EARLY CHILDHOOD LEAD TEACHER 2023-24 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