Grades 1-2 Judaic Studies Teacher

Description

This position is for the 2025-2026 School Year.

Job Summary

To create a flexible elementary grade program and a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth; to establish effective rapport with students; to motivate students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a solid foundation for upper elementary grade education in accordance with each student’s ability; to establish positive relationships with parents and other staff members; to assist in school programs subject to the Schechter mission which states:

“At Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, we ignite our students’ Jewish souls, educate them to their highest potential, and empower them to use their knowledge, skills, and creativity to enrich our world.”

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Teaches Hebrew language skills, Jewish holidays and Parshat Hashavua to students in a classroom, utilizing an established curriculum and developing other appropriate learning activities.
• Leads or participates in and is a role model during grade-level t’fillot.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning environment in the classroom.
• Instructs students in Social Emotional Learning. 
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials that allows students to engage in whole, small, and individualized groupings with differentiation geared toward their learning, based on their readiness and learning profile. 
• Translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction. 
• Helps create a safe environment where students can feel comfortable taking risks and achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Evaluates students’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports. Communicates with parents through conferences, phone calls, emails, and in person and virtual meetings to discuss students’ progress. 
• Identifies student needs and works cooperatively with other professional staff members in supporting students. 
• Maintains professionalism through in-service and professional growth activities, as well as any curriculum training programs.
• Collaborates with grade-level colleagues around curriculum and educational programming.
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the school day. 
• Participates in teacher leadership roles where appropriate and available. 
• Demonstrates a commitment to best practices in all dimensions of effective teaching as defined by the Thoughtful Classroom framework, including: organization, rules and routines; positive relationships; engagement and enjoyment; a culture of thinking and learning; preparing students for new learning; presenting new learning; deepening and reinforcing learning; applying learning; and reflecting on and celebrating learning.  

This position reports to the K-8 Principal.

Faculty values that drive our work together

• Jewish Values and Torah

• Professionalism

• Optimism

• Collaboration

• Respect

• Open Communication

• Innovation and Creativity

• Life-Long Learning

Requirements

Qualification Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree of related subject from accredited university
• Illinois teaching certificate
• Experience is preferred, but not necessary for hiring
• Hebrew proficiency
• Background knowledge of Jewish holidays, basic Jewish practices, and Bible content.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, short-term disability, accident and other insurance, sick/personal time, 403(b) retirement plan, leave early for Shabbat, professional development opportunities, wonderful leadership team and belonging to an amazing community. Come join us!