Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School 

Director of Jewish Studies 

Chicago, IL

Salary: $125,000-$150,000

BACKGROUND

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century. From Early Childhood through Middle School, Bernard Zell inspires its students to love learning through innovative teaching and hands on exploration and discovery. As a pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied religious beliefs and observances. The school offers a 5:1 student-teacher ratio- the very lowest in the city- and combines Jewish learning and tradition with cutting-edge educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment.

For over 75 years, the faculty and staff at Bernard Zell have acted as the heart of the school. As an employee of Bernard Zell, the Director of Jewish Studies (DJS) will be joining a proactive Jewish community that is dedicated to its students and improving education. The school’s goal is to retain an amazing faculty that inspires and is committed to the school’s mission. Bernard Zell supports its faculty and staff by offering an environment that not only encourages them to excel, but also by providing generous salary and benefits packages that ensure they are set up for success. 

Bernard Zell enrolls approximately 380 students. The school is accredited by NAIS & Prizmah, and ISACS. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.bernardzell.org/

The Position

The Director of Jewish Studies is a passionate and experienced educator who will play a pivotal role in shaping the Jewish life and learning experience at Bernard Zell. This position requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of Jewish texts, pedagogy, and the contemporary Jewish world. The DJS will also bring love, connectedness, excitement, energy, motivation, inspiration and a commitment to Jewish pluralism to students and families. The DJS will work collaboratively with the Associate Head of School, division heads, and the Jewish Studies faculty to ensure a high-quality and engaging Jewish Studies program that inspires students and strengthens their connection to Judaism.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the school's Jewish Studies curriculum, ensuring alignment with best practices, the Bernard Zell Approach to Jewish Learning and Desired Outcomes, and the school's mission and values.

• Oversee the teaching and learning of Hebrew language, ensuring students develop strong communication skills in Hebrew including reading, writing, and speaking Hebrew as both a modern and heritage language.

• Collaborate with division heads and teachers to integrate Jewish learning across the curriculum and throughout the school day, ensuring a Jewish lens on students’ educational experiences.

• Guide the selection and implementation of high-quality Jewish Studies resources and materials.

• Prepare students for life as engaged and knowledgeable Jews by fostering a deep connection to Jewish traditions, values, and community.

Enhance education on Israel and antisemitism through thoughtful curriculum development, critical discussions, and exposure to diverse perspectives.

• Equip students to confidently engage with contemporary issues by developing their ability to analyze, articulate, and respond to global and local events through a Jewish and ethical lens.

• Develop and implement a vertically aligned curriculum to ensure continuity in learning from grade to grade, establishing clear competency-based objectives and progressive academic goals across the educational pathway, including differentiated learning experiences around annual holidays.

Jewish Life:

• Cultivate a vibrant and engaging Jewish life at BZ, creating opportunities for students, faculty, and families to connect with Jewish traditions, holidays, and values.

• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families and employees, across the spectrum of Jewish observance.

• Lead the school's Tefillah (prayer) program, ensuring meaningful and age-appropriate experiences for students across all grades.

• Guide the planning and implementation of Shabbatons, holiday celebrations, and other meaningful Jewish experiences, including Tiyul, the culminating 8th grade trip to Israel, and other grade-level trips.

• Partner with the Educational Administration team to integrate Jewish life and learning throughout the school year.

Leadership & Mentorship 

• Serve as a leader, coach, and mentor to the Jewish Studies faculty, providing professional development opportunities, supporting their growth, and fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Conduct regular observations and provide constructive feedback to Jewish Studies and Hebrew teachers.

• Support the recruitment, hiring, and retention of high-quality Jewish Studies and Hebrew teachers.

• Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team by providing a consistent voice and consultation to ensure the school's Jewish identity is represented across our program.

Parent & Community Education:

• Develop and implement programs for parents and the wider community that enhance Jewish learning and engagement.

• Partner with the Parent Teacher Council (PTC) and the Jewish Education for Families (JEFF) committee to create opportunities for families to deepen their Jewish knowledge and practice.

• Build relationships with local synagogues and other Jewish organizations to foster community partnerships.

Vision & Innovation:

• Continuously seek to innovate and improve the Jewish Studies program, staying abreast of current trends and best practices in Jewish education.

• Develop a long-term vision for Jewish Studies at BZ, ensuring the program remains relevant and engaging for students in today’s complicated climate and as students progress through divisions.

• Represent BZ at professional conferences and engage in ongoing professional development.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will have the following: 

• Bachelor's degree in Jewish Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience in a Jewish educational setting.

• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, instruction, and assessment.

• Strong leadership, mentorship, and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Deep knowledge of Jewish texts, history, and tradition.

• Proficiency in Hebrew language.

• Passion for Jewish education and a desire to inspire students.

• Commitment to the mission and values of BZ.

• Love for children and commitment to making decisions in their best interest. 

• Commitment to inclusiveness and diversity. 

WHO WE ARE

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Bernard Zell has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship.

Bernard Zell recruits, hires, and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students. 

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, including transfer compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship. Bernard Zell seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Bernard Zell offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive workplace culture. The salary range for this position is $125,000-$150,000.

TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS

If you are interested in this position, please click here. All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application. 

We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications outlined above. If you are selected to move forward for an initial screening call, we expect you to hear from us by the end of March.

Shanna Jadwin 

Talent Consultant

sjadwin@drgtalent.com

Tani Weissman

Partner

tweissman@drgtalent.com

Merav Schwartz

Associate Talent Consultant

mschwartz@drgtalent.com

Submit an application HERE.