Lower School General Studies Teacher

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility.

POSITION SUMMARY
Sinai Akiba Academy is seeking engaging, creative, and experienced team members to join our Lower School teaching team. General Studies Teachers are assigned one class in a particular Lower School grade, ranging from kindergarten through 5th grade. Teachers in this role lead students through inquiry and learning in mathematics, language arts, and social studies and also oversee students’ social-emotional learning, utilizing Responsive Classroom and RULER as a foundation.  Lower School General Studies Teachers plan and implement the curriculum using a variety of teaching approaches, involving both whole class and small group lessons that meet the needs of the students. At their core function, Lower School General Studies teachers encourage and support student-driven learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Model and demonstrate Sinai Akiba’s Core Values of: Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) as reflected on the School’s website at https://www.sinaiakiba.org/about/mission-and-values.
• The roles and responsibilities of this position are inherently religious in nature and play a vital role in executing the Temple’s religious mission.
• Practice effective and supportive classroom teaching, innovative lesson planning, and dynamic assessment of student progress in line with Sinai Akiba’s educational philosophy and Core Values, enriched by differences and informed through inquiry, critical thinking and active student engagement.
• Plan, document, and teach engaging curriculum and manage the overall implementation of assigned classes.
• Communicate effectively and thoughtfully with students, parents, and colleagues regarding classroom updates, student progress and any other pertinent School information through various avenues including email, weekly newsletters, phone conversations, in-person or virtual meetings.
• Motivate and nurture the academic, personal, emotional, and social progress of students.
• Differentiate curriculum and pedagogical practices to appropriately challenge a wide variety of learning styles and abilities to meet and exceed grade-level standards.
• Engage students in RULER, social-emotional learning including, but not limited to, SEL check-ins, reflections, and conflict resolution practices.
• Conduct meetings with parents/families and students through conferences (as scheduled and as needed) and plan for and lead parent-teacher conferences.
• Teach all assigned sections and subjects as assigned by Division Director not to exceed a full load as defined by School including instructional time, preparation time, co-curricular and supervision responsibility time.
• Fulfill regular administrative tasks including, but not limited to, timely completion and correction of attendance, timely grade reporting and completion of progress and report cards with thoughtful and individualized narrative comments.
• Engage in active supervision strategies including but not limited to interacting with students, scanning, consistently observing student behaviors during educational, lunch and recess times.
• Actively support student arrival and dismissal processes utilizing best safety practices as assigned by supervisor, and/or Head of School or designee.
• Attend all faculty, In-Service, departmental, and professional development meetings as directed by supervisor, and/or Head of School or designee.
• Attend and actively engage in various activities as designated by School administration, including, but not limited to, workshops, open houses, back-to-school nights, cultural projects, community gatherings, holiday celebrations at Sinai Temple and/or School.
• Organize, plan and chaperone day and/or overnight field trips as directed by supervisor, and/or Head of School or designee.
• Conduct admission and placement assessments for prospective students, when applicable and available.
  Prepare adequately for responsibilities to be assumed when absent (lesson plans).
• Act as a substitute teacher for School colleagues in Lower School or Middle School for a scheduled or unscheduled faculty absence, as needed or directed by supervisor, and/or Head of School or designee.
  For Middle School Teachers and Specialists, act as a Middle School advisor, elective teacher, and/or weekly specialty class teacher, as needed, by supervisor, and/or Head of School or designee.
• As directed by supervisor, chaperone overnight field trips and ensure student safety and engagement throughout.
• As directed by supervisor, attend assessment days, host students on visiting days, and generally support the admissions process.
• Learn, use, and apply technology as required by School to enhance learning, provide feedback to students and parents, and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to JagNet, Google Workspace, Paylocity, and any other School approved software.
• Engage in and support other assignments and duties as directed by supervisor, and/or Head of School or designee.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and move objects of up to 20 pounds.
• Substantial time spent standing, kneeling, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, and moving up and down stairs. Responsibilities include moving quickly with children. The position also requires being able to set up and move classroom equipment, including large items such as children's desks and chairs may require setting and resetting.
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in a Lower School setting - Independent school experience is preferred
• Experience working with a wide range of students, teachers, and families of diverse backgrounds
• Experience with Google Suite (Google Calendar, Google Docs, uploading and downloading digital resources)
  Solid experience with educational technology platforms
• Experience with differentiated instruction and inclusive educational practices
• Desire to continue learning in the areas of pedagogical practice
• Familiarity with educational technology and innovative teaching methodologies
• Strong work ethic, collaborative skills, flexibility, and sense of humor, with high emotional intelligence
  
  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary Range: $58,000-115,000
• Excellent benefit package with a portion of medical paid by SAA
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 403b and employer funded retirement plans
• Professional development opportunities
  

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the base annual salary range for this position: $58,000 - $115,000. Annual base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final annual base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full annual base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume for consideration to Lauren Dolinka, Lower School Director, at ldolinka@sinaiakiba.org. 

Sinai Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.