POSTED ON May 23, 2024

Part-Time Central Tots Teacher

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Our Vision:

Central Synagogue is one of the leading and largest Reform congregations in the country. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Central’s reach includes more than 2,800 member families, a livestream community numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and more than 800 students, from birth to twelfth grade, in the Nursery and Religious schools.  It has long played a significant role in the national Reform movement and is known for its innovation and leadership in worship, leading to a greatly expanded audience over the last two decades.

Central Synagogue works toward a world in which Judaism is core to the lives of Central members and Jews everywhere and is a profound and positive force for humanity. Central continually redefines what it means to be Jewish today, both within the Synagogue community and far beyond the Synagogue’s walls. The diverse clergy and professional team work hard, in collaboration with lay leadership, to build deep and enduring relationships among Central members, creating a caring, dynamic, and joyful community.  

Central Synagogue is an inclusive and welcoming community. The Synagogue encourages participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of its sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Central is committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community.   

The Synagogue is well-resourced, has over 100 staff, and is governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees. To learn more, please visit https://www.www.centralsynagogue.org/.  

Our Vision at Central Synagogue’s Central Tots Program:

Early childhood is a magical time of discovery for children and their parents. At Central Synagogue, one of the largest Reform congregations in North America located in Midtown Manhattan, we provide children and their grown-ups with rich learning and growth experiences that establish them as lifelong learners and celebratory experiences that connect them to the joys of Judaism through an exploration of values, traditions, and rituals.

Reports to:

Director of Family Engagement and Central Tots

Department:

Youth & Family Engagement

Hours:

Part-Time; 10-month position from September to June; hours of employment will be as follows: Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM. This position is fully in person.  

Start Date:

September 2024

Job Summary:

The Central Tots Teacher is a member of the Central Synagogue’s Early Childhood Department and shares in the education, care, and well-being of his or her assigned groups of students and families. The Central Tots Teacher generally teaches 1-2 classes each morning. Each class consists of approximately up to 10 children and every child is accompanied by a grown-up, either a parent or a caregiver. Under the guidance of the Director of Family Engagement and Central Tots and co-teacher, the Central Tots teacher is required to implement planned curriculum, communicate with families and to uphold the objectives and overall philosophy of the Central Synagogue Early Childhood Department. The Central Tots Teacher works closely with their co-teacher and reports to the Director of Family Engagement and Central Tots.

Essential Duties/Key Responsibilities:

• Manages all aspects of daily classroom life, including health and safety of all students, establishment of comfortable classroom routines and transitions, and developmentally appropriate curriculum that excites children about learning and prepares them for the next step in their education.
• Plans and implements activities to support and foster positive self-esteem, social skills, developmental growth, and independence for all students.
• Communicates, and partners with, parents and caregivers concerning topics of child-development as well as classroom routines and activities.
• Works collaboratively with teaching team and administrators.
• Incorporates Shabbat, Jewish holiday celebrations, and Jewish values, customs, traditions, and rituals into the classroom.

  Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; major in education or related field desirable
• Teaching experience in early childhood classrooms or setting with young children
• Successful candidate must possess the ability to interpret and translate policy and procedure clearly, and in a personable and patient manner. 
• Must be professional and mature with demonstrated ability to lead, cooperate in a team atmosphere
• Must have a proactive attitude, and a strong work ethic. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills a must.

Other Duties:

Please note that the above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

The expected range for this position is $38.00 to $40.00/hour.  In this position, you are compensated for actual days/hours worked while school is in session.   The fee rate is commensurate with experience based on several factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.  The above range represents the Synagogue’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation range at the time of posting.

Additional Information: 

Central Synagogue requires all staff members (full-time AND part-time) to (a) provide proof of vaccination and booster against COVID-19 or (b) obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation.  If you are offered employment this requirement must be met by your hire date unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved. 

Application Process:

• To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter and three references addressed to Director of Engagement at [email protected].
• Please reference the job title, Central Tots Teacher, in the subject line of your email. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.