Schnitzer Family Campus Is Hiring A Hebrew & Jewish Studies Teacher

Join Our Team as a Hebrew & Jewish Studies Teacher 🌟

Empower students through engaging Jewish education within a vibrant, inclusive community at Portland Jewish Academy.

Position Overview

Job Title: Hebrew & Jewish Studies Teacher

Reports To: Director of Jewish Life

About Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) ✡️

At PJA, we provide an academically rigorous, values-based education that nurtures the social, emotional, and spiritual growth of children from infants through eighth grade. Our community day school welcomes students and families from all backgrounds, fostering Jewish engagement and cultivating a deep sense of belonging in a warm and inclusive environment.

Guided by our middot (values) and mission, we are dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. With Jewish life at our heart, we aspire to foster a genuine sense of belonging for all community members, honoring the expansive diversity of human experience.

Position Details

This role can be structured as part-time (0.5 FTE) or full-time, based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and interests. Employees working 0.7 FTE or more are eligible for medical benefits. All staff receive paid time off, including PTO, sick leave, and up to 24 holidays along with spring and winter breaks. Benefits also include free membership to the MJCC (www.oregonjcc.org) and discounts on tuition and camps for their children.

Job Summary 🎯

The Hebrew and Jewish Studies Teacher designs and delivers a dynamic Jewish education program that aligns with PJA’s mission and values, supporting diverse learners. Candidates should demonstrate a strong engagement with Jewish texts—including TaNaKh, tefilah, and rabbinics—and leverage these as foundational tools for positive Jewish engagement.

The ideal candidate will create a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment that sparks curiosity, confidence, and a profound understanding of Jewish culture and texts. They will attend to the academic, social, and emotional development of students through engaging, student-centered learning experiences that promote critical thinking and growth.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties 📋

• Design and execute an instructional program consistent with PJA’s philosophy, tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Deliver engaging Hebrew and Jewish studies lessons for assigned classes.
• Utilize various tools and strategies to differentiate instruction, support learners of different backgrounds, and promote equity and access.
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to create interdisciplinary and integrated learning experiences.
• Assess student learning through formative and summative methods, providing timely and meaningful feedback.
• Engage in effective communication with students, families, and staff about curriculum, progress, and needs.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to a reflective teaching community.

Qualifications & Skills ✅

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience, ideally in progressive or independent schools
• Deep understanding of Jewish culture and middot
• Knowledge of adolescent development and a commitment to whole-child education
• A strong dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with ability to incorporate these into curriculum and community
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Reflective, curious, and growth-minded educator who values student-centered, justice-oriented learning

Additional Requirements 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

This position involves extended periods of sitting or standing in the classroom, proficiency in digital tools for curriculum planning, and the ability to move throughout the school building. Responsibilities may include supervising students and occasionally lifting or moving classroom materials to maintain an organized, conducive learning environment.

Our Commitment to Equity 🤝

Portland Jewish Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, developing, and promoting the most qualified individuals. Our employment practices are based solely on skills and qualifications.

We ensure a workplace free from discrimination and harassment based on characteristics protected by law, including race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and more. We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to support their success, where possible without undue hardship.