Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility.

POSITION SUMMARYSinai Akiba Academy is seeking an engaging, creative, and experienced Jewish Education teacher to join our Lower School teaching team. Jewish Education teachers are assigned two classes in Lower School, not necessarily in the same grade, ranging from kindergarten through 8th grade, and in some cases, an additional Hebrew language course at a particular level. Teachers in this role lead students through inquiry and learning in Torah, Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, Israel, and Jewish history. They also support students’ social-emotional learning, utilizing Responsive Classroom and RULER as a foundation. Kinder-8th Grade Jewish Education teachers plan and implement the curriculum using a variety of teaching approaches, involving both whole class and small group lessons that meet the needs of the students. At their core function, Jewish Education teachers encourage and support student-driven learning and support students’ curiosity, collaboration, and critical-thinking. This is a full-time, exempt position.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Teaching & Learning
● Plan, supervise and implement curriculum as a lead classroom teacher
● Work in partnership and collaborate with other teachers, educators, parents and specialists to develop curriculum, meet the needs of all students, plan field trips, and coordinate special projects and performances
● Ensure teaching and learning is developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and engaging to students
● Plan and teach classes and any Jewish Education celebrations/presentations as designated by the Director of Jewish Education
● Prepare lessons, units, and projects to meet learning objectives aligned to the scope and sequence outlined by the school
● Establish and communicate clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects to students and families
● Create, assign, and assess various formative and summative assessments for students to promote a culture of feedback and track and evaluate student academic progress
● Work with students in various settings, including whole groups, small groups, and one-on-one
● Proactively inform the Educational Administrative Team whenever there are significant changes with a student and/or family, including learning goals, strengths, and growth areas
● Partner with the Educational Administrative Team to build and implement Student Support Plans

Classroom Management and Culture
● Establish and uphold classroom norms and expectations, systems, and routines, to create a positive and safe classroom culture
● Create a culture of support and accountability with student behavior within the classroom by providing clear expectations, logical consequences, and opportunities to reflect and repair
● Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet students' diverse interests and learning styles

Parent/Guardian Partnership
● Establish a professional and cordial relationship with families focused on timely feedback on student progress (academic and social-emotional)
● Work and communicate effectively with parents in formal and informal conferences, written reports (semester report cards), weekly newsletters, and other school approved channels
● Seek help from the Educational Administrative Team when additional support or guidance is needed

Additional Non-Teaching Responsibilities
● Collaborate with colleagues to fulfill the School's Mission and Core Values
● Attend and participate actively in all meetings and Staffulty workdays
● Attend school assemblies, gatherings, and functions and daily tefillot services
● Participate in school committees
● Perform duties as designated by the Director of Jewish Education, including but not limited to arrival, dismissal, lunch, substitute coverage, and recess duties
● Perform all required administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner, including, but not limited to, HR training, progress reports, etc.
● Be a positive and contributing member of the Sinai Akiba Academy & Sinai Temple Community

DESIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES● Desire to teach elementary and/or middle school-aged students and appreciation for this age group
● Ability to speak, read and teach Hebrew
● Comprehensive and expansive understanding of curriculum and best practices of education:
○ The arc of child development
○ Classroom management
○ RULER
○ Differentiated instruction
○ Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage the classroom and student behavior patiently and effectively
○ Active listening skills to understand and adapt to students’ various learning needs
● Ability to effectively communicate with others and clearly express complex ideas
○ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
○ Strong oral presentation skills to students and families
● Excellent organization and time management skills with attention to detail
● Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations
● Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
● Strong technology skills to present creative lessons leveraging technology to enhance student learning as well as manage other administrative tasks (attendance, grading, email communication, assessment)

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS● Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
● A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in a Lower School setting
○ Independent school experience is preferred
● Experience working with a wide range of students, teachers, and families of diverse backgrounds
● Experience with Google Suite (Google Calendar, Google Docs, uploading and downloading digital resources
● Solid experience with educational technology platforms
● Experience with differentiated instruction and inclusive educational practices
● Desire to continue learning in the areas of pedagogical practice
● Familiarity with educational technology and innovative teaching methodologies
● Strong work ethic, collaborative skills, flexibility, and sense of humor, with high emotional intelligence

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS● Annual Salary Range: $70,000 - $115,000
● Excellent benefit package with a portion of medical paid by SAA
● Generous paid time off and holidays
● 403b and employer funded retirement plans
● Professional development opportunities

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the base annual salary range for this position: $70,000 - $115,000. Annual base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final annual base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full annual base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Applicants may submit their resume for consideration to Yael Mashbaum at ymashbaum@sinaiakiba.org.

Sinai Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws