Hebrew & Jewish Studies Teacher (26-27 school year)

Job Announcement

Job Title: Hebrew & Jewish Studies Teacher

REPORTS TO: Director of Jewish Life

ABOUT PJA: Portland Jewish Academy provides an academically rich, values-based education that supports the social, emotional, and spiritual growth of children from infants through eighth grade. As a community day school that welcomes students and families of all backgrounds, PJA inspires Jewish engagement and cultivates a sense of belonging in a welcoming and inclusive community.

Guided by our middot (values) and our mission, we share a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. With Jewish life at our center, we aspire to ensure a genuine sense of belonging in all members of our community. We honor and teach the importance of the vast expansiveness of human diversity.

This position may be structured as part-time (0.5 FTE) or more, depending on the candidate’s experience, skills, and interest. Employees with a workload of 0.7 FTE or greater are eligible for medical benefits. All employees are eligible for paid time off including PTO, sick leave and holiday pay (up to 24 holidays and spring and winter breaks). Free membership to the MJCC () and tuition & camp discounts for children of our employees are also available to all employees.

JOB SUMMARY : The Hebrew and Jewish Studies Teacher designs and implements a Jewish education program that reflects our school’s mission and values and supports diverse learners. Candidates should have a strong understanding and engagement with Jewish texts, including TaNaKh, tefilah and rabbinics and be able to provide positive Jewish engagement using text as the foundation. The ideal candidate cultivates a positive, inclusive classroom environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, and deep understanding; attending to the academic, social, and emotional development of school students while creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that promote critical thinking and a growth mindset.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  

• Plan and implement a program of instruction that adheres to PJA’s philosophy while adapting to the diverse needs of individual students.
• Provide engaging classroom instruction in Hebrew and Jewish studies for assigned sections.
• Use a variety of tools and strategies to differentiate instruction, support learners with varied backgrounds and needs, and promote equity and access in math education.
• Collaborate with colleagues in interdisciplinary planning and integrated learning experiences across subject areas.
• Assess student learning through multiple means—formative and summative—and provide meaningful, timely feedback.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues about curriculum, progress, and student needs.
• Participate actively in ongoing professional development and contribute to faculty learning as part of a reflective teaching community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 3+ years teaching experience in classroom instruction, preferably in a progressive or independent school setting.
• Thorough understanding of Jewish culture and middot. 
• Demonstrated understanding of adolescent development and commitment to teaching the whole child.
• A strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and an ability to integrate these values into curriculum and community.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Reflective, curious, and growth-oriented educator who values student-centered, justice-minded learning environments. 

This position requires the ability to attend to students in a classroom environment, which may require sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Proficiency in utilizing technology and digital tools for curriculum development, lesson prep, and effective written communication with staff and families is required. This position also requires the ability to move throughout the school building and campus to support students in a variety of settings and share responsibility for the supervision of all students during the school day, as well as the ability to occasionally lift and move classroom materials or equipment to maintain an organized environment conducive to learning.  

PJA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating, and promoting the best-qualified individuals for positions at all levels in the organization. We provide Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on how an individual's skills and qualifications meet the responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. An individual will be free from discrimination based on characteristics protected by law such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related physical, mental, or sensory disability, or other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. PJA will make reasonable accommodations, including modification of organizational policies and procedures in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilities if it can do so without undue hardship.