Jewish Studies / Judaic Studies Teacher (Part-Time)

Davis Chicago•Chicago, IL

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Davis School Chicago is hiring a part-time founding Jewish Studies Teacher for its college-preparatory high school, which is opening in fall 2027 in downtown Chicago. The teacher will deliver engaging, rigorous, student-centered instruction in Principles of Jewish Learning and its Honors variant, forming the ninth-grade foundation of a four-year Jewish Studies sequence. Courses are taught in English, with placement intended to challenge students appropriately across a wide range of Jewish educational backgrounds. The teacher will develop students’ textual skills, interpretive habits, and ownership of the Jewish bookshelf by teaching Tanakh and rabbinic sources with rigor and connecting learning to students’ lives, questions, and identities. As a founding faculty member, the teacher will help shape curriculum, establish traditions, contribute to school Jewish life, and collaborate with colleagues to create an integrated educational experience. The role also includes student mentorship, family communication, assessment and feedback, participation in school programming, and community-building activities as scoped for a part-time position. The position reports to the Principal. Compensation is anticipated at $13,000–$18,000 per section per year, with the number of sections agreed annually according to the master schedule. Paid leave and paid sick leave accrue as required by law; the position is not eligible for the school’s benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Deep grounding in Tanakh and rabbinic literature.
Ability to teach courses in English.
Evidence of teenagers developing a love of serious Jewish learning in the candidate’s classroom.
Ability to provide rigorous, text-rich Jewish learning in English and teach students across a range of Jewish backgrounds without reducing rigor.
Ability to assess student growth and provide usable feedback.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred in Jewish Education, Judaic Studies, Jewish Studies, Rabbinics, or a related field.
Hebrew proficiency preferred.
Three or more years of secondary teaching experience (grades 6–12) preferred.
High school teaching experience (grades 9–12) highly preferred.
Experience in Jewish day school, Jewish communal, or faith-based education preferred.
Experience with educational technology, innovative teaching approaches, and building programs or traditions from the ground up.

Responsibilities

Teach assigned sections of Principles of Jewish Learning, including the Honors variant.
Design and implement engaging, text-based lessons that teach students to read, question, and interpret Tanakh and rabbinic sources rigorously.
Teach Jewish text skills in English and build interpretive habits that support students through the Jewish Studies sequence.
Differentiate instruction for students with a wide range of Jewish educational backgrounds.
Use inquiry-based learning, chavruta study, analytical writing, discussion, research, projects, and immersive or experiential approaches where they deepen mastery.
Connect Jewish learning to students’ lives, questions, identities, and the diversity of Jewish thought.
Integrate Jewish history, ethics, Israel, and contemporary Jewish issues into instruction where relevant to the text.
Use educational technology and innovative teaching methods to support student engagement and achievement.
Assess student progress using formative and summative measures, provide timely and meaningful feedback, and develop authentic assessments of growth and mastery.
Collaborate with the Dean of Jewish Life & Studies on the vertically aligned Jewish Studies curriculum and placement mechanism.
Foster a classroom culture of curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual challenge.
Build strong relationships with students, serve as a trusted mentor and advisor, and support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Encourage student leadership, confidence, and participation in Jewish life at school.
Contribute to the school’s Jewish culture and mission and partner with colleagues on school-wide Jewish programming, celebrations, and community initiatives.
Create opportunities for students to engage with Jewish learning beyond the classroom and serve as an ambassador for Jewish learning in the school and broader community.
Showcase student achievement through presentations, learning events, and public celebrations of Torah.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events as scoped for a part-time role.
Help moderate student clubs and activities where scope allows.
Communicate regularly and effectively with families about student progress and learning goals.
Collaborate across departments, including with Hebrew and humanities colleagues, on interdisciplinary learning.
Partner with faculty and school leadership on school goals, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.