Jewish Studies Teaching Position

Description

About Us:

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an independent community school with an engaged and motivated student body that participates fully in both Jewish and secular activities. We maintain outstanding academics and a strong sense of community while instilling Jewish values and traditions. We teach the whole child, focusing on social and emotional growth, academic and critical-thinking skills, as well as a wide array of enrichment activities. Our philosophy strongly encourages inclusivity and diversity; ethics and values are infused throughout the TK-8 curriculum.

Hausner is dedicated to professional development. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with their peers at Hausner, as well as at other schools. Faculty have leadership opportunities within the school and participate in professional and curriculum development opportunities throughout the year, both nationally and abroad. Our benefits and friendly community inspire excellent teacher retention.

Four-acre Palo Alto campus features a first-rate library, Beit Tefilah, a creativity lab, an art room, a music room, a state-of-the-art gym and expansive outdoor playing fields.

About the Position 

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School seeks an enthusiastic, creative, dynamic, and collaborative educator to join our faculty as a Jewish Studies teacher. The teaching assignment may include Jewish Studies in our Upper School (grades 5-8) and Lower School (TK-4). Final assignments will depend on the candidate’s background and expertise.

Professional Qualities/Skills

• Deep knowledge of Jewish content.
• Passionate, student-centered approach to teaching.
• Able to differentiate instruction to address the needs of all students.
• Committed to meaningful collaboration with colleagues, students and parents.
• Willing to take risks and seize leadership opportunities as they arise.
• Committed to staying current with research on best practices.
• Interested in professional growth and commitment to continuous learning.
• Committed to improving the school as a whole and willingness to share best practices with others.
• Able to be self-reflective and learn from feedback received from colleagues, administrators, and students.
• Possesses knowledge of Digital Citizenship.
• Proficient with instructional technology and willing to learn and apply emerging trends that benefit student learning.
• Willing to be actively involved in community building events.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach lower and upper school Jewish Studies classes. Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that instill a love for Jewish learning, critical thinking, and connection to Jewish values and traditions.
• Facilitate Tefillah - lead and inspire students in meaningful prayer experiences that deepen student spiritual and cultural understanding, weekly.
• Serve as an advisor for a small group of upper school students, fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth throughout the year in collaboration with faculty and the school counselor.
• Collaborate with grade level and Jewish studies colleagues to plan, integrate, and enhance instruction in all curricular areas.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners. 
• Attend and actively participate in all faculty meetings.
• Participate in special school events including, but not limited to, Open House, Back to School Night, special student performances. Attendance at other community/school events is encouraged.
• Chaperone overnight grade level field trips if applicable (grades 4 and up).

Requirements

 Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and advanced Jewish education, 
• Prior teaching experience with effective classroom management skills and a passion for working with both lower and upper school students

Compensation

• Competitive salary, $65,000-90,000 annually.
• Benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b Retirement Plan, Long- and Short-term Disability, Voluntary Life/Accident Insurance, Work-Life Balance Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Pre-tax payroll deduction also available for Commuter Checks and Flexible Spending Account.

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to an inclusive, welcoming community, where all are accepted and are treated with respect. Hausner does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, veteran status, national, or ethnic origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.