EARLY CHILDHOOD LEAD TEACHER

Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel

EARLY CHILDHOOD LEAD TEACHER

Philadelphia, PA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    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