Careers

Assistant Director of Admissions

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (JBHA) is a pluralistic Jewish day school for students in grades 6-12. Located in Bryn Mawr, PA (metropolitan Philadelphia), Barrack is the premier Jewish day school in the Delaware Valley, attracting students from Philadelphia and its suburbs, Allentown, southern New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. The school integrates a comprehensive and rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the teaching of essential Jewish and American values and texts. Guided by our four Derech Eretz values of Honor, Moral Courage, Kindness, and Community, Barrack values diversity, celebrates the richness of Judaism's language, culture, and history, and is strongly connected to Israel. Barrack prepares future leaders of the American, Jewish and global communities who work for a better world through acts of justice and compassion.

JBHA is seeking a full time Assistant Director of Admissions to help further broaden the base of student recruitment and grow our school’s enrollment. The Assistant Director of Admissions will be a key member of the Admissions team participating in all aspects of recruiting and the Admissions process from inquiry to matriculation.

The Assistant Director of Admissions, often the first person families meet, must be warm, welcoming, resourceful, and knowledgeable. We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative professional with excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Two or more years of experience in education or education administration, and proficiency with Google Suite and managing databases, is required. Independent school admissions experience is a plus.

More specifically, the Assistant Director of Admissions will:

Support all aspects of the Admissions process including handling of applications, communication with candidates and parents which includes interviews, testing, securing admission portfolio information, and communicating decisions to students and families.
Provide tours and guidance through the admissions process.
Collaborate on admissions and retention events, including open houses and parlor meetings.
Partner in all aspects of recruitment including developing and managing strategies for involving current and former parents, students, and alumni to assist in the recruitment and admissions process; cultivate and sustain effective relationships and partnerships with and support for institutions or groups in the community at large that may be helpful in attracting eligible students.
Develop, maintain, and monitor statistical reports regarding all aspects of recruitment and enrollment to enhance recruitment strategies, yield management, forecasting, and overall operational efficiency; interpret the statistics to the relevant constituencies as required.
Represent the school at various events (sometimes during evenings or Sundays)

Interested candidates should submit a resume and letter of interest to Ms. Jennifer Groen, Assistant Head of School for Strategy, at jgroen@jbha.org.

Full-Time Jewish Studies & Tanakh Teachers (2 positions)

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, an independent Jewish day school in suburban Philadelphia, seeks experienced, dynamic and caring educators to serve as Middle School and Upper School Jewish studies, Tanakh and Beit Midrash teachers and also to serve as advisors and Shaharit facilitators for the 2022-2023/5782-5783 school year.

Interested candidates must have the ability to collaborate with colleagues, develop student-centered curricula, and nurture a growth mindset for each student. Developing an inclusive environment where students feel safe to take risks in their learning is a central value of the Barrack academic program. The school takes its pluralistic mission seriously and supports efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) both among students and in the adult school culture. Barrack teachers typically enjoy professional growth and learning through team meetings, professional development opportunities and collaboration with colleagues. Candidates should come with enthusiasm about teaching middle and upper school students and teach with energy and creativity. Successful candidates receive ongoing mentoring.

Qualifications include:

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies with strong teaching or working experience with middle school and upper school students
Minimum, intermediate Hebrew skills (reading, speaking, listening)
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills with experience in effective communication with parents, students, teachers and staff
A collaborative spirit and an ability to function as a member of a team with administrators, teachers, students, and parents
A positive and strong work ethic
Ability to differentiate instruction for students within a heterogeneous classroom setting
Ability to meet due dates throughout the school year
Interest in developing project-based Jewish studies and Tanakh curricula
Proficiency in the use of classroom technology, including but not limited to: Google Suite, learning management systems, email management and classroom hardware

Teaching responsibilities:

The school seeks two teachers who, between them, will teach to their strengths in the following courses:

6th Grade: The formation of the Jewish people in biblical and ancient Israel, introduction to rabbinic thinking
7th Grade Jewish Studies: Mitzvot bein adam le-havero and the medieval Jewish context
7th Grade Tanakh: Understanding the use of literary techniques in the Tanakh through leadership narratives in Judges, the Books of Samuel and the Books of Kings
8th Grade: Introduction to Talmud, The rise of Jewish nationalism and the founding of the State of Israel, Comparative Religion (Christianity, Islam)
9th Grade Beit Midrash: Introduction to pluralism and civil discourse; Introduction to Talmud study
10th Grade Jewish Studies: Moral and Ethical Foundations of Jewish thought; Medical ethics, Business ethics, moral dilemmas in contemporary Israel

Additional responsibilities may include:

Leading a Shaharit group Monday-Thursday mornings
Serving as a point person for a club or other extracurricular activity
Serving as an advisor with a small advisory group of Middle or Upper School students

Application process:

Interested candidates should contact Rabbi Judd Kruger Levingston, Ph.D., Director of Jewish Studies (telephone 610.922.2338 or email: jlevingston@jbha.org or jewishstudies@jbha.org with preliminary questions or with the following materials:

Current resumé
Copies of academic transcripts (can come separately from resumé and letter of interest)
One writing sample that can include any of the following: curricular materials, an academic or personal essay, two sample student comments for different kinds of students
A personal letter of application that explains the following:
- What you enjoy - and love - about working with middle or high school students
- What appeals to you about the possibility of working at Barrack
- What kinds of approaches you like to take in your teaching

The application process includes a preliminary interview with the department head and a day that includes teaching a model lesson and interviews with students, colleagues in the department, and members of the administrative team. Salaries are based on a combination of academic attainment and professional experience. This ten-month position features a salary range of $45-$62K/year with additional benefits.

The Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy community does not discriminate on the basis of race or gender identity and it is guided by its four Derech Eretz values:

Honor/Kavod Moral Courage/Ometz Lev Kindness/Hesed Community/Kehilah

Full-Time Middle School Core Teacher (Language Arts & History)

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, an independent Jewish day school in suburban Philadelphia, seeks an experienced, dynamic and caring educator to serve as a full-time Middle School Core (language arts and social studies) teacher and advisor beginning September, 2022. This candidate is capable of teaching an integrated middle school social studies and language arts course. Interested candidates must have the ability to collaborate with colleagues, develop student-centered curriculum, and foster a growth mindset for each of their students. Developing an inclusive environment where students feel safe to take risks in their learning is a central value for the Barrack academic program. In addition, the candidate should seek professional growth and learning through team meetings, professional development opportunities and collaboration with Barrack educators. The ideal candidate enjoys middle school students and teaches with energy and enthusiasm.Students and faculty are guided by the four values in our school’s Derech Eretz Honor Code: Honor/Kavod, Moral Courage/Ometz Lev, Kindness/Hesed, and Community/Kehila.

Qualifications include:

A bachelor’s degree with a strong background in educating middle school students grades six through eight. Master’s degree candidates are preferred along with secondary education certification.
Interest in the development of Core curriculum based in history and literature though a constructivist approach.
Ability to differentiate Core instruction for students within a heterogeneous classroom setting
Experience with reading and writing instructional techniques
A strong understanding of appropriate teaching methods for meeting the needs of diverse learners
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills, with experience in effective communication with parents, students, teachers and staff
Ability to function as a member of a team with administrators, teachers, students, and parents
A positive and strong work ethic
Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner
Proficiency in the use of classroom technology, including but not limited to: Google Suite, learning management systems, and email management.

Salary is dependent on the highest degree obtained and the number of years of teaching experience. For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to Christine Farrell, Core Department Chair (cfarrell@jbha.org).

Girls Varsity Soccer Assistant Coach

The Athletics Department is seeking a passionate and driven individual to assist the varsity girls’ soccer program for the 2022 season. The successful candidate will have a strong background in playing and coaching soccer, and possess a passion and commitment to player development while demonstrating strong character, professionalism and the ability to assist in creating a positive culture as it pertains to soccer.

Qualifications:

Prior coaching experience required
Positive role model, leader, and teacher of soccer
Knowledge of soccer skill
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Proven ability to exemplify the highest standard of leadership, sportsmanship, and respect

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assist and support Head Soccer Coach during practices and games
Attend all practices and games
Coach student-athletes in the sport of soccer
Travel to and from off-site locations (practice or contests) with student-athletes on the bus
Build meaningful relationships with players as it pertains to soccer
Teach the game of soccer including individual skills and team strategies
Represent the school in a manner that exhibits and promotes Barrack’s mission and values
Support of overall athletic program and student-athletes
Attend sports awards assembly

This is a stipend position. Please send cover letters and resumes to Johnny Bistline, Director of Athletics (jbistline@jbha.org).

Middle School Girls Soccer Coach

The Athletics Department is seeking a coach to lead the middle school girls’ soccer program for the 2022 season.

The middle school soccer season runs from late August through the last week of October. Practices and games are held three days per week, Monday through Thursday; practice is held from 3:45pm-5:30pm, and games will be played after school at 3:45pm.

Qualifications:

Prior coaching experience required
Positive role model, leader, and teacher of soccer
Knowledge of soccer skill
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Proven ability to exemplify the highest standard of leadership, sportsmanship, and respect

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Attend and oversee all practices and games
Develop, coordinate, and conduct all practices
Travel to and from off-site locations (practice or contests) with student-athletes on the bus
Build meaningful relationships with players as it pertains to soccer
Coach and teach the game of soccer including individual skills and team strategies
Represent the school in a manner that exhibits and promotes Barrack’s mission and values
Support of overall athletic program and student-athletes
Attend sports awards assembly

This is a stipend position. Please send cover letters and resumes to Johnny Bistline, Director of Athletics (jbistline@jbha.org).

Student Life and Activities Coordinator

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school for students in grades 6-12. Located in Bryn Mawr, PA (metropolitan Philadelphia), Barrack is the premier Jewish day school in the Delaware Valley, attracting students from Philadelphia and its suburbs, Allentown, southern New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. The school integrates a comprehensive and rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the teaching of essential Jewish and American values and texts. Guided by our four Derech Eretz values of Honor, Moral Courage, Kindness, and Community, Barrack values diversity, celebrates the richness of Judaism's language, culture, and history, and is strongly connected to Israel. Barrack prepares future leaders of the American, Jewish, and global communities who work for a better world through acts of justice and compassion.

The Student Life and Activities Coordinator plays an important role in creating a joyous atmosphere in school in which student-life programming and a focus on the overall student experience is essential to the Barrack program.

This team member will be the point person for student life activities for grades 6-12 and will work with Division Directors and other professionals and team members (including the Director of Jewish Life) to ensure a vibrant student life program at our school. The Student Life and Activities Coordinator will be involved in clubs, trips, signature events, community service opportunities, and the development of new programs that bring energy and opportunities to our students.

We are looking for an individual who loves working with middle and high school students, is passionate about helping young people find their own passions and supporting them in the process, and is excited to engage with students in grades 6-12 in a variety of settings within the school community. The Student Life and Activities Coordinator is a great role for someone who is a team-player, likes to have fun, relates well to students and works well with adults, can balance bringing exciting ideas to the conversation and focusing on the details that make a program great, is highly flexible and understanding, and who values working in a mission-driven organization that is both welcoming and fast-paced. The ability to stay focused while working on a variety of tasks and projects, and be organized, aid in success in this role.

A background in summer camp, youth group work or similar is a positive, though not a requirement, to be considered for the role. A BA is required.

Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

Oversee student life program, including clubs, social events and programs, trips by grade, assemblies
Partner and coordinate with faculty, staff, and administration for participation in student life programs
Serve as an advisor to select clubs
Work with faculty and students to assist with in-school conferences
Coordinate community service activities as per need of Division Directors
Support and work in partnership with colleagues in management and coordination of Senior community service projects
Support and work in partnership with Director of Jewish Life for Jewish-themed school wide programs and events
Plan, staff and participate in select day and/or overnight trips (this includes support of and participation in Shabbatonim — grade or division weekend experiences)
Teach 2 electives (to be determined by Division Directors taking into account the background of the individual)

Interested candidates should submit a resume and letter of interest to Ms. Rebecca Trajtenberg, incoming Upper School Director, at rtrajtenberg@jbha.org.