Benefits:
Free food & snacks
Health insurance
Paid time off
EARLY CHILDHOOD LEAD TEACHER 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel (BZBI) is a warm and welcoming conservative synagogue located in Center City Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse area. Our Early Childhood Education program is a Reggio-Emilia-inspired school with 6 classes of students between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old. We are seeking a full-time Lead Teacher to join our team for the 2023-24 school year. The Lead Teacher reports to the Director of Early Childhood Education.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Co-construct learning with students and respect students as independent learners
Provide leadership in the classroom to ensure that the teaching team adheres to the program philosophy, licensing guidelines, and policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain open and responsive communication with parents, including via email, app, and with meetings as needed.
Post daily pictures and descriptions of classroom experiences on our communication app.
Document and assess student progress as required
Schedule and facilitate bi-annual parent teacher conferences and complete annual progress reports for each child.
Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum planning and nurturing emergent learning with an emphasis on Jewish values and ritual. Judaic knowledge a plus but not required. Must be open to learning about and supporting Jewish content and practice.
Utilize planning time along with the teaching team to prepare the learning space and conduct parent communication
Share responsibility in maintaining materials, classroom space, and indoor play space
Respond to the individual and developmental needs of each child and engage with children in a positive manner using appropriate language and a calm demeanor
Promote children’s self-esteem and encourage independence with appropriate expectations
Support children in conflict resolution and set appropriate behavioral expectations aligned with our philosophy
Help support an environment that is void of stereotyping, labeling, and diagnosing children
Adhere to all health and safety guidelines as required by Title 55 PA State Code Chapter 3270
Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children and ensure they are safe and accounted for at all times
Follow appropriate protocols when handling grievances with colleagues or families and concerns about children’s health or safety
Model behavior and language that respects and values individual and cultural differences of children, families, and colleagues
Refrain from practices that discriminate against colleagues, families, and children because of sex, race, national origin, religious beliefs or other affiliations, age, marital status/family structure, disability, or sexual orientation.
Communicate directly and kindly with colleagues when conflict arises; seek assistance from supervisors when guidance is needed. Refrain from discussing concerns in front of children. Recognize that mutual respect with colleagues is key to our program’s success
Exhibit willingness and flexibility and strive to assume a fair share of work
Follow appropriate protocol and supervisory approval when communicating absences, emergencies, lateness, or schedule changes
Display willingness to perform other duties as necessary to ensure program compliance and quality of services to children and families
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
AA, BA, or MA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field preferred
Two years prior experience in a preschool classroom
Familiarity and/or interest in working in a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool setting
Willingness to engage in Jewish learning around culture, holidays, and values with colleagues and with children
Willingness to obtain or present the required certificates: Mandated Reporter, Infant/Child CPR and First Aid, DHS Required Health and Safety Training, Fire Safety Training
Willingness to complete new staff orientation and required professional development
Willingness to obtain two written letters of recommendation from non-related references
Proficiency in verbal and written communication including basic computer/technology skills
Ability to lift and carry children up to 70 lbs.
COMPENSATION and BENEFITS
Starting at $22.50/hour
Paid legal holidays and Jewish holidays
Paid sick leave
Health/Dental Insurance, FSA, and Retirement Plans
MUST SEND COVER LETTER AND RESUME
To apply for the early childhood teacher position, please send resume and cover letter to ECDirector@bzbi.org