What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School General Studies Teacher Grades 1-5 position at Charles E Smith Jewish Day School?
The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, a pluralistic community Jewish day school, seeks qualified candidates to fill potential openings for the position of Lower School General Studies Teacher in grades 1-5 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
All General studies teachers at CESJDS instruct students in the curricular areas of reading, writing, and social studies. General studies teachers in grades 1-5 may also teach mathematics.
In grades 1-5, our reading and writing curricula are based in the structured literacy approach as well as current best practices in reading and writing. Our math program is built around hands-on investigative units, also in a workshop environment. Candidates with experience in these methodologies are highly desirable.
Candidates will possess the following skills in and dispositions toward education:
Work Environment
All General studies teachers at CESJDS instruct students in the curricular areas of reading, writing, and social studies. General studies teachers in grades 1-5 may also teach mathematics.
In grades 1-5, our reading and writing curricula are based in the structured literacy approach as well as current best practices in reading and writing. Our math program is built around hands-on investigative units, also in a workshop environment. Candidates with experience in these methodologies are highly desirable.
Candidates will possess the following skills in and dispositions toward education:
- a passion for education
- a palpable love for and warmth with students
- a “whole-child” approach to teaching and learning that focuses on growth in academic, social-emotional, physical, and spiritual domains
- a progressive approach to education that includes expertise in differentiation of instruction for enriched, grade level, and supported students
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- strong proactive positive classroom management skills
- skills to create a joyful, interactive, and engaging learning environment
- comfort with pro-active parent collaboration
- experience with teaching through digital platforms (Microsoft Outlook, Google Docs, Schoology, SeeSaw, etc.) and integrating technology into typical classroom teaching practice
- interest in positively partnering with colleagues within and across subject disciplines to plan and develop curriculum
- a commitment to fostering an inclusive and communal learning environment
- openness to professional reflection and feedback
- Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or a related field required with a Master’s degree preferred
- a minimum of 1-3 years of successful, formal lead-teaching experience in a public or independent school.
Work Environment
- In accordance with the School's duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, the School has adopted a mandatory Vaccination Policy to safeguard the health of our employees and their families and the community at large from infectious diseases such as the flu, which may be reduced by annual vaccinations. This policy complies with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities, as applicable.