned four sections of academic classes, not necessarily in the same grade or same subject matter. Additionally, they are assigned an advisory class, a seminar class, and sometimes an elective course. Teachers in this role lead students through inquiry and learning in Tanach, Jewish History, and/or Rabbinic literature. They also support students’ social-emotional learning, utilizing RULER as a foundation. Middle School teachers plan and implement the curriculum using a variety of teaching approaches, involving both whole class and small group lessons that meet the needs of the students. At their core function, Jewish Education teachers encourage and support student-driven learning and support students’ curiosity, collaboration, and critical-thinking. This is a full-time, exempt position.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Model and demonstrate Sinai Akiba’s Core Values of: Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) as reflected on the School’s website at  .

Teaching & Learning

• Plan, supervise and implement Jewish Education curriculum as a lead classroom teacher
• Inspire students to foster Jewish identity and ignite their own Jewish interests 
• Work in partnership and collaborate with other teachers, educators, and parents to develop curriculum, meet the needs of all students, plan field trips, and coordinate special projects and performances
• Ensure teaching and learning is developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and engaging to students
• Plan and teach classes and any Jewish Education celebrations/presentations as designated by the Director of Jewish Education
• Prepare lessons, units, and projects to meet learning objectives aligned to the scope and sequence outlined by the school 
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects to students and families
• Create, assign, and assess various formative and summative assessments for students to promote a culture of feedback and track and evaluate student academic progress
• Work with students in various settings, including whole groups, small groups, and one-on-one
• Proactively inform the Educational Administrative Team whenever there are significant changes with a student and/or family, including learning goals, strengths, and growth areas
• Partner with the Educational Administrative Team to build and implement Student Support Plans

Classroom Management and Culture

• Establish and uphold classroom norms and expectations, systems, and routines, to create a positive and safe classroom culture
• Create a culture of support and accountability with student behavior within the classroom by providing clear expectations, logical consequences, and opportunities to reflect and repair
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet students' diverse interests and learning styles

Parent/Guardian Partnership

• Establish a professional and cordial relationship with families focused on timely feedback on student progress (academic and social-emotional)
• Work and communicate effectively with parents in formal and informal conferences, written reports (trimester report cards), and other school approved channels
• Seek help from the Educational Administrative Team when additional support or guidance is needed

Additional Non-Teaching Responsibilities

• Attend and participate actively in all meetings and Staffulty workdays
• Attend school assemblies, gatherings, and functions and tefillot services
• Participate in school committees 
• Ability to lift and move objects of up to 20 pounds. This includes holding and carrying children when necessary for the health, safety or well-being of the child.
• Substantial time spent standing, kneeling, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, and moving up and down stairs. Responsibilities include moving quickly with children. The position also requires being able to set up and move classroom equipment, including large items such as children's desks and chairs may require setting and resetting.
• Perform duties as designated by the Director of Jewish Education, including but not limited to arrival, dismissal, lunch, substitute coverage, and recess duties
• Perform all required administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner, including, but not limited to, HR training, progress reports, etc.
• Be a positive and contributing member of the Sinai Akiba Academy & Sinai Temple Community

DESIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Desire to teach middle school-aged students and appreciation for this age group
• High level content knowledge of Jewish history and Rabbinic literature (midrash, Mishnah, Talmud)
• Comprehensive and expansive understanding of curriculum and best practices of education:
  • The arc of child development
  • Classroom management
  • RULER
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage the classroom and student behavior patiently and effectively
  • Active listening skills to understand and adapt to students’ various learning needs
• Ability to effectively communicate with others and clearly express complex ideas
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong oral presentation skills to students and families
• Excellent organization and time management skills with attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong technology skills to present creative lessons leveraging technology to enhance student learning as well as manage other administrative tasks (attendance, grading, email communication, assessment)

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in a relevant age group of subject matter - Jewish day school experience is preferred 
• Experience working with a wide range of students, teachers, and families of diverse backgrounds
• Experience with Google Suite (Google Calendar, Google Docs, uploading and downloading digital resources
• Solid experience with educational technology platforms
• Experience with differentiated instruction and inclusive educational practices
• Desire to continue learning in the areas of pedagogical practice
• Familiarity with educational technology and innovative teaching methodologies 
• Strong work ethic, collaborative skills, flexibility, and sense of humor, with high emotional intelligence

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary Range: $70,000 - $115,000.
• Excellent benefit package with a portion of medical paid by SAA.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• 403b and employer funded retirement plans.
• Professional development opportunities.

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the base annual salary range for this position: $70,000 - $115,000. Annual base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final annual base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full annual base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Applicants may submit their resume for consideration to Yael Mashbaum, Director of Jewish Education, at [email protected] .

Sinai Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

About Sinai Akiba Academy

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility.

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