Judaic Studies Lead Teacher
Chicago, IL
Full Time
Experienced
Judaic Studies Lead Teacher
As a Judaic Studies Lead Teacher at Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School in Hyde Park, you’ll teach Jewish texts using a progressive, inquiry-driven approach — and take on meaningful leadership across the entire K–8 Judaic studies program. You’ll co-create original curricula, help build an articulated scope and sequence, and partner with colleagues across disciplines to weave Judaic and general studies into something genuinely greater than the sum of its parts.
At Akiba-Schechter, we teach children, not subjects. Our mission is to provide an excellent secular and Judaic education in Hyde Park to a diverse community of Jewish children from all over Chicagoland — fostering intellectual, spiritual, and social growth through scholarship for both the soul and the mind.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Teach at least two Judaic Studies classes (grade level TBD), grounded in primary texts and the philosophy of Torah Umadda
• Lead and support all core Judaic Studies classes in grades 1–8, including related programs, activities, and special events
• Collaborate vertically within the Judaic studies team and horizontally across grade-level disciplines — including developing and implementing interdisciplinary, project-based units of study
• Create original curricula and partner in refining an articulated K–8 scope and sequence
• Maintain and enhance the school’s culture as a warm, caring Jewish community that intentionally celebrates Jewish life among a diverse student body
• Serve as a strong Jewish role model for students, staff, and families
• Support recruitment and retention of Judaic Studies staff
• Represent Akiba-Schechter at conferences and professional development opportunities; share responsibility for staff learning
Faculty Values — Torah Umadda · Student Inquiry · Collaboration · Innovation · Jewish Values & Character · Interdisciplinary Learning · Professional Growth
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of teaching experience
• Experience developing healthy, supportive relationships with students
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Flexibility, attention to detail, and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
• Preferred: Progressive experience teaching Jewish texts across multiple age groups; educational administrative experience in a Jewish day school or camp; Master’s degree in education or comparable advanced degree; rabbinical ordination or advanced Judaic studies certification
Benefits
This is a full-time, in-person position offering a salary of $50,000–$70,000 commensurate with experience, plus a benefits package that includes a tuition discount for your children.
As a Judaic Studies Lead Teacher at Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School in Hyde Park, you’ll teach Jewish texts using a progressive, inquiry-driven approach — and take on meaningful leadership across the entire K–8 Judaic studies program. You’ll co-create original curricula, help build an articulated scope and sequence, and partner with colleagues across disciplines to weave Judaic and general studies into something genuinely greater than the sum of its parts.
At Akiba-Schechter, we teach children, not subjects. Our mission is to provide an excellent secular and Judaic education in Hyde Park to a diverse community of Jewish children from all over Chicagoland — fostering intellectual, spiritual, and social growth through scholarship for both the soul and the mind.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Teach at least two Judaic Studies classes (grade level TBD), grounded in primary texts and the philosophy of Torah Umadda
• Lead and support all core Judaic Studies classes in grades 1–8, including related programs, activities, and special events
• Collaborate vertically within the Judaic studies team and horizontally across grade-level disciplines — including developing and implementing interdisciplinary, project-based units of study
• Create original curricula and partner in refining an articulated K–8 scope and sequence
• Maintain and enhance the school’s culture as a warm, caring Jewish community that intentionally celebrates Jewish life among a diverse student body
• Serve as a strong Jewish role model for students, staff, and families
• Support recruitment and retention of Judaic Studies staff
• Represent Akiba-Schechter at conferences and professional development opportunities; share responsibility for staff learning
Faculty Values — Torah Umadda · Student Inquiry · Collaboration · Innovation · Jewish Values & Character · Interdisciplinary Learning · Professional Growth
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of teaching experience
• Experience developing healthy, supportive relationships with students
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Flexibility, attention to detail, and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
• Preferred: Progressive experience teaching Jewish texts across multiple age groups; educational administrative experience in a Jewish day school or camp; Master’s degree in education or comparable advanced degree; rabbinical ordination or advanced Judaic studies certification
Benefits
This is a full-time, in-person position offering a salary of $50,000–$70,000 commensurate with experience, plus a benefits package that includes a tuition discount for your children.
About Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School:
Akiba-Schechter is a preschool through 8th grade private school located in Hyde Park. It was established as a unique venture in Jewish education when Akiba South Side Jewish Day School and Solomon Schechter South Side School joined forces in 1972. Since its merger, Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School has embraced its mission to provide an excellent general and Judaic education to a diverse community of Jewish children from all over Chicagoland. Through a focus on the individual student, multi-age classrooms, and project-based learning, Akiba-Schechter offers a unique and superb educational experience where all learners thrive. For more information, visit www.akibaschechter.org
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