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This position is filled! Thank you!

Position Title: Lead Teacher

Organization: Beacon Hebrew Alliance

Application Deadline: April 15, 2016

About Beacon Hebrew Alliance (BHA): Beacon Hebrew Alliance is a small and vibrant, progressive synagogue located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, and currently serves about 150 families. At BHA, we believe that Jews from all backgrounds, their partners and their families can come together in a supportive, warm and open-minded community to create a meaningful, joyful Jewish life. For more info, visit www.beaconhebrewalliance.org.

About BHA Preschool: 

BHA Preschool is a a new initiative of BHA, launching Fall 2016. It will bring an earth-based, community-based approach to Jewish early childhood education to nourish families and children.

Overview of the Role:

BHA Preschool seeks a creative, nurturing, dedicated Lead Teacher to plan, prepare and run this program, and work with children 2 to 5 years old. The Lead Teacher will be supported by an Assistant Teacher and together, they will create and provide a loving, nurturing and safe environment for children and families in a progressive Jewish environment.

This is a part-time (approximately 15 hrs a week), 10-month position that will begin August 2016.

Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

The Lead teacher will have the unique opportunity to shape and implement a curriculum for a class of 2-5 year olds in a brand-new, progressive Jewish preschool.

• Plan, supervise, and implement developmentally-appropriate experiences for the class according to the principles and philosophy of the school. This includes organizing and leading indoor and outdoor activities designed to promote physical, mental and social development, such as gardening, culinary arts, arts and crafts, music, games and storytelling.
• Design and implement an educational garden as part of an earth-based curriculum.
• Plan and teach activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, play and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Create a learning environment that provides for emotional, cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual growth in children, setting curricular goals for each student, and ensuring an environment where students thrive.
• Both Teachers will be responsible for materials preparation, setting up and cleaning up the space each school day, helping small children with personal hygiene including diapering and toilet training.
• Supervise and mentor the Assistant Teacher, empowering the Assistant Teacher to take ownership of their role as a teacher. The Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher will work together as a cohesive team to support children, manage the classroom, and interact with families.
• Work with the Assistant Teacher to track children's progress and needs, determine priorities for individual children, and institute methods for furthering the learning and development of students. The Teachers will be able to adapt differentiated teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Document developmental progress of each child through anecdotal notes, work samples and formal and informal assessment tools.
• Communicate regularly with parents through daily interactions, conferences, and occasional written communications

Qualifications & Skills:

• 12 or more Early Childhood Education units (AA and/or BA degree in ECE or related field & teacher certifications preferred). Comparable experience and willingness to enroll in ECE classes will be considered.
• At least 6 months of professional teaching experience working with children in a licensed child care center or comparable group care program.
• Knowledge of earth-based, whole-child approaches to teaching and learning, preferably with experience in educational gardening.
• Must meet NY State requirements for education and additional center/school requirements may apply.
• Familiarity with Hebrew language.
• Knowledge or interest in learning about Jewish religious practice, customs and culture.
• Experience directing a team and managing a budget.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Flexible, energetic, and nurturing personality.
• Interpersonal skills to work well with parents and colleagues.
• Excellent writing and oral skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to community building and participating in a Jewish community.

If interested and qualified, please email your resume and a brief letter of interest to Elizabeth O'Connell at elizabeth@beaconhebrewalliance.org.