BETH EL TEMPLE CENTER
Belmont, MA
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Beth El Temple Center is a congregation of approximately 350 families, affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Located in Belmont, Massachusetts, Beth El Temple Center serves many of the surrounding communities including Arlington, Cambridge, Watertown, Lexington, and Somerville. Beth El has a strong egalitarian tradition and welcomes Jews and their families who want to be a part of our Jewish community. We are committed to celebrating diversity and we strive to offer a place for learning and living Torah, for helping repair the world, for helping to create a supportive and loving community, and for nurturing the soul. The Greater Boston Jewish Community is strong, providing rich collegial networks and generative resources for congregants and staff.
As a member of the professional staff, the Director of Education will partner with the Rabbi, Associate Rabbi, Cantor, and lay leaders to develop an educational vision and programming that supports lifelong learning for everyone in our community. In addition, our Director of Education will work with those partners to develop and implement a strategic vision for the BETC Religious School that addresses Jewish education and learning for students and families for the 21st century.
Beth El Temple Center is looking for a Jewish Educational Leader who is seeking an opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, students, and faculty to build on the strengths of our current educational model, while reimagining and redesigning the program to create thriving and robust Jewish education opportunities for all learners.
The Director of Education works under the direct supervision of the Rabbi, alongside our Associate Rabbi, and with the Religious School Committee for ongoing parent input and volunteer support.
The core responsibilities of the Director of Education include:
Leadership
In coordination with the other professional staff, who are also experienced educators, and lay partners, develop and implement a vision for Jewish education for our entire congregation, from students in our Rishonim class through our Adult Learning programming
Align the vision, annual themes, and curricula with the Temple’s mission and best Jewish educational practices and trends
Collaborate with the Chairperson of the Religious School Committee to set the agenda for the committee's work, helping to lead the meetings and partnering with the committee to articulate and implement a shared vision, educational policies and other recommendations.
Participate in professional development opportunities that promote personal growth in Jewish knowledge, professional skills and spiritual depth
Administration of the Religious School
In collaboration with the Associate Rabbi, oversee the operation of all aspects of the Religious School as well as family education and other programs; this includes creating the schedule for students and teachers, yearly calendar for the school, and a system for report card completion and distribution
In collaboration with the Associate Rabbi, recruit, hire, mentor, and supervise Religious School employees and student volunteers
Develop and oversee the Religious School budget
Provide guidance, expertise, and personalized support to students/families with special educational needs and oversee the implementation of classroom modifications and accommodations for students, as needed
As of this year, our Sunday School (grades Pre-K-7) meets from 9-11:30am. Hebrew School (grades 3-7) meets on Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00 pm and Confirmation (grades 8-10) meets on Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 pm, with Post-Confirmation (grades 11-12) from 6:30-8:00 pm
Design and Supervision of Educational Programs
Along with the Associate Rabbi, support our strong lay-led Adult Learning Team leaders in the design and implementation of a robust program of adult Jewish learning for our congregation
In collaboration with the Associate Rabbi, design the Religious School curriculum, including Sunday School, Hebrew School, Confirmation/Post-Confirmation curricula, family education programs, school-wide holiday observances and informal education programs (e.g., retreats and field trips)
Build a learning community with faculty and student assistants including ongoing professional development opportunities that match identified professional learning goals
Collaborate with the Youth Committee to hire and supervise youth advisors in creating a vibrant youth community that includes Jr. BEFTY (grades 6-7) and BEFTY (grades 8-12) and also in implementing informal Jewish educational experiences
Salary + Benefits:
$80,000-$105,000; additional compensation based on Skills/Experience
A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including:
-4 weeks paid vacation time
-10 days paid sick time
-paid federal holidays and paid Jewish holidays when the temple is closed
-annual professional development allowance
-health and dental insurance
-pension program
-disability insurance
-Temple membership, including religious school tuition
-one-time moving expenses will be considered where applicable
An ideal candidate for this position possesses strong administrative and organizational skills, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and, of course, strong knowledge and love of Judaism. They should understand the worldview and values of Reform Judaism and be an enthusiastic advocate for both. Candidates should have experience developing and implementing creative curricula and special learning programs, evaluating educational programs, and supervising teachers and student aides. Ideally, candidates should have experience in synagogue life, in Jewish Educational Leadership, and in
Instructional Leadership. This position includes weekend and evening hours. The particular duties of the Director of Education will be more fully discussed during the hiring process and are reevaluated regularly as part of our annual mutual review process.
Candidates for this position should have at least a BA/BS in a related field. Masters degree preferred.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to: eddirectorsearch@betheltemplecenter.org