Jewish Studies Teacher

Kehillah Jewish High School is seeking a leading scholar and innovator in the field of Modern Jewish Studies. Someone who is able to balance imparting 3000+ years of Jewish wisdom with the needs of a progressive community while teaching from an intersectional perspective that addresses the diverse range of issues that continue to impact historically marginalized peoples. We want a collaborative colleague who appreciates a pluralistic community and is excited about approaching Modern Jewish Studies through innovative pedagogical methods including experiential, project, and inquiry-based learning.

The ideal candidate is a dedicated educator whose expertise and passion have prepared them to teach engaging courses on Modern Jewish History (American and European), Holocaust Studies, and courses related to Jews and race. While familiarity with pre-Modern Jewish Studies is considered an additional asset, this position’s core teaching and curricular duties will focus on Jews and Judaism in the Modern Era and Contemporary World.

Kehillah is a supportive teaching community that embraces collaboration, outside-the-box thinking, and innovative pedagogy. We are a community that fosters a culture of mutual respect, diversity, and inclusion. You’ll find colleagues here who will encourage you to find your strengths, grow, and who will always care. Somewhere you can not only teach but also flourish as an educator. The classroom experience at Kehillah includes debate, dialogue, critical inquiry, and experimentation bringing every class to life. Each student is challenged, actively encouraged, and supported to reach their potential.

If you want to join a community of passionate educators who empower students with the wisdom of Jewish values and strength to flourish in a rapidly changing world, we would love to meet you.

This is a Full-Time position beginning August 1, 2021.

Essential Functions
● Prepare lesson plans with clear objectives that facilitate active learning.
● Assign and evaluate classwork and exams to students; prepare required reports and communicate progress to parents and colleagues.
● Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and materials with Dean; develop scope and sequence.
● Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction; adapt new technology and teaching strategies to encourage the progress of individual students.
● Post accurate and timely student attendance, grades, and other required records on PowerSchool/Schoology.
● Attend and contribute to department and staff meetings, as needed.
● Join the Student Confidential Learning Plan as needed; set notifications, implement, and actively participate.
● Use effective in-person and virtual classroom management techniques in accordance with the policies of the school.
● Provide timely and tactful feedback with parents regarding student progress including quarter and semester comment writing; make phone calls home for students of concern.
● Attend and participate in departmental initiatives; support extracurricular student activities when available.
● Actively engage in year-long Professional Growth Plan (PGP) and meet all benchmarks.
● Guide student behavior to foster academic achievement, personal responsibility, intellect, and individuality in all students.
● Maintain regularly scheduled office hours in order to advise and assist students; be flexible if sharing a classroom.
● In an Advisory role, implement curriculum, meet with Advisees regularly, and actively partner with Learning Center and teachers.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Clear commitment to the educational philosophy as articulated by Our Four Commitments.
● Able to differentiate instruction and support neurodiversity.
● Able to create a positive classroom community and build relationships with students.
● Has excitement, joy, and passion for teaching kids and personal development/learning.
● Creative in instructional and classroom management strategies
● Proficient at competently assessing student performances and preparing comprehensive assessments.
● Experienced implementing positive classroom management techniques, innovative methodologies, and activities that foster active learning and enhance academic programs.
● Willing to collaborate with student learning services to differentiate instruction for all learners.
● Show a high level of professionalism and willingness to “go the extra mile” to reach goals for students.
● Demonstrate knowledge, implementation, and adaptability regarding relevant technology.
● Able to apply common sense and extreme diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality in written and oral forms.
● Promptly respond to questions of parents and co-workers while maintaining a professional demeanor.

Core Competencies
● Adept at managing conflict with individuals and teams.
● Strong work ethic: shows initiative, demonstrates professionalism and sustains integrity in all interactions.
● A growth mindset and ability to give and receive guidance, constructive feedback, and support.
● Applies common sense, extreme diplomacy, discretion, integrity, and confidentiality in all communications.
● Demonstrates genuine humility and respect when interacting with others, regardless of their point of view.
● Approachable and engaging personality, able to connect with multiple constituencies.
● Innovative and collaborative in all aspects of work.
● Excellent oral, written, and non-verbal communication skills, with a particular talent for active listening.
● Takes personal responsibility for the continuous learning of new knowledge, skills, and experiences.
● Makes timely and quality decisions based on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment.
● Passionate about supporting equal access to learning in a diverse community.
● Results-oriented and goal-focused.

Qualifications
● Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution; master’s degree a plus.
● Minimum of three years teaching, preferably in a high school setting.
● Experienced teaching Jewish Studies and Jewish History.
● Experienced in best practices in education and pedagogy.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to:

● Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
● Regularly use close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
● Work at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time.
● Work in a traditional climate-controlled environment and occasionally outdoors.
● Navigate a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and diverse contacts which may at times be stressful.
● Occasionally lift up to 10 lbs.
● Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate all office equipment including, but not limited to, computers, copy machines, and telephones.
● Travel safely and comfortably across a two-story, 50,000 sq. ft. campus several times in a workday.
● Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
● Turn, bend, kneel, crouch, or reach overhead to retrieve materials and may occasionally use a ladder.
● Available and willing to attend and work on overnight trips.

Please apply directly on our website: Kehillah Careers.