Religious Educator jobs in Newton, MA

Temple Israel of Boston is widely recognized as the largest reform temple in New England, and it is one of the most prominent synagogues in the greater Boston area. At Temple Israel, our mission of “Living Judaism Together” means that we acknowledge, welcome, and honor each individual in our community for who they are. Temple Israel is known for offering an array of Jewish experiences and cultural and social programming, including interfaith inclusion and social justice activism. For decades, Temple Israel of Boston has been on the leading edge of Reform Judaism.

Who are we?

Temple Israel is looking for enthusiastic, imaginative, and skillful teachers to join our team of educators for the 2023-2024 school year. There are positions available in grades preschool – 7th grade for Sunday mornings, with potential to teach in our grades 8-12, pluralistic teen program too.

In our religious school, kids 3 years old through 7th grade can learn, grow, and find their own meaningful Jewish communities. We strive to build a community where everyone — kids, families, and our educators — can find their places in our ancient and ever evolving tradition. Our school is joyful, kid-centered, and flexible. Read more about us and our values.

Following our broader community’s commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI), our religious school is engaged in a culture-shift of our own. We are working towards a community where everyone can experience a sense of belonging. We are committed to building a faculty where the diversity of the Jewish community is well represented. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply as we hope to build a teaching team that is reflective of the diversity in our community. We strive to be an inclusive learning community where diversity is welcomed and differences are embraced.

Following our broader community’s commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI), our religious school is engaged in a culture-shift of our own. We are working towards a community where everyone can experience a sense of belonging. We are committed to building a faculty where the diversity of the Jewish community is well represented. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply as we hope to build a teaching team that is reflective of the diversity in our community. We strive to be an inclusive learning community where diversity is welcomed and differences are embraced.

Our REDI work is a communal commitment that includes mechanisms for feedback, accountability, and processes for teshuvah (restorative justice). When something comes up, we would like to know about it. Folks looking to provide feedback should contact Roberta Axeloons or Rabbi Suzie Jacobson, or another member of the TI clergy team, or Executive Director Dan Deutsch.

Qualifications of Interested Candidates

• Candidates to teach in our school should enjoy working with children and have prior successful experiences with kids. Formal teaching experience is not a requirement; folks interested in learning how to teach who are seeking training as new teachers are encouraged to apply.
• Familiarity with second language pedagogy, technology applications, curriculum development, and student assessment is desirable, but not required. Good command of Biblical Hebrew also a plus.
• Candidates should be comfortable adopting the curricular vision of the religious school as we seek to construct powerful educational experiences that are inclusive, joyful, and inspiring.
• Temple Israel Religious School has a commitment to professional development and offers a unique and yearlong learning opportunity to all its faculty. Ideal candidates will be collaborative teachers who relish the idea of working, growing, and learning alongside their colleagues.
• Bachelor’s Degree or relevant experience required.

We know that not all applicants will have all of the same experience or desired qualifications, and systemic inequities often discourage folks from marginalized identities from applying. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have applicable and transferable skills from other industries, we encourage you to apply for this job. We’d love to hear from you. In your application, be sure to explicitly highlight how your experience, skills, and personal qualities have set you up to succeed in this role.

This position is part time. We offer competitive pay with teaching rates ranging from $55-85/per hour. Rates vary depending on experience and longevity at Temple Israel.

Schedule

Sundays 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. are the general Sunday hours, though individual schedules may vary based on assigned classes. Our teen program meets on Monday nights 5:45 – 8:30 p.m., and our religious school meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

How to Apply

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Roberta Axeloons, Director of Elementary Education, at raxeloons@tisrael.org.

About Temple Israel

Temple Israel is widely recognized as the largest reform temple in New England, and it is one of the most prominent synagogues in the greater Boston area. With over 1,400 member families, our impact within the Boston Jewish Community runs deep. Temple Israel is known for offering an array of Jewish experiences and cultural and social programming, including interfaith inclusion and social justice activism. Our historic building is home to a K-12 Religious School and Teen Program, and a well-renowned preschool.