Careers

Director of Jewish Life

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school with 335 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/כבוד, Moral Courage/אומץ לב, Kindness/חסד and Community/קהילה, 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.

Barrack seeks a full-time, inspiring, dynamic, spirited, passionate Director of Jewish Life to oversee experiential Jewish education for grades 6-12 beginning in summer 2021.

The ideal candidate’s portfolio will include the following areas:

Jewish Life (experiential)
- Recruit, train, teach, supervise students in the Jewish Leadership Initiative (JLI), a select group of 12th grade religious and Jewish identity role models who serve as tefillah leaders, Shabbat programming chaperones, and character mentors to the entire student body
- Oversee schoolwide Kabbalat Shabbat, Rosh Hodesh, and all other Jewish holiday programming
- Oversee school-wide Shaharit including teacher-leader recruitment and student placement, elevating ritual life and spiritual life throughout the school community
- Coordinate B’nai Mitzvah initiatives
Jewish Studies (teaching and partnership)
- Teach middle and upper school students in the Jewish studies department and work in partnership with the Director of Jewish Studies and with Jewish studies colleagues on Jewish life topics and programming
- Work in partnership with Israel Program Coordinator on formal and experiential Israel education
Spiritual, Social and Emotional Learning (SSEL)
- Serve as a community builder and connector throughout the school in partnership with guidance counselors, division heads and academic leaders
- Serve as a middle school or upper school advisor to a small cohort of students
- Attend to other areas that shape and affect the spiritual and emotional lives of students
Service Learning
- Coordinate 6th-12th grade service learning, including Grade 12 spring community service capstone projects
- Coordinate Service Learning and special Hesed days (Sukkot, MLK week)

Administrative responsibilities:

Serve on calendar committee, representing Jewish life and Jewish studies
Serve on the school recruitment and retention team
Set and oversee the Jewish Life budget in cooperation with the Business Office

Reporting to the Director of Jewish Studies, the ideal candidate will be:

Outgoing, friendly, kind, energetic
Spirited and joyful, capable of inspiring and engaging young people
Curious and thoughtful
Well-organized and attentive to details, with excellent time management skills
A “people person” who works collaboratively, building a shared sense of community among teachers, staff and students
Committed to Jewish study and practice as well as Jewish pluralism

Required experience, skills, training, and competencies:

Bachelor’s degree or higher
Experience teaching
Experience leading informal, experiential Jewish education
Camp and/or youth group experience a plus
Experience as a contributing member in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Barrack faculty members have undertaken anti-bias and diversity training and the Jewish studies department is in the midst of a curricular self-study with an eye toward greater inclusion. Members of the Jewish studies department serve as Jewish role models for our diverse student body; Barrack is an equal opportunity employer. The successful candidate’s salary will be determined in consideration of experience and earned degrees: $48K-$55K depending on experience for someone with a Bachelor's degree; $55K-$65K depending on experience for someone with a Master's degree; $65K-$75K depending on experience for someone who is a rabbi or who holds an earned Ph.D. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to jewishstudies@jbha.org

Full-Time Administrative Assistant to the Head of School

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, an independent Jewish day school in suburban Philadelphia, seeks a full-time Administrative Assistant to the Head of School beginning July 1, 2021. The Administrative Assistant to the Head of School provides consistent, confidential, and professional administrative support for the Head of School in order to maintain the well-being of the school and the broader community. The Administrative Assistant to the Head of School plays an integral role in the day-to-day goings on of both the faculty and the student body. The Administrative Assistant promotes the school’s mission, making it the center of all decisions and actions, and supports an atmosphere of trust and openness among teachers, students, and parents. The ideal candidate will be the first line of communication between the Head of School, school constituents and the wider community. Students, staff 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/Kehillah.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Administrative Assistant to the Head of School will:

Organize and review daily priorities for the Head of School.
Schedule, maintain, and confirm the Head of School’s appointments and calendar activities.
Manage all arrangements for faculty/staff meetings and employee events.
Record meeting minutes where AA is asked to attend.
Review the Head of School’s mail and email, and draft responses when necessary.
Screen the Head of School’s phone calls and take messages.
Prepare the Head of School’s memoranda.
Make travel arrangements for the Head of School.
Manage expenses for the Head of School.
Provide general clerical duties and administrative support for the Head of School and for others when asked by the Head of School.
Manage all personnel documents in cooperation with the HR Director.
Open and deliver the school’s mail.
Welcome guests.
Complete occasional errands.
Assist in planning campus-wide events.
Prepare new-staff and faculty orientation for the start of the school year.
Compile information as requested, formatting reports, graphs, tables, records, and presentations.
Assume responsibility for other projects as assigned by the Head of School.
Assist the Receptionist with all phone calls, visitors and students problems, and inquiries.
Develop and maintain electronic and manual filing systems, including confidential personnel, teacher observations and other records.
Update all memberships and surveys annually for the school such as ADVIS, ASCD, DASL/NAIS Survey, DCIU, PNE, PNPE, NAIS, PAIS, PRIZMAH, and SEVIS.
Compile and prepare HOS Report for Board meetings.
Muss Program Administrator (11th grade Trimester in Israel at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel) and Administrator for 8th Grade end of year trip Israel/Domestic.
Work with the Board of Directors to schedule meetings.
Fulfill other duties as deemed necessary by the Head of School.

Common Qualification Requirements

5+ years' prior experience in education or as an administrative/executive assistant to a high-level school administrator or corporate executive.
Outstanding interpersonal skills.
Dedication to a high level of confidentiality.
Exceptionally capable in both written and oral communication.
Excellent organizational skills while still exhibiting a high degree of flexibility.
High level technological skills.
Proven success at working collaboratively and efficiently on a creative and goal-oriented team.
Able to make quick decisions, take initiative, and prioritize tasks.
Passionate about the mission and vision of the school.
Warm and personable with a good sense of humor and considerable patience.
High-energy and enthusiastic about working in an academic atmosphere.

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume to kalbero@jbha.org.

For further information about Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, please visit www.jbha.org.

Full-Time Middle School Jewish Studies & Tanakh Teacher

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, an independent Jewish day school in suburban Philadelphia, seeks a collaborative, dynamic, caring, growth-minded educator to serve as a full-time Middle School (6th-8th grades) Jewish Studies and Tanakh teacher, as an advisor to a small group of middle school students, as a Shaharit facilitator and as a positive Jewish role model. Candidates should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with extensive coursework in Jewish studies, the academic study of Tanakh and related fields. Candidates with backgrounds in experiential education, camp experience, literacy instruction and special education are especially encouraged.

Interested candidates must have the ability to collaborate with colleagues, develop student-centered curricula, and foster the intellectual and personal growth of each student. The entire faculty has undertaken anti-bias and diversity training and the Jewish studies department is in the midst of a curricular self-study with an eye toward greater inclusion. Members of the Jewish studies department serve as Jewish role models for our diverse student body; Barrack is an equal opportunity employer.

Candidates should be willing to seek professional growth and learning through team meetings, professional development opportunities and collaboration with fellow Barrack educators. The ideal candidate enjoys middle school students and teaches with energy and enthusiasm.

The successful candidate will receive ongoing mentoring in the first year of teaching at Barrack and possibly beyond. 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 to apply. Applicants should please send the following:

Current resumé/c.v.
Unofficial or official copy of college (and graduate school, if applicable) transcript
A personal letter of application that includes...
- What you enjoy - and love - about working with middle school students
- What appeals to you about the possibility of working at Barrack
- What pedagogical strategies you take in your teaching

The application process includes a preliminary interview; interviews involving students, members of the department and members of the administrative team; and teaching a model lesson.

The Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy community does not discriminate on the basis of race or gender identity; it promotes diversity, seeks to uphold principles of equity and inclusion and aspires to help all students to feel a sense of belonging that is guided by four Derech Eretz values:

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

Full-Time Middle School Science Teacher

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 Science teacher and advisor beginning September 2021. The available position will involve courses that include environmental, physical and life science topics. Interested candidates must have the ability to collaborate with colleagues, to develop a student-centered curriculum, and to 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 science program. In addition, the candidate should seek professional growth and learning through team meetings, professional development opportunities and collaboration with Barrack educators. The candidate must enjoy middle school students and teach with energy, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic.

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.
Interest in development of science curriculum in the context of real-world learning, STEAM and hands-on projects and assessments
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 differentiate science instruction for students within a heterogeneous classroom setting
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

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to Aaron Silver, Science Department Chair (asilver@jbha.org).

Part-Time Chemistry Teacher

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, an independent Jewish day school in suburban Philadelphia, seeks an experienced, dynamic and caring educator to serve as a part-time Chemistry teacher beginning September 2021. The available position will include one section each of Intensive and Grade Level Chemistry. Interested candidates must have the ability to collaborate with colleagues, to develop student-centered curricula, and to 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 science program. In addition, the candidate should seek professional growth and learning through team meetings, professional development opportunities and collaboration with Barrack educators. The candidate must enjoy working with upper school students and teach with energy, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic.

Qualifications include:

A bachelor’s degree with a strong background in educating Upper School students; Master’s degree candidates are preferred.
Interest in the development of science curriculum in the context of real-world learning, STEAM and hands-on projects and assessments
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

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to Aaron Silver, Science Department Chair (asilver@jbha.org).

Part-Time Spanish Teacher

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, an independent Jewish day school in suburban Philadelphia, seeks an experienced professional to serve as a part-time Spanish Language teacher beginning in September 2021. Students, staff 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/Kehillah.

Job requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree with a strong background in educating Middle and Upper School students. Master’s degree candidates are preferred.
Ability to teach the Spanish language to students at different levels, with particular emphasis on students at an advanced level of Spanish.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to function as a member of a team and to work as a team member, harmoniously and cooperatively, with administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
A positive, strong work ethic.
Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
Computer knowledge applicable to the position such as word-processing skills, electronic presentation skills, web navigation skills, and email management skills.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to: Angela Zonshein, Hebrew and Word Language Department Chair (azonshein@jbha.org).

Full-Time Spanish Teacher

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, an independent Jewish day school in suburban Philadelphia, seeks an experienced professional to serve as a Full-Time Spanish Language teacher beginning in September 2021. Students, staff, 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/Kehillah.

Job requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree with a strong background in educating Middle and Upper School students. Master’s degree candidates are preferred
Ability to teach the Spanish language to students at different levels, with particular emphasis on students at an advanced level of Spanish.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills
Ability to function as a member of a team and to work as a team member, harmoniously and cooperatively, with administrators, teachers, students, and parents
A positive, strong work ethic
Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner
Computer knowledge applicable to the position such as word-processing skills, electronic presentation skills, web navigation skills, and email management skills

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to Angela Zonshein, Hebrew and Word Language Department Chair - azonshein@jbha.org

Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach

The Athletics Department is seeking a Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach for the 2021-22 school year.

The basketball season runs from November through February, practices are Monday through Thursday from 3:45-5:35pm or 4:45-7:00pm, with Sunday practices scheduled before 2pm. Games will be played weekdays at 3:45pm or 5:30pm. Requirements include previous playing and coaching experience as well as a proven ability to work with young athletes. The expectations include but are not limited to the following:

strong communication to players, staff, administration and parents
teaching the game of basketball including individual skills and team strategies
evaluation of players
building meaningful relationships with players as it pertains to basketball
improved development of the middle school and upper school programs
leadership and mentoring for middle school and upper school head and assistant coaches
development of off-season (summer camps, weight training/conditioning, open gym, etc)
plans for building a positive culture for the basketball program
support of overall athletic program and student-athletes
representing the school at league functions

This is a stipend position.

Please send cover letters and resumes to Justin Cooper, Director of Athletics - jcooper@jbha.org