Interim Director of Jewish & Learning

Position: Interim Director of Jewish Life & Learning
Interim Director Of Jewish Life and Learning Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School is a pluralistic Jewish independent school for kindergarten through eighth grade. It offers a fully integrated general and Jewish studies curriculum that stimulates young minds and inspires students to become independent thinkers, creative learners, and proud, knowledgeable, and compassionate Jewish leaders. The Interim Director of Jewish Life and Learning will be a creative, collaborative force who works directly with students from all grade levels, serves on the senior administrative team, documents Judaics curriculum across grades, collaborates on experiential and place-based learning experiences, and helps set and maintain policies and practices that contribute to a warm and joyous intentionally pluralistic Jewish learning environment.

We value professionals who:
● Spark students’ enthusiasm, joy, and curiosity for Jewish learning.
● Establish strong rapport with students, colleagues, and parents.
● Implement and support the implementation of engaging lessons that stretch students to their potential.
● Regularly assess individual students’ progress to create well-targeted, transformative educational experiences.
● Model engaged, curious, and thoughtful Jewish living.
● Understand and appreciate diverse expressions of Judaism in our pluralistic community.
● Are comfortable using music and the visual arts in their teaching–a bonus if you play a “song-leading” instrument! (desired but not required)
● Appreciate children as spiritual and creative individuals with confidence in their capabilities, competence, and curiosity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:
● Developing and implementing a compelling vision for Jewish life at Mirowitz, aligning it with the school's ethos and values. (desired but not required)
● Being a robust Jewish role model for all our students and faculty.
● Documenting, reviewing, and supporting the implementation of a comprehensive and engaging curriculum for Jewish Studies, ensuring alignment with educational standards and the unique needs of Mirowitz students.
● Integrating innovative teaching methodologies and resources to make the learning dynamic and relevant.
● Collaborating with colleagues to align and integrate Jewish Studies learning with other subjects, fostering interdisciplinary connections. (desired but not required)
● Fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment that centers student inquiry and voice.
● Designing and executing engaging activities that encourage observation, questioning, and investigation.
● Providing instruction to groups and individual students, setting clear and measurable lesson objectives.
● Maintaining regular and effective communication with parents/guardians and staff.
● Collaborating closely with fellow teachers, specialists, and administrators to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive educational experience.
● Collaborating with colleagues to develop curriculum and educational programming. (desired but not required)
● Supporting Jewish content of informal education/immersive learning/field trip programming–including supporting our programs’ abilities to maintain kashrut while staying in accommodations that lack kosher cooking facilities. (desired but not required)
● Lead Jewish learning for staff. (desired but not required)
● Connecting and collaborating with other faith and lay leaders from communities in and around Saint LOuis to build resilience and cultural competency within our Mirowitz students, staff, and community. Qualification Requirements
● Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a related subject from an accredited university, Master's or advanced degree, and/or teaching certificate preferred.
● Knowledge of Bible/Liturgies/Rabbinic literature, Jewish holidays, and Jewish Practices.
● Creative problem-solver with the ability to envision new traditions and programs.
● Ability with Biblical and Rabbinic texts (primarily Mishnah and Halakhic literature) in their languages of origin.
● Ability to lead both more traditional and creative prayer experiences.
● Knowledge of and commitment…