Careers
Administration and Faculty
- Department Chair, Jewish Studies
- Director of Jewish Life
- Drama Teacher and Director
- Music Teacher
- Hebrew Teacher
- STEM/STEAM Teacher
Department Chair, Jewish Studies
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school serving 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 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.
Please check out the academic program, extracurricular activities, and life of the school at www.jbha.org.
Position
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy seeks a student-centered, open-minded, and proven leader to become the chair of its Jewish Studies Department beginning in July 2024. The department chair is the leader of the Jewish Studies Department, responsible for the vision, oversight, and implementation of a robust and thoughtful Jewish Studies program. The chair will have the opportunity to lead a talented faculty, collaborate with a supportive team of department chairs and administrators, partner with a dedicated group of families, and join with peers to engage and inspire an outstanding student body.
Reporting to the Middle and Upper School Directors, the chair will also have a strong relationship and partnership with the Head of School in setting a vision for Jewish Studies (currently includes course offerings in Tanach, Talmud, Jewish Thought, Rabbinic Literature, Israel, etc.). In addition to the supervision and management of faculty within the department, the chair will collaborate with members of the school’s leadership team as well as academic and non-academic departments within the school community.
The chair will work closely with the Director of Jewish Life and an Israel shaliach, to ensure that outside of the classroom, Barrack has a rich Jewish life and Israel-focused program that connects and inspires students to be active members of the larger Jewish community.
Candidates who have a background in both formal and experiential education will be considered for an expanded role which includes supervision of the Director of Jewish Life.
In addition to overall leadership of the department and its programs and courses, the appropriate candidate equally enjoys working with middle and high school students and teaching and mentoring students of all levels and backgrounds.
The ideal candidate will be able to lead and inspire, vision and implement, listen and communicate effectively, guiding the Jewish Studies program of a school with a 77-year rich history into the future and inspiring today's students to become the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Responsibilities of the role include, but may not be limited to:
- Vision and oversight of the Jewish Studies program, including goal-setting, curriculum development and review, and ongoing professional development
- Lead, support, manage, and supervise Jewish Studies faculty, including hiring, placement, and evaluation of team members
- Fulfill administrative responsibilities such as determining course offerings, schedule design, course placement of students, leading and attending meetings, and management of department budget
- Partner with Senior leadership, Division Directors, and Department Chairs as a vital member of a larger school team
- Teach classes, lead and/or partner in coordination of tefila program with Jewish life staff, lead and/or partner in Jewish life programming with Jewish life staff, and be actively involved in the co-curricular life of the school
- Foster an environment that is student-centered and joyful and seeks to ensure Jewish Studies is both an engaging intellectual pursuit and a daily opportunity for inspiration
- Partner with parents and represent the school in the larger community at events such as Open Houses, parlor meetings, volunteer opportunities, and more
- Coordinate and create educational opportunities for students through outreach and partnerships in the community; serve as the liaison between the school and multiple community and education partners
- Work collaboratively with other departments in the school community to fulfill the mission of our school
- Dream, create, and build a program to best meet the needs of students in 2024 and beyond
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in Jewish educational settings along with the following qualities and qualifications:
- An advanced degree in Jewish Education, Rabbinic Ordination, Educational Administration, or a related field
- Serve as a passionate voice for Jewish day school education and the values of a klal Yisrael education and community
- Administrative and/or supervisory experience
- Classroom teaching experience or other relevant teaching experience including curriculum development
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask
- Knowledge about educational trends, including but not limited to differentiated instruction, project-based learning, multiple forms of assessment, student-engagement, and educational technology
- Outstanding ability to be an active listener in all situations
- Ability to engage, at times, in challenging conversations with parents, students and/or faculty
- Ability to develop clear and aspirational goals and the ability to share those goals to motivate all constituents
- Desire to encourage feedback from students, faculty, parents and leadership along with the ability to deliver feedback
- Commitment to being a team-player and working well with others
- Sense of humor, enjoys working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and ability to be flexible
- Has an innate love of working with students
About the Community
Greater Philadelphia is home to a diverse and involved Jewish community offering many options for engagement in Jewish life. Philadelphia boasts an ample choice of synagogues, Jewish community organizations, and an abundant availability of kosher food.
Salary and Benefits
The position comes with a competitive benefit package that includes health insurance, 403 (b) retirement plan with a high employer match, group long term disability plan, sick and personal time, and a 50% tuition remission for children who attend Barrack.
Salary is commensurate with background and experience.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and educational philosophy statement to Debra Nathans.
Director of Jewish Life
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/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, and passionate Director of Jewish Life to vision and oversee experiential Jewish education for grades 6-12 beginning in Summer 2024. This is a great role for an individual who enjoys working with middle and high school students, is creative and energetic, and is able to work on multiple projects at any given time. The Director of Jewish Life is an integral member of the larger school community, and as such, will work with all students and faculty, and in regular collaboration and partnership with the Student Life and Activities Coordinator, an Israel Shaliach, the Director of Jewish Studies, and the Upper and Middle School Directors.
Barrack is a community that brings together students of various Jewish backgrounds. The ideal candidate will be committed to the growth of every student within the Barrack community. To learn more about our community, and our programs, please visit our website.
Responsibilities of the role include, but may not be limited to, the following:
- Vision, oversee, and participate in the Jewish Life experience at Barrack
- Serve as leader (with students and faculty, dependent on program) for holiday programming, Shabbatonim, grade-level and school-wide Jewish life programs
- Coordinate and work with appropriate administrators and faculty to envision and lead tefillah program
- Organize community service/service learning and hesed programming and trips
- Teach Jewish Studies and/or elective courses, including oversight and leadership of the JLI (Jewish Leadership Initiative) program, a special course and program for a select group of 11th and 12th graders
- Work in partnership with and support work of both Israel shaliach and Student Life and Activities Coordinator (and plan/lead shared programs as appropriate)
- Serve as a mentor to students of all grades and backgrounds in inspiring them on their own Jewish journeys (including acting as a mashgiach ruchani, if one’s background qualifies a candidate for this responsibility)
- Serve as an advisor to a group of students (meets weekly)
- Provide support, as needed, to both the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator and Kashrut Educator
- Represent the school in the larger community at events such as Open Houses, parlor meetings, volunteer opportunities, and more
- Coordinate and create educational opportunities for students through outreach and partnerships in the community
- Administratively, manage the Jewish Life budget and serve on the calendar committee
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a background in experiential Jewish educational settings along with the following qualities and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher, with background in experiential Jewish Education (camp, youth group, or immersive trips), Rabbinic Ordination, or a related field
- Outgoing, friendly, kind, joyful, energetic
- Ability to inspire and engage young people in programs and conversation
- Well-organized, excellent time-management skills, and ability to handle multiple projects at one time
- A “people person” who works collaboratively while building a shared sense of community among students, faculty, and staff
- Passionate about Jewish education and the values of a klal Yisrael education and community
- Classroom teaching experience or relevant experience
- Sense of humor, enjoys working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and ability to be flexible
- Loves working with students
Salary is commensurate with background and experience.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Debra Nathans.
Drama Teacher and Director
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (Barrack) 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.
Barrack seeks an experienced, organized, passionate, and caring full-time theater educator, production director, and student advisor. Candidates should have an enthusiasm for theater arts and the role it plays in education, building an inclusive community, and inspiring students to seek their passions and develop a growth mindset.
Overview
The drama program at Barrack provides a unique and enriching opportunity for students to explore and develop their creative expression through theatrical arts. By participating in the program, students not only enhance their understanding of drama and performance but also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and self-confidence in a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of theatrical elective offerings as well as from three after-school productions. The program empowers students to broaden their horizons and develop a well-rounded skill set, fosters personal growth and creativity, and core academic knowledge.
Qualified candidates should be experienced in teaching acting techniques, characterization, improvisation, theater history, stagecraft, collaboration, and adaptability through multi-sensory techniques. The ideal candidate also has experience in directing, organizing, and overseeing school drama productions.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Design and implement a variety of electives each trimester (to be determined with Middle School and Upper School Directors).
- Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes respect, collaboration, and a passion for drama.
- Provide effective and interactive drama instruction to students, adapting teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Oversee all school productions, directing upper school and middle school musicals. Ability to music direct is a plus. Supervise upper school student directed play and mentor its student director.
- Stay updated on current trends and developments in drama education, participating in relevant professional development opportunities.
- Foster relationships with parents, colleagues, and the wider community to promote the value of drama education, potentially organizing showcases or events to highlight students' achievements in the field.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Theater Education, Music/Musical Theater, Performing Arts, or a related field.
- Strong background and expertise in drama, with a deep understanding of acting techniques, theatrical production, and drama education methodologies.
- Enthusiasm and passion for working with young performers and helping them grow artistically.
- Ability to function as a member of a team with administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
- A positive attitude and a strong work ethic, with the ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
- Kindness, patience, and a healthy sense of humor.
- The ability to implement developmentally appropriate strategies and practices for students at various levels of music ability and proficiency.
- Comfort with using technology such as word-processing, electronic presentation, web navigation, email, and learning and information management systems.
- Effective organizational skills to manage rehearsal schedules, auditions, and production timelines.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
For consideration, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to Middle School Director, Matthew Dorsch at mdorsch@jbha.org.
Music Teacher
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (Barrack) 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.
Barrack seeks an experienced, organized, passionate, and caring part-time music educator and student advisor. Candidates should have enthusiasm for music and the role it plays in education, building an inclusive community, and inspiring students to seek their passions and develop a growth mindset.
Overview
The music program at Barrack provides a unique and enriching opportunity for students to explore and develop their creative expression through music. By participating in the program, students not only enhance their understanding of music but also develop essential life skills such as teamwork and emotional expression in a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of music elective offerings. The program empowers students to broaden their horizons and develop a well-rounded skill set, fosters personal growth and creativity, and core academic knowledge.
Qualified candidates should be experienced in teaching composition, music theory, music history and appreciation, music production, performance skills, and collaboration through multi-sensory techniques. The ideal candidate also has experience in developing co-curricular music opportunities including vocal and instrumental ensembles. Knowledge of Jewish and Israeli music is welcomed, but not required.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Design and teach various music electives each trimester in partnership with division directors.
- Oversee co-curricular music opportunities such as vocal and instrumental ensembles.
- Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes respect, collaboration, and a passion for music.
- Provide effective and interactive music instruction to students, adapting teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Stay informed about current trends, methodologies, and technologies in music education.
- Foster relationships with parents, colleagues, and the wider community to promote the value of music education, potentially organizing showcases or events to highlight students' achievements in the field.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in music education, music, or a related field.
- Strong background and expertise in music and music educational methodologies.
- Mastery of a specific musical instrument, such as piano, guitar, drums, etc.
- Enthusiasm and passion for working with young performers and helping them grow artistically.
- Ability to function as a member of a team with administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
- A positive attitude, strong work ethic, with the ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
- Kindness, patience, and a healthy sense of humor.
- The ability to implement developmentally appropriate strategies and practices for students at various levels of music ability and proficiency.
- Comfort with using technology such as word processing, electronic presentation, web navigation, email, and learning and information management systems.
- Effective organizational skills to manage rehearsal schedules, auditions, and production timelines.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
For consideration, please submit a resume, cover letter and three references to Middle School Director Matthew Dorsch at mdorsch@jbha.org.
Hebrew Teacher
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, New Jersey, and 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.
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and caring educator to serve as a full-time Middle School and High School Hebrew teacher and advisor beginning September, 2024. Interested candidates must have the ability to collaborate with colleagues, develop student-centered curriculum, and foster a growth mindset for each of their students. The successful candidate will develop an inclusive environment where students feel safe to take risks in their learning. In addition, the candidate should seek professional growth through team meetings, professional development opportunities, and collaboration with Barrack educators. The successful candidate has a strong work ethic and enjoys teaching middle school and high school students with energy and enthusiasm.
Desired skills, experience, and education:
- Bachelor’s degree with a strong background in educating Middle School and Upper School students
- Completion of Bishvil- Haivrit (NETA) training or a willingness to complete the training this summer
- Ability to teach Hebrew language to students at different levels
- 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 Google workspace, electronic presentation skills, web navigation skills, and email management skills
- Authorization to work lawfully in the United States (Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy does not offer sponsorship. If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.)
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 Angela Zonshein, Hebrew Department Chair, at azonshein@jbha.org.
STEM/STEAM Teacher
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.
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy seeks an experienced, dynamic and caring educator to serve as a full-time instructor for our STEAM Institute and electives. The ideal candidate will be familiar with STEM/STEAM education and interested in facilitating project-based learning in middle and upper school curriculum. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and familiar with manufacturing processes that are utilized in a fabrication lab environment.
Interested candidates must have the ability to collaborate with colleagues, develop student-centered curriculum, and foster a growth mindset for each of their students. The candidate should seek professional growth and learning through team meetings, professional development opportunities and collaboration with Barrack educators.
Candidate enjoys middle school and high school students and teaches with energy, enthusiasm and collaboration. 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.
Qualifications include:
- A bachelor’s degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field with a background in educating Middle and High School School students
- Experience with:
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Computer programming (Scratch, Java, Arduino)
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Robotics (Lego / Vex)
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Electronics (Arduinos, Raspberry Pi)
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3D Printing/CAD design (TinkerCAD, SolidWorks, AutoDesk)
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Woodworking, soldering, power tools and the maker movement in education
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- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills, with experience in effective communication with parents, students, teachers, and staff
The STEAM Instructor will report to the STEAM Department Chair. This position requires an educational background in a STEM related field and a passion for working with students and STEM. This is an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth. The right candidate will join a vibrant STEAM department. Recent college graduates are welcome to apply.
Salary is dependent on the highest degree obtained and the number of years of teaching experience. Please send your resume to: Stanley Shmia, STEAM Department Chair, sshmia@jbha.org
Athletics
Boys Lacrosse Varsity Assistant Coach
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, a pluralistic Jewish day school located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, is seeking an energetic and motivated assistant coach for our varsity boys lacrosse program.
Qualifications:
- Prior experience coaching lacrosse, or playing competitive lacrosse
- Ability to motivate and teach student-athletes in a positive educational environment
- Demonstrated effective coaching skills
- Knowledge of lacrosse skill development
Responsibilities:
- Effectively communicate with players, parents and staff
- Teach the game of lacrosse at both the individual and team levels
- Establish a strong and positive team culture that values leadership, responsibility, and respect, and aligns with JBHA’s core values
- Build meaningful relationships with players and families as it pertains to lacrosse
- Drive student-athletes to practices and games in team van if needed
- Support the athletic program and student-athletes
Schedule:
- Our team competes in the Friends School League (FSL)
- All Fridays and Saturdays are off. No practices or games April 20 through May 1
- February 26-May 16 (Monday-Thursday with limited Sunday practices)
This is a stipend position
All interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and references to:
Bob Dignazio, Director of Athletics
bdignazio@jbha.org