Director Of Jewish Life Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School

Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School is a pluralistic Jewish independent school for kindergarten through eighth grade. It offers a fully integrated general and Jewish studies curriculum that stimulates young minds and inspires students to become independent thinkers, creative learners, and proud, knowledgeable, and compassionate Jewish leaders.

The Director of Jewish Life and Learning will be a creative, collaborative force who works directly with students from all grade levels, serves on the senior administrative team, documents Judaics curriculum across grades, collaborates on experiential and place-based learning experiences, and helps set and maintain policies and practices that contribute to a warm and joyous intentionally pluralistic Jewish learning environment.

We value professionals who:

Spark students’ enthusiasm, joy, and curiosity for Jewish learning.
Establish strong rapport with students, colleagues, and parents.
Articulate clear student learning targets and support Judaics teachers on the team in doing the same.
Implement and support the implementation of engaging lessons that stretch students to their potential.
Regularly assess individual students’ progress to create well-targeted, transformative educational experiences.
Model engaged, curious, and thoughtful Jewish living.
Understand and appreciate diverse expressions of Judaism in our pluralistic community.
Are comfortable using music and the visual arts in their teaching–a bonus if you play a “song-leading” instrument!
Appreciate children as spiritual and creative individuals with confidence in their capabilities, competence, and curiosity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

Developing and implementing a compelling vision for Jewish life at Mirowitz, aligning it with the school's ethos and values.
Being a robust Jewish role model for all our students and faculty.
Documenting, reviewing, and supporting the implementation of a comprehensive and engaging curriculum for Jewish Studies, ensuring alignment with educational standards and the unique needs of Mirowitz students.
Integrating innovative teaching methodologies and resources to make the learning dynamic and relevant.
Collaborating with colleagues to align and integrate Jewish Studies learning with other subjects, fostering interdisciplinary connections.
Continuing to develop a meaningful and pluralistic Tefilah (prayer) curriculum, fostering a deep connection to Jewish traditions and spirituality.
Infusing creativity into Tefilah experiences, making them accessible and inspiring for students of varying backgrounds and flavors of observance.
Fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment that centers student inquiry and voice.
Designing and executing engaging activities that encourage observation, questioning, and investigation.
Providing instruction to groups and individual students, setting clear and measurable lesson objectives.
Maintaining regular and effective communication with parents/guardians and staff.
Collaborating closely with fellow teachers, specialists, and administrators to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive educational experience.
Maintaining professional excellence by participating in in-services and actively pursuing professional growth opportunities.
Collaborating with colleagues to develop curriculum and educational programming.
Supporting Jewish content of informal education/immersive learning/field trip programming–including supporting our programs’ abilities to maintain kashrut while staying in accommodations that lack kosher cooking facilities.
Lead Jewish learning for staff.
Facilitate conversations and education about Israel.
Overseeing Hebrew and Israel education in partnership with the program coordinator.
Overseeing the rituals and celebration of Jewish/Israeli holidays, including schedules, resources needed, and training for faculty.
Connecting and collaborating with other faith and lay leaders from communities in and around Saint LOuis to build resilience and cultural competency within our Mirowitz students, staff, and community.

Qualification Requirements

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a related subject from an accredited university, Master's or advanced degree, and/or teaching certificate preferred.
Knowledge of Bible/Liturgies/Rabbinic literature, Jewish holidays, and Jewish

Practices.

Creative problem-solver with the ability to envision new traditions and programs.
Ability with Biblical and Rabbinic texts (primarily Mishnah and Halakhic literature) in their languages of origin.
Ability to lead both more traditional and creative prayer experiences.
Knowledge of and commitment to Jewish pluralism as foundational to Jewish learning.
Ability to represent the school in the larger community in a compelling and charismatic manner that reflects the values, culture, and excellence of the school.
At least three years of teaching experience.
Proficiency/familiarity with Google Suite is required; experience with relational databases (FACTS, or comparable) is desired.

Compensation

Salary is competitive with area independent schools and commensurate with experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits are part of the employment package. Funding exists to support continuing education and professional development. Financial benefits include tuition remission for children of full-time employees.

DEI Philosophy Statement

At Mirowitz, we recognize that the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion is deeply rooted in our work as Jewish educators. Our tradition teaches us the value of kavod habriyot, respect for the sacred diversity of all of God’s creations. Our core Jewish values of kavod (respect), hakarat hatov (recognition of the good), limmud (learning), and tikkun (commitment to repair) guide our work in building empathy, promoting sacred diversity of identities, and both studying and committing ourselves to repair of social inequities that have historically stemmed from these differences. We believe in the dignity and worth of every person regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, or any other individual characteristic.