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