Part-Time Early Childhood Movement Teacher

Our Vision at the May Family Nursery School

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 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.

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/.

Description:

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Preschool Movement Educator to join our team who will provide direct gross motor instruction to preschool students (ages 2-5) following a play-based model. The teacher will help enhance students' physical movement through the use of various skill-based and creative activities by preparing rotating stations that align to the curriculum, modifying, adapting and planning for differentiation to accommodate the needs and interests of learners of diverse abilities.

We are looking for a movement teacher who is creative, flexible, and has a growth mindset. He or she should be eager to learn and contribute as a willing team player to establishing a warm and dynamic learning environment.

Reports to:

Early Childhood Director

Department:

May Family Nursery School

Hours:

Part-Time – Academic year from September to May
Monday and Tuesday, from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Essential Duties/Key Responsibilities:

Guide preschoolers as they develop a range of movements to enhance physical control, body awareness, balance, symmetry, and aesthetic appreciation.
Differentiate learning for age-appropriate cognitive and physical abilities (as well as interests) of 2s, 3s, and 4s with a mindset of growth over time; modify instruction based on students’ needs/abilities.
Plan, set-up and facilitate movement rotation activities for every class weekly.
Rotate and organize gross motor equipment for effective use.
Establish a cooperative working relationship with teachers, administrators, and other building staff, and communicate with classroom teachers regarding individual needs of students.
Provide a holistic approach to physical movement through imagination, mobility games, obstacle courses, dance, etc. in order to build strength and flexibility, proprioception, receptive language needed to follow directions (one-, two-, and/or three-step), and enhance kinesthetic learning.
Provide classes which allow children to learn vocabulary including body parts, pace, and other descriptive aspects for movement.
Encourage cultural expression through dance, music, and the stories of Jewish holidays in collaboration with classroom teachers.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in education, arts, or related field.
Experience working with preschoolers.
Experience teaching movement (dance will be considered).

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 salary range for this position is $50.00 to $60.00/hour.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a resume, along with a cover letter and three references addressed to Cindy Grebow, Early Childhood Director, at [email protected]
Please reference the job title “Early Childhood Movement Teacher” in the subject line of your email. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.